Bachelor of Music

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. 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. At Ara you’ll learn from a great team of tutors who are each also professional, working musicians. They perform, write and record across the country, from the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra to Salmonella Dub and everything in between.

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