Bachelor of Music
Performing
A course by
Ara Institute of Canterbury
A three-year degree equipping students with practical and theoretical skills to become professional musicians, with pathways in music creation, performance, or production, emphasizing collaborative, real-world industry experience.
NZ$10,086
inc GST
Enquire about international pricing
This course starts anytime
NZQA Level 7 Certification (360 Credits)
Advanced
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
NZ$10,086
inc GST
Enquire about international pricing
This course starts anytime
NZQA Level 7 Certification (360 Credits)
Advanced
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Core skills this course teaches
Develop Advanced Musical Skills
Build advanced technical and creative musical skills through practical application in chosen pathways: creation, performance, or production.
Collaboration and Industry Experience
Engage in collaborative group work, performances, and industry-relevant projects mirroring professional music environments.
What You're Signing Up For
The Bachelor of Music at Ara provides extensive practical and theoretical training for aspiring professional musicians. Structured around collaboration, the degree enables students to gain foundational skills, specialize in their chosen pathway (creation, performance, or production), and work extensively in group and project-based settings. With a focus on practical skills from the start, students participate in rehearsals, performances, and gigs. Expert tutors who are active industry professionals support learning. The third-year capstone project allows students to design an individual project or work placement. Graduates are prepared for diverse careers in the music industry and further study.
Course Content
- Principal Study - Music Performance 1, 2
- Principal Study - Music Creation 1, 2
- Principal Study - Music Production 1, 2
- Contextual Studies 1, 2, 3
- Theory 1, 2, 3
- Musicianship 1, 2
- Sound
- Jazz 1, 2
- Contemporary 1, 2
- Percussion 1, 2
- Classical / Band 1, 2
- Multimedia Music
- Choir / Kapa Haka 1, 2
- Percussion for Non-Drummers
- Lyric Writing
- Music Creation Elective
- Minor Instrument / Conducting Studies
- Large Ensemble 1, 2
- Sonic Design
- Photography Elective
- Film Studies: Storytelling, Motion and Sound
- Capstone Project
What you need to know first
Find these employment opportunities
Professional musician (performer, composer, songwriter, arranger, musical director, instrumentalist, music consultant, music contractor)Performer (solo, band/orchestra, studio session, cruise ship, theatre pit, private/corporate events)Composer for multimedia, film, advertising, TVMusic producer, broadcast composer, theatre and installation sound designer, music software developerMusic teacher, tutor/lecturer, music therapist, ethnomusicologistEvent planner, venue management, promoter, artist manager
