Undergraduate study in Creative Practice: Jazz

What can you study in the Creative Practice: Jazz specialisation?

You will develop your instrumental technique and improvisational skills through in-depth study of scales, rhythm, harmony and relevant music analysis. In your second year and beyond, you will continue to develop your performance practice through stylistic, interpretive and literary methods.

Working in large and small ensembles refines your musical literacy within the context of performance. With repertoire anywhere from the 1920s to contemporary jazz, you will develop your musicianship style, improvisation, composition, arrangement and performance. Advanced studies of theory, arranging and composition allow for a deeper understanding of the mechanisms of music making and will help to fuel your creativity.

All School of Music students have access to auxiliary performance studies. 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 to acquire a broader range of skills and understanding, and be exposed to cross-disciplinary research.

General Education

Entry requirements for Creative Practice: Jazz

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

Selection will be based on the combined strength of your academic achievement, audition and statement of musical background. 

Audition

Your audition will be live. We'll contact you to schedule a time for this once you have completed your Application for Admission*.

  • Early bird in-person 2021 audition dates: Saturday July 31 and Sunday August 1, 9.30-4.30pm, Kenneth Myers Centre Drum Room 820-306, University of Auckland City Campus.
  • Secondary in-person 2021 audition date: Saturday October 16 and Sunday October 17, 9.30-4.30pm, Kenneth Myers Centre Drum Room 820-306, University of Auckland City Campus.
  • Final in-person 2021 audition date: Saturday December 11, 9.30-4.30pm, Kenneth Myers Centre Drum Room 820-306, University of Auckland City Campus.

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

Statement of musical background

Your statement of musical background should list all relevant musical training and performing experience (professional and amateur), including involvement in community and extracurricular music activities. Include details of any musical prizes/awards you have received. You also need to provide a referee contact email address as part of your statement of musical background. Your referee should be your current instrument/music teacher who can comment on your musical work and your suitability for study.

Conjoints

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

Structuring your undergraduate programme

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: Jazz degree requirements:

* 60 points from: MUS 104, 143, 243, 343

* 45 points from: MUS 174, 274, 275

* 90 points from: MUS 170, 171, 270, 271, 370, 371

* 45 points from: MUS 197, 297, 397

* 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.

Courses

Discover the courses available within the Bachelor of Music, including those for Creative Practice: Jazz.

Browse our music courses

Help and advice

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

Undergraduate programmes

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