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Contents

Subject Overview

The School of Music’s vibrant Composition programme offers a unique and holistic overview of the skills required to create music in today's world, by including the study of both instrumental and vocal composition, and sonic arts (studio-based composition and music technology). Technique in writing for solo instrument, ensemble, voice, choir and orchestra is studied, along with modules such as composing for film and video gaming, composition for acoustic instruments with live electronics, and multi-speaker acousmatic works.

We understand that decisions about where to study music are often based on the profile and reputation of academics.

You are invited to contact individual teachers directly with any queries you may have.

Knowledge and Skills

You will progress through a series of core composition courses that focus on the development of technique and creativity in the areas of instrumental and vocal composition, as well as sound-based and electronic composition. Additionally, you will take courses in instrumentation and electronic music studies. You will be able to take a more specialised interest in one of these areas.

All School of Music students have access to auxiliary performance studies. You will also study other topics of interest to you, including music education, pedagogy, music technology, conducting, music studies, musicians’ health and various industry-related topics.

The core courses of the BMus degree include music theory and other music studies subjects. You will also take a Waipapa Taumata Rau course and a General Education course.

Potential Careers

Besides working as composers or arrangers, graduates will contribute to society as writers or teachers. Many will be working in parallel industries, such as sound engineering, video game creation or virtual reality projects.

Schedule

Plan Schedules

Complete 255 points comprising:

  • 90 points for all Core Courses, and
  • 45 points for all Classical Theory and Musicianship, and
  • 90 points for all Studio, and
  • 30 points from Electives

Classical Theory and Musicianship

Complete 45 points for ALL of the following: