Build upon the New Zealand Certificate in Music learning additional skills in

• composing for commercial and personal projects
• managing, coordinating and performing at gigs and events
• sound engineering for live and studio music productions
• promoting own work through a mix of traditional and online marketing strategies

This diagram [PDF, 537 KB] shows study pathways between the New Zealand Certificate in Music (Level 4), and the New Zealand Diploma Music (Level 5). 

State of the art facilities

You will have the opportunity to organise and perform with fellow students in our Johnny Cash performance theatre. 

Music students have exclusive use of our recording studios.

Study alongside other creative industries students from Arts, Media, Interior Design and Creative Writing, in our purpose-built Creative Industries building on Nile Street.

What will I learn?

Sound Production

Four courses are designed to prepare you for live and studio sound production.

Build upon MUS401 Sound Production Fundamentals and MUS402 Live and Studio Sound Production Techniques from the first year Certificate programme;

• In MUS501 Sound Engineering and Production for Contemporary Musicians you will advance your knowledge of audio equipment, methods and techniques and develop practical skills for recorded and live music production.
• In MUS502 Advanced Live and Studio Sound Production you will use audio equipment, music software, methods and techniques effectively in recorded and live sound production.

Music Studies

Four courses are designed to enable you to learn about music, to write and arrange music and to develop musicianship.

Build upon MUS403 Exploring Music Through Song Writing and MUS404 Music Literacy for Contemporary Musicians from the first year Certificate programme;

• In MUS503 Composing and Arranging for Contemporary Musicians you will explore different ways of communicating musical ideas and how to use aural, keyboard and song writing skills and musical knowledge effectively for contemporary music practice.
• In MUS504 Composition and Instrumentation for Contemporary Musicians you will utilise music skills and knowledge to communicate musical ideas effectively in contemporary music practice.

Music Performance

Four courses are designed to enable you to build your technical skills, develop attributes for contemporary music performance, increase your knowledge of cultural and industry contexts, and prepare for your own professional practice as a contemporary musician.

Build upon MUS405 Contemporary Music Performance Contexts and MUS406 Contemporary Music Performance and Industry Practices from the first year Certificate programme;

• In MUS505 Industry Skills and Professional Performance for Contemporary Musicians, you will develop your music performance skills and knowledge, increase your understanding of contemporary music contexts and styles, and explore aspects of professional music industry practice.
• In MUS506 Professional Contemporary Music Practice and Performance you will extend your music performance skills and use a range of professional practices associated with a career in the music industry.