Stage Three courses

This list of courses includes those restricted to BMus specialisations and those for open enrolment to any University of Auckland undergraduate student.

Please review the 'Programme Restriction' and 'Prerequisite' sections for details on who can enrol and how you can gain access to the course.

From 2026, MUS 399A/B has replaced MUS 390A/B, 391A/B, 392A/B, 393A/B, 395, 397A/B.

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 Studio 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 Studio 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 Studio 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 and Wind

MUS 321 - Performance Studio 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 and Wind

MUS 325 - Music as History  

• Course prescription: Case studies in significant issues and developments in music history across genres, locations, and cultures. Examples will include music from the last 150 years, examined from a variety of historical and music-analytical perspectives.
• Semester availability: Semester Two
• Prerequisites: MUS 225 or MUS 243 or 30 points at Stage II in Transnational Cultures and Creative Practice 
• Restriction: MUS 343  
• Points: 15

MUS 330 - Music Production Studio 5

• 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 Studio 6

• 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: 15 points from MUS 211, 230
• Points: 15

MUS 340 - Analytical Methods

• Course prescription: Develops advanced analytical research skills, focusing on one or more specific repertoires and/or analytical techniques, such as voice-leading analysis, schemata, topics, set theory, metrical analysis or form-functional analysis. 
• Semester availability: Semester Two
• Prerequisite: MUS 205 or MUS 301
• Restriction: MUS 701     
• 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 125 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 125 or 143 or 145, and 30 points from Stage II in Music
• Points: 15

MUS 349 - Topic in World Music

• Course prescription: An intensive performance-based course that focuses on a specific regional musical tradition.
• 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 363 - Music and Community Engagement

• Course prescription: An initial study of community music ranging from semi-professional music organisations and groups through to community music activities that emphasise access, participation and inclusion. An examination of the health and community benefits of music activity including healthy ageing, early development, and youth and mental health. The role of the community musician is also considered.
• Semester availability: Semester Two
• Prerequisite: 30 points at Stage II in Music or Transnational Cultures and Creative Practice
• 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 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 - Songcraft Studio 5

• Course prescription: The continuing exploration and development of creative processes in songcraft. Students will refine their songwriting, arrangement and production techniques through advanced workshops, seminars and group projects. Emphasis will be placed on integrating advanced recording and production methods, and students will present their work in both professional-quality recordings and live performances, demonstrating a deeper understanding of musical expression and technical proficiency.
• Semester availability: Semester One
• Prerequisite: MUS 281
• Points: 15

MUS 381 - Songcraft Studio 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 399A/B - Advanced Musicking

• Course prescription: The development of advanced musical performance and collaboration skills through ensemble work and guided exploration of techniques and musical knowledge systems.
• Semester availability: Semester One commencement only
• Prerequisite: MUS 390-397
• Points: 15 total (students must enrol in MUS 399A (7.5pts) and MUS 399B (7.5pts) as this is a double-semester course)
  

Information on enrolling and changing courses is available at Change enrolment