Details
Course: BACHELOR OF MUSIC (BMus)
Duration: Three years full time study.
Courses start:
No. of students per intake: Up to 50
Entry criteria: Academic NCEA Level 3 (60 credits at Level 3 and 20 credits at Level 2 or higher) which must include 14 credits at Level 3 in each of three approved* subjects and 14 credits at Level 3 in each of three approved subjects* as well as Literacy* – 10 credits at Level 2 or above, made up of 5 credits in reading, 5 credits in writing, and Numeracy* – 10 credits at Level 1 or above (specified achievement standards, or unit standards 26623, 26626, 26627)
OR New Zealand Certificate in Study and Career Preparation (Level 4) Ara Performing Arts Pathway or equivalent.
If you have undertaken examinations other than NCEA (e.g. International Baccalaureate, Cambridge Examination), Ara will assess your qualification for academic entry equivalency.
*NZQA approved subjects: see http://www.nzqa.govt.nz/qualifications-standards/awards/university-entrance/
Emphasis: The programme focuses on the practical; even the ‘academic’ subjects are taught in a style that relates directly to the practical application of those subjects. More than half the programme content is practical in nature, a higher proportion than most music degrees in New Zealand. 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.
Qualifications gained: Bachelor of Music (BMus)
Career prospects: More than ever, 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: teaching, performance, production, sound engineering, event management, promotion, composition and arranging.
Facilities: Purpose-built three-level Music Arts building. Built in 1998 its air conditioned and sound-proofed rooms include a mixture of individual practice rooms, ensemble rooms, class teaching rooms, computer/keyboard suite, CD and resource library, a 99-seat auditorium, recording facilities, quality grand pianos and high-end backline. Students have access 6am to 11pm, seven days a week. On the edge of Christchurch’s CBD, the Music Arts building continues its role as a centre for music performance and education in the city.
Tutors: Gwyn Reynolds (Programme Leader), Cameron Pearce, Darren Pickering, Scott Taitoko, Doug Brush, Harry Harrison, Michael Story, Andrew Genge, Joe McCallum, Kate Taylor, Luke Smillie, David Cooper, Lee Borrie, Byllie-Jean Rangihuna-Billingsley, Michael Ferrar, Feleti Pesefea, Tom Rainey, Antony Pickard, Antonio Toetoe.
Prominent graduates: Nick Gaffaney, LA Mitchell, Oakley Grenell, Joe McCallum, Brett Hirst, Gerard Masters, Sam Blakelock, Emily Browning.
Cost:
Applications: Applications now open.
Contact: Gwyn Reynolds (Programme Leader)
Course: NZ CERTIFICATE IN CONTEMPORARY MUSIC PERFORMANCE (Level 4)
Duration: One year full time
Course starts:
No. of students per intake: 25
Entry criteria: 10 in NCEA Level 1 literacy credits.
Emphasis: Built mainly around the study and performance of contemporary rock and pop, this programme is designed to assist you to perform with confidence and find your place in the New Zealand music landscape. It covers music fundamentals, playing in a band, writing songs and recording, plus the study of the emergence of the contemporary music industry globally and in New Zealand. It is available both full-time and part-time.
Qualification gained: New Zealand Certificate in Contemporary Music (Level 4)
Career prospects: Many of our graduates enjoy rewarding full-time careers as self-employed musicians, working in a host of venues, schools, theatre and at corporate functions. With study pathways in preparation for the Bachelor of Music Arts.
Facilities: Purpose-built three-level Music Arts building. Built in 1998 its air conditioned and sound-proofed rooms include a mixture of individual practice rooms, ensemble rooms, class teaching rooms, computer/keyboard suite, CD and resource library, a 99-seat auditorium, recording facilities, quality grand pianos and high-end backline. Students have access 7am to 11pm, seven days a week. On the edge of Christchurch’s CBD, the Music Arts building continues its role as a centre for music performance and education in the city.
Tutors: Gwyn Reynolds (Programme Leader), Cameron Pearce, Darren Pickering, Scott Taitoko, Harry Harrison, Michael Story, Kate Taylor, Luke Smillie, David Cooper, Antonio Toetoe.
Cost:
Contact: Gwyn Reynolds (Programme Leader)
Address: Ara Music Arts, PO Box 540, Cnr Madras & High Streets, Christchurch 8140
Phone: 0800 24 24 76
Website: www.ara.ac.nz/musicarts
Contact: Gwyn Reynolds (Programme Leader)
Email: gwyn.reynolds@ara.ac.nz
