Program Overview

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Master of Music

The Master of Music (MMus) is an advanced, one-year programme designed for students with an Honours-level qualification in Music. You’ll work closely with expert supervisors in individual sessions and complete substantial projects in your chosen area, developing both your expertise and the professional attributes needed to succeed in the field.

Points and Duration

• The total number of points to gain this qualification: 120 points
• The expected duration of full-time study: 1 year

Locations

• The study location where the qualification is offered: Hamilton

Area of Study

• The Faculty or School under which this qualification can be studied: School of Arts

Start Dates

• The trimesters in which this qualification can be started: Trimester A (March) and Trimester B (July)

Why Study the Master of Music?

For performers:

• Prepare for a public recital from planning to performance.
• Integrate music research with performance practice.
• Develop skills to demonstrate each stage of your performance journey.

For composers:

• Create a significant body of original music.
• Develop professional-level composition skills.
• Prepare works for public performance at concerts or similar events.

This programme allows you to deepen your knowledge, refine your craft, and advance towards a professional career in music.

Degree Information

Plan Your Study

• Master of Music (MMus)
• All Master's of Music are by thesis.
• Select a tile for more information:
  • MMus (Composition)
    • MUSIC514 Composition Portfolio
  • MMus (Performance)
    • MUSIC524 Advanced Performance
  • MMus (Adv Opera)
    • MUSIC525 Advanced Opera Studies

Entry Requirements

• Following the successful completion of the BMus(Hons), you may apply to enrol for the Master of Music (MMus).
• This degree is awarded with classes of honours.
• The MMus involves one year of full-time study, or the equivalent in part-time study.
• Candidates for the MMus must have at least second-class honours (second division) in their BMus(Hons) degrees.
• The MMus is taken in Composition, Opera, or Performance.
• Students are required to take either MUSIC514 or MUSIC524.
• For the Master of Music Performance programme, a selection process applies, and applicants are required to successfully complete an audition.

Fees and Scholarships

• Estimated fees: $8,276 - $9,137 per year
• Domestic tuition fees: Approximate annual tuition fees and costs for domestic students enrolled in one year of full-time study.
• Scholarships: Visit the Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.

Links with Music Professionals and Associations

Studying for your MMus at Waikato offers numerous opportunities to connect with professional groups in the music industry, helping you grow as a musician.

Orchestral Opportunities

• New Zealand Symphony Orchestra
• Trust Waikato Symphony Orchestra
• Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra
• Opus Orchestra

Chamber and Opera Connections

• Chamber Music New Zealand
• Opera New Zealand

Local Music Groups

• Hamilton School of Instrumental Music
• Hamilton Community Centre of Music
• Waikato Museum Concert Series
• Arts Waikato
• Hamilton Civic Choir

Music Associations

• Atoll Records
• New Zealand Institute of Registered Music Teachers
• Radio New Zealand Concert
• Composers Association of New Zealand
• New Zealand Music Examinations Board

International Links

• Computer Music Journal (MIT Press, USA)
• Australasia Computer Music Association
• Electronic Music Foundation (USA)
• Sonic Arts Network (UK)
• Oxford Music on Line (Oxford Uni Press, UK)
• St Paul's Concert Series (London)
• Interlochen Arts Academy (USA)
• Australian Centre for Interactive Design (Queensland Conservatorium of Music)

Career Opportunities

By the end of your MMus, you'll be working at a professional level in your chosen field. If your passion is performance, you may choose to pursue a career as a studio musician or solo performer, in a chamber group or orchestra, or do experimental or theatrical work. You may prefer to go on to work in broadcasting or in radio, television, or recording production. Perhaps you'd like to work in film or video music production, or in multi-media creation. You could alternatively work as a musical director or producer.

You may use your MMus to work in a role as an arts administrator, communications coordinator, or in community development (for tribal authorities). You may like to work in human-computer interface development or as an educator, in the primary, secondary, or tertiary sectors. Perhaps you'd like to work as a journalist or as a librarian or information consultant and music technician.

Scholarships and Prizes

Visit the Scholarship Finder for information about possible scholarships.

Te Pae Kōkako - The Aotearoa New Zealand Opera Studio (TANZOS)

This new, immersive MMus programme provides exceptionally promising young opera singers with international-level training and experience, from both national and visiting international tutors, and industry residencies in NZ and abroad.

Postgraduate Study Options

• Master of Philosophy: 1-2 years, Hamilton, Tauranga
• Doctor of Philosophy: 3 years, Hamilton, Tauranga
• Doctor of Musical Arts: 3 years, Hamilton

Qualifications Links

• Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts
• Te Pae Kōkako The Aotearoa New Zealand Opera Studio

What Our Students Are Saying

1. While I was studying, high performance manager Greg O’Carroll was an excellent mentor who took a meaningful and holistic approach to my development.
   • Julia Booth, Master of Music, Bachelor of Music
2. The culture [at Waikato’s Music Department] is very unique and the lecturers go above and beyond for their students.
   • Liam Wooding, Doctor of Philosophy