Music
Why study Music?
If music is your passion, then Waikato has a programme of study to suit. We teach Western Classical Music – from Baroque to contemporary, through performance, composition and musical scholarship. We also offer Music Technology from undergraduate to doctoral level.
Our staff are highly qualified professionals, active nationally and internationally as composers, performers and musicologists. Music is their passion too, and our common aim is to help you develop the technique and understanding you'll need to reach your full musical potential.
Waikato's Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts will be your stage throughout your studies. Situated on the Hamilton campus, the academy is an award-winning performing arts venue.
Career Opportunities
- Advertiser
- Broadcaster
- Composer
- Digital Media Producer
- Film Music Composer or Producer
- Performer
- Recording Artist
Hamilton
Our Music Staff
Practical experience
You will receive lessons and be able to perform, and have your works performed, in the Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts, through events such as the annual opera production, our contemporary music ensemble – Okta, the Lilburn Trust Student Composition Awards, weekly lunchtime recitals and performance hours.
Our Music programme has excellent facilities available for you to rehearse and compose, the electroacoustic music studios are of an international standard. A long-standing feature of the Music programme is our commitment to integrate the latest technological developments throughout the programme as appropriate.
Subject regulations
Music papers
In 2023, most 100 and 200-level BMus papers are also offered in Tauranga.
Music in the Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Arts
Music is available in streams within the Bachelor of Music (BMus) and as a major within the Bachelor of Arts (BA). It can also be taken as a second major or a supporting subject within other undergraduate degrees, subject to faculty approval.
If you wish to undertake performance papers as part of your Music major or pursue a specialist Music qualification, you should enrol in the Bachelor of Music (BMus). Within the BMus, a Soloist specialisation is available.
Performance Participation
All students majoring in Music (BMus or BA) must participate in group performances, either by singing in the University Chamber Choir or playing in the University Orchestra. This participation may count towards:
- MUSIC227 – Music Ensemble 1
- MUSIC327 – Performance Ensemble 2
For more information about subject requirements, please refer to the Subject Regulations below for the most up-to-date information.
Postgraduate Study in Music
Advance your musical expertise with postgraduate study at honours, master's, and doctoral levels. Postgraduate study options in Music include the Bachelor of Music (Honours), Master of Music, and Master of Arts in Music, designed for students wishing to further develop their musical skills in areas such as performance and composition, or to pursue research in music history, theory, or cultural studies.
Auditions for Music Performance Programmes
Auditions are required for entry into our BMus, BMus (Hons), and MMus Performance programmes. For audition requirements and submission details, please visit our Music Auditions page.
Scholarships and prizes
Visit our Scholarship Finder for information about possible scholarships