Stage Three courses

MUS 306 - Conducting 3

• Course prescription: Opportunities to conduct a variety of ensemble situations including instrumental, choral/vocal, keyboard and voice, large choral ensemble, recitative and aria, and instrumental ensemble. A keyboard component develops skills needed for score preparation and rehearsals.
• Semester availability: Semester Two
• Prerequisite: MUS 207
• Points: 15

MUS 310 - Composition 5

• Course prescription: Facilitation of the creative process in individual student composers. Key concepts and techniques in instrumental/vocal composition and sonic arts will be developed and refined through the completion of projects as negotiated with supervisors. Each project will incorporate relevant technical exercises together with a study of influential composers and their methods. The end-of-semester portfolio may include works for solo instrument, voice, small and large ensemble, and sonic arts genres including multichannel acousmatic music and performance-based sonic art.
• Semester availability: Semester One
• Prerequisite: MUS 211
• Points: 15

MUS 311 - Composition 6

• Course prescription: A continuation of work undertaken in MUS 310.
  Semester availability: Semester Two
• Prerequisite: MUS 310
• Points: 15

MUS 314 - Orchestration

• Course prescription: A continuation and expansion of the topics addressed in MUS 214. Studies will be broadened to include a stronger emphasis on orchestration, including technique and repertoire.
• Semester availability: Semester One
• Prerequisite: MUS 214
• Points: 15

MUS 315 - Sonic Arts

• Course prescription: An examination of compositional concepts and techniques relating to acousmatic music and performance-based sonic art. Topics will be investigated through engagement in individually negotiated creative projects supported with technical exercises and a review of relevant repertoire and literature.
• Semester availability: Semester Two
• Prerequisite: MUS 211 or 219
• Points: 15

MUS 320 - Performance 5

• Course prescription: Further performance work, involving weekly individual lessons and performance classes. (See course outline and instrumental/vocal syllabus for specific curriculum requirements).
• Semester availability: Semester One and Two
• Prerequisite: MUS 221
• Points: 15

Instrument workshops:

• W01C - Voice
• W02C - Piano
• W03C - String
• W04C - Brass
• W05C - Wind
• W00C - All other instruments

MUS 321 - Performance 6

• Course prescription: Continuation of work undertaken in MUS 320.
• Semester availability: Semester One and Two
• Prerequisite: MUS 320
• Points: 15

Instrument workshops:

• W01C - Voice
• W02C - Piano
• W03C - String
• W04C - Brass
• W05C - Wind
• W00C - All other instruments

MUS 330 - Music Production 3

• Course prescription: Instruction in the use of the School of Music's professional-level multichannel recording studios supported by practical exercises in popular music production. Topics include: vocal, guitar, and drum recording; synthesis; industry-standard production techniques; and mastering. Coursework will require coordination with performers both within and outside the class.
• Semester availability: Semester One
• Prerequisite: MUS 219 or 231
• Restriction: MUS 318
• Points: 15

MUS 331 - Music Production 4

• Course prescription: A continuation and expansion of the topics addressed in MUS 330 including collaborative projects that concentrate on the production of a popular music 'single', including the professional and legal issues associated with high-level studio production. Coursework will require coordination with performers both within and outside the class.
• Semester availability: Semester Two
• Prerequisite: MUS 318 or 330
• Restriction: MUS 319
• Points: 15

MUS 333 - Music Production Project 2

• Course prescription: An advanced music production and engineering research project, in which an investigation into professional, technological and industrial issues is conducted through practical experience in a professional setting.
• Semester availability: Semester Two
• Prerequisite: MUS 219 or 330
• Restriction: MUS 356
• Points: 15

MUS 334 - Sound Design for Film and Video Games

• Course prescription: A survey of aesthetic theory, repertoire and techniques associated with the industry practice for composing soundtracks for film and video games.
• Semester availability: Semester One
• Prerequisite: MUS 211 or 219 or 230
• Restriction: MUS 313
• Points: 15

MUS 340 - Sound, Style and Syntax

• Course prescription: A study and in-depth analysis of repertoire from the eighteenth to the twenty-first centuries.
• Semester availability: Semester One
• Prerequisite: MUS 140 and 201, or 143 and 204
• Points: 15

MUS 343 - Music in Aotearoa New Zealand

• Course prescription: A focused profile of the development of music in Aotearoa New Zealand, concentrating on the issue of cultural identity and the contexts of music composition and performance across classical genres, jazz and pop, contemporary and traditional Māori music (including taonga pūoro), and music from Asia and the Pacific region.
• Semester availability: Semester Two
• Prerequisite: MUS 243 or 30 points passed at Stage II in Transnational Cultures and Creative Practice.
• Points: 15

MUS 347 - Genre and Convention in Instrumental Music

• Course prescription: Explores the complexities of musical style, aesthetics and reception as related to one or more instrumental genres (such as the symphony, the string-quartet or piano prelude) and related conventions.
• Semester availability: Semester One
• Prerequisite: MUS 140 or 143 or 145, and 30 points from Stage II in Music
• Restriction: MUS 247
• Points: 15

MUS 348 - Music on Stage and Screen

• Course prescription: Considers the role of music in one or more of the dramatic arts – opera, musical, ballet, modern dance, film – in any given historical period. Offers opportunity to study specific repertoire in some detail, as well as to investigate music’s contribution to dramatic spectacle, characterisation, narrative and non-narrative structures.
• Semester availability: Semester Two
• Prerequisite: MUS 140 or 143 or 145, and 30 points passed at Stage II in Music.
• Restriction: MUS 242, 248
• Points: 15

MUS 356 - Special Topic: Ragas of India

• Course prescription: The course will focus on the compositional models used in vocal and instrumental music in North Indian classical music. The course has both practical and theoretical nature to cover the basic understanding of performance, composition, and improvisation of Indian classical music.
• Semester availability: Semester Two
• Prerequisite: 30 points at Stage II in Music
• Points: 15

MUS 362 - Pedagogical Approaches for the School and Studio

• Course prescription: An investigation into practical knowledge about music teaching and learning drawing from teacher experiences, pedagogical research, established music education methods, studio pedagogy and music classroom contexts. Students explore a range of music teaching scenarios and focus on specific areas of professional interest. This is a key preparatory course for postgraduate pedagogical study in studio pedagogy or school music teaching.
• Semester availability: Semester One
• Prerequisite: 30 points at Stage II in Music
• Points: 15

MUS 365 - Music Industry and Business

• Course prescription: An overview of the music industry including music production, distribution and reception, music marketing and music project management. An examination of business practices in music including developing and managing events, tours, promotion, the internet, the role of digital media, organising events and festivals and setting up successful pedagogical studios.
• Semester availability: Semester Two
• Prerequisite: 30 points at Stage II in Music
• Points: 15

MUS 370 - Jazz Performance 5

• Course prescription: The development of advanced instrumental technique and improvisational skills though in-depth study of scales, rhythm, harmony and relevant musical analysis. This course prepares students who major in Jazz Performance and includes 1:1 tuition and group based improvisation classes.
• Semester availability: Semester One
• Prerequisite: MUS 271
• Points: 15

MUS 371 - Jazz Performance 6

• Course prescription: Continuation of the work undertaken in MUS 370 along with ensemble performances. Students prepare for a 50-minute public recital of their original arrangements, compositions and improvisations.
• Semester availability: Semester Two
• Prerequisite: MUS 370
• Points: 15

MUS 375 - Jazz Composition and Arranging 2

• Course prescription: Composition and arranging in the jazz idiom exploring small ensemble and big band contexts. Scoring, voicing concepts and sectional writing that assist students in the development of a portfolio of work.
• Semester availability: Semester One
• Prerequisite: MUS 275
• Points: 15

MUS 376 - Jazz Research

• Course prescription: The preparation and presentation of essays and practical seminars on a performer or period of stylistic development related to principal instrument or major study.
• Semester availability: Semester Two
• Prerequisite: MUS 176 or 276
• Points: 15

MUS 377 - Jazz Project

• Course prescription: Participation and development of pertinent skills towards the completion of a collaborative jazz music project.
• Semester availability: Semester Two
• Prerequisite: Departmental approval
• Points: 15

MUS 380 - Creative Practice in Popular Music 5

• Course prescription: More advanced exploration and the continued development of ideas and processes in the creation and presentation of popular music through workshops, seminars and group discussion. Students will write songs, compose music, use music recording and production techniques and present aspects of their coursework in live performance.
• Semester availability: Semester One
• Prerequisite: MUS 281
• Points: 15

MUS 381 - Creative Practice in Popular Music 6

• Course prescription: Continuation of work undertaken in MUS 380.
• Semester availability: Semester Two
• Prerequisite: MUS 380
• Points: 15

MUS 382 - Popular Music Performance 3

• Course prescription: Development of advanced performance techniques through 1:1 studio lessons. Students will further develop skills in sight-reading and their knowledge of expressive and interpretative performance skills.
• Semester availability: Semester One and Two
• Prerequisite: MUS 282 or 283
• Points: 15

MUS 383 - Popular Music Recording and Production

• Course prescription: A project-based course for Popular Music majors that involves students recording and producing their own work using performance, arranging and technology skills. Students also learn how to plan and manage their own recording and production project.
• Semester availability: Semester Two
• Prerequisite: MUS 380
• Points: 15
  

MUS 396 - Popular Music Performance Repertoire 2

• Course prescription: Continuation of the work undertaken in MUS 296. Students undertake 1:1 tuition to study more advanced repertoire, and learn transcription, sight-reading and ensemble performance skills.
• Semester availability: Semester Two
• Prerequisite: MUS 296
• Points: 15 total
  

MUS 390A / B - Auxiliary Performance Study 3

• Course prescription: Tuition on an approved traditional or computer-based instrument or voice.
• Semester availability: Semester One commencement only
• Prerequisite: Entrance is by audition. Departmental approval.
• Points: 15 total (students must enrol in MUS 390A (7.5pts) and MUS 390B (7.5pts) as this is a double-semester course)
  

MUS 391A / B - Classical Ensembles 3

• Course prescription: The development of performance skills through ensemble work including chamber music, string orchestra, wind orchestra, flute choir, contemporary ensembles and other combinations.
• Semester availability: Semester One commencement only
• Programme restriction: Creative Practice: Classical, or Music Studies with department consent
• Points: 15 total (students must enrol in MUS 391A (7.5pts) and MUS 391B (7.5pts) as this is a double-semester course)
  

MUS 392A / B - Performance Skills for Instrumentalists 3

• Course prescription: The development of a range of instrumental performance skills beyond those gained in the instrumental studio including collaborative piano, repertoire studies, ensemble techniques, basic pedagogy, keyboard skills, accompanying and other applications.
• Semester availability: Semester One commencement only
• Programme restriction: Creative Practice: Classical, or Music Studies with department consent
• Points: 15 total (students must enrol in MUS 392A (7.5pts) and MUS 392B (7.5pts) as this is a double-semester course)
  

MUS 393A / B - Performance Skills for Singers 3

• Course prescription: The development of advanced vocal practices that help students develop and sustain a professional career. This course aims to give students the knowledge and practical experience necessary to develop and maintain vocal health in diverse performing contexts.
• Semester availability: Semester One commencement only
• Programme restriction: Creative Practice: Classical, or Music Studies with department consent
• Points: 15 total (students must enrol in MUS 393A (7.5pts) and MUS 393B (7.5pts) as this is a double-semester course)

MUS 397A / B - Jazz Ensembles 3

• Course prescription: The application of instrumental and improvisational techniques through performance practice. This course develops stylistic, interpretative and literary musical skills through a variety of large and small ensembles.
• Semester availability: Semester One commencement only
• Prerequisite: MUS 297
• Programme restriction: Creative Practice: Jazz, or Music Studies with department consent
• Points: 15 total (students must enrol in MUS 397A (7.5pts) and MUS 397B (7.5pts) as this is a double-semester course)