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 a Waipapa Taumata Rau course and a General Education course.
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.
Auditions
- First you must complete your Application for Admission.
- Once you have completed your Application for Admission, our team will then get in touch with you to book you in for an in-person audition slot.
Dates for in-person auditions:
Audition 1
- Application Deadline: Sunday 31 August 2025
- Audition: Saturday 13 September, 10am-5pm
- Provisional Audition Date (if 13 September is full): Sunday 14 September, 10am–3pm
Audition 2
- Application Deadline: Saturday 1 November 2025
- Audition: Saturday 15 November, 10am-5pm
Location: - Jazz Performance : Kenneth Myer Centre, 74 Shortland Street, Auckland CBD 1010
- Classical Performance : 6 Symonds Street, Auckland CBD 1010
If you have any queries, please contact the Student Hubs.
Online auditions:
Live in-person auditions are always preferred as they give you the best possible opportunity to showcase your musical skills and a chance to meet the jazz staff. If you live outside the Auckland region, we welcome you to submit an online audition.
- First you must complete your Application for Admission.
- Once you have completed your Application for Admission, you will be required to upload your performance videos via the SlideRoom portal. Your videos should be recent – preferably recorded within the past 12 months.
- An online interview may also be required. If so, the School of Music will contact you.
If you have any queries, please contact the Student Hubs.
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
- 1 x Waipapa Taumata Rau course
- 1 x General Education course
Bachelor of Music – Creative Practice: Jazz degree requirements:
- 60 points from: MUS 104, 143, 243, 343
- 45 points from: MUS 274, 275, 276
- 90 points from: MUS 170, 171, 270, 271, 370, 371
- 45 points from: MUS 197, 297, 397
- 60 points from: MUS 103–188, 206–277, 306–389
- 30 points from: ANTHRO 103, 106, 202, 217, 234, 301, 327, 329, 357, MĀORI 190, MUS 103–397, PACIFIC 110
- 15 points: Waipapa Taumata Rau course
- 15 points: General Education course
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.
Help and advice
For queries about how to apply, admission, and enrolment, please visit Student Hubs or contact us online.