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.
In-person study
Face-to-face learning in a physical classroom setting
Madras Street Campus, Christchurch
It will take a total of 3 years
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.
Music Industry Understanding
Gain a working knowledge of the music industry and the skills for workplace integration, event planning, and music management.
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
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Music
Performing Arts
Creative Industries
Education
Events and management
Future employment opportunities might be
Professional musician (performer, composer, songwriter, arranger, musical director, instrumentalist, music consultant, music contractor)