Undergraduate study in Creative Practice: Classical

Besides acquiring essential musical skills and pursuing focused studies in your instrument/voice, you will broaden your knowledge of the historical and cultural underpinnings of all aspects of music and its performance. You can participte with a wide range of ensembles; pursue studies in historical performance and contemporary music; and participate in masterclasses, workshops and performances. These experiences create a stimulating learning environment that prepares you for your future as a working musician.

Your main instrumental or vocal learning can be supported by auxiliary performance studies in baroque instruments or a second instrument. You will also study other topics of interest to you, including music education, pedagogy, music technology, conducting, music studies, musicians’ health and various industry-related topics.

The core courses of the BMus degree include music theory and other music studies subjects. You will also take two General Education courses offered by other faculties from across the University.

General Education

We understand that decisions about where to study music are often based upon availability of specific teachers. See our performance teachers’ biographies by discipline.

You are invited to contact individual teachers directly with any queries you may have. If your desired instrument is not listed please contact us.

You must meet the entry requirements for a Bachelor of Music, detailed on the BMus programme page.

Once you have completed your Application for Admission, you need to submit your portfolio via the online portal system Slideroom. As part of this process you will be asked how you are going to audition: either by uploading video performances or an in-person audition.

Selection will be based on the combined strength of your academic achievement and audition portfolio. The audition portfolio consists of a statement of musical background, a referee contact email address and your video performance audition, or in-person live audition. Your referee should be your current instrumental/music teacher who can comment on your musical work and your suitability for study. 

In-person audition:

If you choose to attend an in-person audition, then you will need to do so on one of the following dates. We'll contact you about registering your audition time:*

Early bird in-person 2020 audition dates:

• Auckland: 12 and 13 September
• Wellington: 26 September
• Christchurch: 12 September
• Dunedin: 13 September
  
  

Secondary in-person audition date: 12 December in Auckland.

* If you live outside of Auckland, then please email us for information about how you can audition: info-creative@auckland.ac.nz

Video audition:

Follow the guidelines below for your two video performances:

• Upload your performances as two separate files or Youtube/Vimeo videos.

• The two pieces or movements must be of contrasting style.

• Voice applicants must submit one piece in Italian and one in English.

If you choose in SlideRoom to apply for auxiliary studies, then your two additional video performances must adhere to the following:

•  Upload your performances as two separate files or Youtube/Vimeo videos.

• The two pieces or movements should be of contrasting style if possible.

• If applying for voice, then ideally one piece in Italian and one in English.

All video performances submitted:

• Must be recent work (from the last 12 months).

• Must be recorded in one take and be unedited and/or unmodified.

• If uploading recordings, then each file must be no greater than 500MB and in one of the following formats: .mov (QuickTime), .wmv (Windows Media Player), .mp4, or .m4v files.
• If submitting Youtube/Vimeo links, then these must be set to public and you must not delete these files.

• You must review your recordings before uploading them to ensure that they are of good quality, clearly audible and represent your best work to date. You can then check these again once you have uploaded them in the SlideRoom media review section.

• Works from recent recitals, examinations and live performances can also be used as well, so long as you are clearly the primary instrumentalist.

• Choose pieces that demonstrate your proficiency and overall musicianship and highlight what you feel best represents your present standard of playing.

• Pieces must be performed on non-electronic instruments.

• A maximum total of 20 minutes will be reviewed and assessed.

You may choose to combine your BMus with another discipline. Find out more about our conjoint degree options:

• Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Music
• Bachelor of Commerce/Bachelor of Music
• Bachelor of Engineering (Honours)/Bachelor of Music
• Bachelor of Global Studies/Bachelor of Music
  
• Bachelor of Laws/Bachelor of Music
• Bachelor of Music/Bachelor of Science
• Bachelor of Advanced Science (Honours)/Bachelor of Music
• Bachelor of Design/Bachelor of Music
  

Comprises:

• 4 x core courses
• 3 x specialised theory and musicianship courses
• 9 x creative practice courses
• 6 x elective courses
• 2 x General Education courses

2019 Bachelor of Music - Creative Practice: Classical degree requirements:

* 60 points: MUS 104, 143, 243, 343
* 45 points: MUS 203, 204, 205
* 105 points: MUS 120, 121, 220, 221, 224, 320, 321
* 30 points from MUS 191-194, 291-294, 391-394
* 60 points from MUS 103-188, 206-288, 306-389
* 30 points from: ANTHRO 103, 106, 202, 217, 234, 301, 327, 329, 357, MAORI 190, MUS 103-397, PACIFIC 110
* 30 points of General Education 

You can also find degree structure information in the University Calendar. 

Explore the courses available within the Bachelor of Music.

You are welcome to email or visit our Student Centre with any subject-related queries.

Creative Arts and Industries Student Centre
Level 2, Building 421
(Architecture and Planning Building)
26 Symonds St
Auckland

Open Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm
Email: info-creative@auckland.ac.nz