Music
Qualifications
Arts: BA, CertArts, BA(Hons), MA (by thesis only), PhD, GradDipArts
Music: MusB, MusB(Hons), MMus, PhD
Introduction
Today, more than ever, we are surrounded by sound and music. Through television, radio, the computer, cinema, recordings and concerts, they are omnipresent. On a personal basis, in social situations and at the national level, music permeates our lives. The need for a musically discerning and intelligent public is as important as the need for first class musicians.
Music can be composed, it can be performed, it can be listened to and recorded. Its place in society and education as well as in the cultures of the world can be studied. Above all, it should be enjoyed.
With these ideas in mind, the School of Music offers a range of teachings – both practical and academic in nature – together with a large number of concerts and recitals, seminars and workshops, master classes and demonstrations. Within this environment, degree courses reflect the range of content and approach that present-day study of music entails.
School of Music staff are nationally and internationally respected composers, researchers, recording artists, musicologists and performers. Performance tutors and lecturers are leading practitioners in their fields.
Bachelor of Music or Bachelor of Arts?
Many students are undecided which degree to opt for; some know that they certainly wish to study Music, but are not sure whether they would prefer the more professional context of the Bachelor of Music (MusB) or the wider background of study offered by the Bachelor of Arts (BA).
The MusB is a specialist degree for those who want to concentrate all, or nearly all, of their studies on Music and acquire good practical training in Music, or for those who wish to study Composition or Performance to an advanced level.
The BA in Music gives you more flexibility to study non-Music subjects, and does not require as much practical work.
If you are undecided you can do a first year which includes Music courses common to both degrees and leave your decision as to which degree to take until the end of your first year. A double degree, eg, BA/MusB, is also an option.
Recommended background
NCEA Level 2 or 3 music (or equivalent) is strongly recommended for students planning a BA in Music or MusB degree. Students specialising in Music should aim to have, at the time of entry to the University, a competent level of music reading, a knowledge of rudiments, an understanding of harmony, and a familiarity with music from a range of historical periods. Aural training and keyboard skills are very desirable.
If you intend to study Composition for the MusB, you will need to have good musical literacy and notational skills. Some previous experience in the writing and performance of your own music is recommended.
Entry to Performance courses for the MusB (piano, organ, orchestral instrument, recorder, brass band or voice) is limited. Places are awarded on merit, based on a School of Music audition. Applications for places in the 2012 Performance courses close on 15 September 2011. Auditions will be held in late 2011.
If your technical background in music is not strong, or non-existent, there are courses in music history and other areas that do not require notation skills and elementary music theory which may be studied as part of the BA degree.
Pettman Junior Academy of Music
This Academy for pre-university music performers provides an enriched music education experience for talented young performers who plan to follow a career in music. Entrance is by audition. For further details, please see the School of Music.
100-level courses
We group our music courses into the following broad areas: music theory and musicianship; music education; music history, culture and research; composition; digital music, sonic art and recording technology; performance; and jazz.
Courses in music theory and musicianship; music education; and music history, culture and research are available for the BA and the MusB degrees. Courses in composition; digital music, sonic art and recording technology; performance; and jazz are only available for the MusB.
MusB and BA courses
MUSI 113, 131, 171 and 172 are required courses for both the MusB and the BA in Music. For the MusB both MUSI 112 and MUSI 120 are also compulsory. For the BA in Music you must also study either MUSI 112 or MUSI 120. Other courses available for the MusB and BA are MUSI 109, 125, 126 and 128.
MusB courses
Composition and performance are catered for in MUSI 127, 141 and 140. MUSI 182 is taught at the CPIT School of Jazz and provides essential skills in becoming a professional musician. It is possible to include the performance ensemble courses (MUSI 190–198) in the MusB or other degrees. Not all of these may be offered in any one year.
BA courses
BA courses are MUSI 103 and 107.
200-level and beyond
The second and third years offer students the opportunity to specialise in areas of particular interest.
Further study
Following a MusB, the MusB(Hons) allows for more advanced specialisation, usually in one of five main areas: composition, music education, musicology, ethnomusicology or performance. Subsequently, an MMus is available in composition or performance, or an MA is available in musicology, ethnomusicology or music education. A Doctor of Musical Arts* (DMA) is available in either music performance or composition.
Following a BA in Music you can continue on to the BA(Hons), MA and PhD.
*Subject to Universities New Zealand CUAP approval due August 2011.
Career opportunities
Music graduates move on to a variety of vocations. Some pursue careers in music performance and others in education. Even graduates who have not majored in Music have found that the inclusion of some Music in their degrees has been useful for their future employment, especially in education.
Graduates of Music are found in a wide range of occupations including positions in orchestras, opera houses, conservatories, universities, schools and other education contexts. They are prominent in areas of musical leadership with community groups such as choirs and orchestras. Graduates also work in fields such as journalism, television and radio (planning as well as production), and publishing, and in technical areas including recording.
People with musical talents are in demand in the hi-tech areas of computer instruments and music technology, and are becoming increasingly in demand for various festivals and other arts organisations.
Contact
School of Music
Telephone: +64 3 364 2183
Email: susan.wallis@canterbury.ac.nz