Upskill in postgraduate music education

A music education pathway for teachers and practitioners seeking part-time or distance learning study is available within the Postgraduate Diploma in Music.

A new pathway within the Postgraduate Diploma in Music has been developed by Associate Professor David Lines and Dr Millie Locke. The focus on music education will appeal to music practitioners in a range of contexts who wish to enhance their understanding of specific aspects of the field. 

Central to this development is blended learning (a combination of on-campus and online learning) which, as well as having pedagogical benefits, will suit part-time and distance students - particularly teachers and those involved in facilitating musical learning in community settings.

This pathway has a strong focus on equity, inclusiveness and engagement. The complementary workshop/online offerings recognise the diversity of music and music education practices and offer the opportunity for critical reflection on these practices. At the same time, workshops offer learning opportunities for growth in practical musicianship, practice in contemporary pedagogical approaches and an awareness and appreciation of a wide range of music-making practices. Online modules develop academic literacy in music education through engagement with contemporary theory and research.

Course delivery

Two blended delivery courses are available in 2020 and further online courses are in development, to enable completion of the PGDipMus (for those unable to attend on-campus courses) over four years.

Semester One 2020

MUS 762 Approaches to Music Education I

This course enables students to develop an advanced critical, theoretical and practical understanding of the Orff approach in the context of a six-day workshop and complementary online modules.

Semester Two 2020

MUS 767 Music education research and practice

A review of music education and pedagogy research along with practical workshop applications and techniques for music teaching and learning for schools and studio work. Topics may include general singing development and voice, creative approaches, teaching and learning contemporary music and Maori and Pacific perspectives to music learning.

Contact enquiries

If you would like to know more about this pathway, or how to submit an application, please contact Associate Professor David Lines or Dr Millie Locke.