Program Overview

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Bachelor of Music

Overview

Prepare to thrive as a professional musician. Our Bachelor of Music covers all the skills and knowledge you need to be a multi-faceted professional musician. It’s built around collaboration - you’ll learn the foundational skills and apply them in group projects and classes that directly mirror the real world of the music industry.

What Will I Study

More than half the programme content is practical in nature, a higher proportion than most music degrees in New Zealand. This includes regular structured rehearsals, in-class demonstrations and numerous performance opportunities including concerts and gigs with staff and other students. With such a focus on the practical, you’re a musician from day one at Ara.

The degree offers three pathways: Music Creation (composition), Music Performance and Music Production. This choice lets you specialise in the area you’re passionate about, while learning alongside and working with musicians from other pathways. Your third-year capstone project allows you to design your own major project (which can include a work placement if relevant) with dedicated specialist tutor support.

Academic Requirements

• University Entrance as specified by the New Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA)
• OR New Zealand Certificate in Music (Level 4)
• OR New Zealand Certificate in Performing Arts (Level 4)

Due to Covid-19 disruption, if you studied and achieved NCEA Level 3 during 2020, you only need 12 credits per Level 3 subject (i.e. total of 36 credits). Literacy and Numeracy requirements remain the same

If you have undertaken examinations other than NCEA (e.g. International Baccalaureate, Cambridge Examination), Ara will assess your qualification for academic entry equivalency.

Additional Requirements

• Attend an audition to evaluate musical skills (Music Performance pathway). The audition will include a theory test, an aural test, a performance and an interview
• Supply a portfolio of musical outputs (Music Creation / Music Production pathways) and attend an interview / theory / aural test

Alternative Requirements

Still want to study but don't meet the Academic Requirements?

If you show that you have equivalent skills for tertiary study gained through study, work and/or life experience, you may be able to gain alternative entry.

English Requirements

What if English is not my first Language?

• Please provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives
• If you are a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident, complete an Admission and Enrolment form and Ara will contact you regarding a free assessment.
• If you are not a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent resident, book an IELTS or other test through the Ara Examination Centre or in your home country.
• IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form and are valid for two years from the date of the test.

Overall IELTS 6.0 Academic

• 5.5 Listening
• 5.5 Reading
• 5.5 Writing
• 5.5 Speaking

Selection Criteria

All applicants are subject to a selection process to ensure suitability for this degree

Applicants are auditioned, which includes a theory test, an aural test, a performance and an interview

The audition panel is comprised of the programme leader and specialist tutors from the degree programme. Applicants are ranked based on their audition score.

Depending on that ranking, applicants will be offered a place in the degree (or another programme) subject to any pending entry requirements being met (NCEA results etc)

An offer of place on the degree may be conditional on the completion of a short course (e.g. summer theory school) or other recommended tuition

To ensure a balanced programme, specific numbers of each instrument are accepted each year

Those who are not initially accepted but who meet the standard are waitlisted in order of ranking (within those instruments)

Fees for 2025

• Domestic Fee: $7,850 - $8,770 per year
• International Fee: $26,000 per year
• Indicative Student Services Fee: $370.50 per year

Career Opportunities

Music is a portfolio career and this degree sets you up perfectly to excel in the ‘gig economy’. As a graduate you’ll possess a comprehensive and varied set of skills, backed up by a working knowledge of the industry and how to establish your place within it.

Possible career outcomes include:

• Professional musician
• Professional performance
• Creative industries
• Education
• Events and music management

Study Pathways

As a graduate of this programme you can continue your studies with Ara’s Master of Creative Practice or a postgraduate qualification in music from any other institute. You could also move into teaching with a postgraduate diploma in education. Music therapy or sound engineering could be other options, with further study.

Programme Details

• Type: Degree
• Code: CH4087
• Next Starts: February 2026
• May be available for Study Visa: Yes
• Credits: 360
• Level: 7
• May be eligible for Studylink: Yes
• Available Part time: Yes
• Reference: CH4087-MAIN

Core Courses

Level 5

• Principal Study - Music Performance 1 (BAMU501) - 45 credits
• Principal Study - Music Creation 1 (BAMU502) - 45 credits
• Principal Study - Music Production 1 (BAMU503) - 45 credits
• Contextual Studies 1 (BAMU510) - 15 credits
• Theory 1 (BAMU520) - 15 credits
• Musicianship 1 (BAMU530) - 15 credits
• Sound (BAMU540) - 15 credits
• Jazz 1 (BAMU551) - 15 credits
• Contemporary 1 (BAMU552) - 15 credits
• Percussion 1 (BAMU553) - 15 credits
• Classical / Band 1 (BAMU554) - 15 credits
• Multimedia Music (BAMU555) - 15 credits
• Choir / Kapa Haka 1 (BAMU560) - 15 credits
• Percussion for Non-Drummers (BAMU561) - 15 credits
• Lyric Writing (BAMU562) - 15 credits
• Music Creation (Elective) (BAMU563) - 15 credits
• Minor Instrument / Conducting Studies (BAMU564) - 15 credits
• Large Ensemble 1 (BAMU565) - 15 credits

Level 6

• Principal Study - Music Performance 2 (BAMU601) - 45 credits
• Principal Study - Music Creation 2 (BAMU602) - 45 credits
• Principal Study - Music Production 2 (BAMU603) - 45 credits
• Contextual Studies 2 (BAMU610) - 15 credits
• Theory 2 (BAMU620) - 15 credits
• Musicianship 2 (BAMU630) - 15 credits
• Music Industry Studies (BAMU640) - 15 credits
• Jazz 2 (BAMU651) - 15 credits
• Contemporary 2 (BAMU652) - 15 credits
• Percussion 2 (BAMU653) - 15 credits
• Classical / Band 2 (BAMU654) - 15 credits
• Sonic Design (BAMU655) - 15 credits
• Choir / Kapa Haka 2 (BAMU660) - 15 credits
• Large Ensemble 2 (BAMU665) - 15 credits
• Photography Elective (BDEL602) - 15 credits
• Film Studies: Storytelling, Motion and ... (BDEL613) - 15 credits

Level 7

• Capstone Project (BAMU701) - 75 credits
• Contextual Studies 3 (BAMU710) - 15 credits
• Theory 3 (BAMU720) - 15 credits

Funding Assistance

If you face unexpected financial hardship during your studies, we have several funds that you can apply for. These are designed to enable you to continue your current course of study. We also have a wide range of scholarships and awards that can provide financial assistance.