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

Build advanced technical and creative musical skills through practical application in chosen pathways: creation, performance, or production.

Engage in collaborative group work, performances, and industry-relevant projects mirroring professional music environments.

Gain a working knowledge of the music industry and the skills for workplace integration, event planning, and music management.
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.
What you need to know first

Music
Performing Arts
Creative Industries
Education
Events and management

Professional musician (performer, composer, songwriter, arranger, musical director, instrumentalist, music consultant, music contractor)
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

Build advanced technical and creative musical skills through practical application in chosen pathways: creation, performance, or production.

Engage in collaborative group work, performances, and industry-relevant projects mirroring professional music environments.

Gain a working knowledge of the music industry and the skills for workplace integration, event planning, and music management.
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.
What you need to know first

Music
Performing Arts
Creative Industries
Education
Events and management

Professional musician (performer, composer, songwriter, arranger, musical director, instrumentalist, music consultant, music contractor)
University Entrance as specified by NZQA OR New Zealand Certificate in Music (Level 4) OR New Zealand Certificate in Performing Arts (Level 4)
Audition for Music Performance pathway (theory test, aural test, performance, interview)
Portfolio of musical outputs and interview (Music Creation / Music Production pathways)
IELTS 6.0 Academic (if English is not first language) or equivalent English proficiency
Performer (solo, band/orchestra, studio session, cruise ship, theatre pit, private/corporate events)
Composer for multimedia, film, advertising, TV
Music producer, broadcast composer, theatre and installation sound designer, music software developer
Music teacher, tutor/lecturer, music therapist, ethnomusicologist
Event planner, venue management, promoter, artist manager
University Entrance as specified by NZQA OR New Zealand Certificate in Music (Level 4) OR New Zealand Certificate in Performing Arts (Level 4)
Audition for Music Performance pathway (theory test, aural test, performance, interview)
Portfolio of musical outputs and interview (Music Creation / Music Production pathways)
IELTS 6.0 Academic (if English is not first language) or equivalent English proficiency
Performer (solo, band/orchestra, studio session, cruise ship, theatre pit, private/corporate events)
Composer for multimedia, film, advertising, TV
Music producer, broadcast composer, theatre and installation sound designer, music software developer
Music teacher, tutor/lecturer, music therapist, ethnomusicologist
Event planner, venue management, promoter, artist manager