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.

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:

Saturday 9 September 2023, 9am-5pm
Sunday 10 September 2023, 10am-5pm
Saturday 2 December 2023, 9am-5pm

Location: University of Auckland City Campus.

If you have any queries, please contact the Student Hubs.

Read the audition guidelines

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, please upload your audition portfolio via the SlideRoom portal. You will be required to upload your performance videos. 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.

Learn how to upload audition videos via SlideRoom

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

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
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

If you have any questions, contact the Student Hubs.

Email: studentinfo@auckland.ac.nz