Bachelor of Music
The Bachelor of Music (BMus) is a specialised degree for music enthusiasts, offering academic, composition, or performance tracks to enhance skills in chosen areas. Ideal for those with musical talent and passion.
Why study the Bachelor of Music?
The Bachelor of Music (BMus) is a specialist degree that will suit you if you have musical skill and ambition or just a sheer love of music. Choose an Academic, Composition or Performance based programme and learn different styles and techniques that build your skill-base in the areas of music that interest you.
Combining theory with practical tuition, you’ll have access to our specialist teaching facilities, including the acclaimed Dr John Gallagher Concert Chamber in the Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts.
Career Opportunities
- Advertising Executive
- Arts Administration
- Broadcaster
- Composer
- Film Music Producer
- Journalist
- Music Blogger
- Music Retailer
- Performer
- Recording Artist
Degree information
Select a tile for more information. There are five ways you can gain admission to the University of Waikato.
- NCEA University Entrance
- Admission at entrance level
- Discretionary entrance
- University Entrance prior to 2015
- Special admission.
For full details visit Entry Requirements.
For the Bachelor of Music, you must meet UE and one of the following requirements:
- NCEA - 14 credits in Music at Level 3
- NCEA - 20 credits in Music at Level 2
- A Grade 3 Theory pass or better in the New Zealand Music Education Board or Australian Music Education Board examinations, or
- A grade 5 theory pass or better in the Trinity College, or Royal College of Music examinations, or
- A qualification considered equivalent
All other applications will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
For the Bachelor of Music Performance programme, a selection process applies, and you will be required to successfully complete an audition. These are usually held in September and October and applications are required prior to the audition date. View the audition requirements.
Estimated fees
$8,290 per year
Domestic tuition fees
Approximate annual tuition fees and costs for domestic students enrolled in one year of full-time study.
Domestic tuition costsScholarships
Visit our Scholarship finder for more information about possible scholarships.
Scholarships Finder
Relevant as of 30 October 2024.
All amounts are in New Zealand Dollars (NZD). Tuition fees shown are indicative only and may change. There are additional fees and charges related to enrolment. Please see the Table of Fees and Charges for more information. You will be sent an enrolment agreement which will confirm your fees. View information about fees free study.
The three BMus majors are:
Academic Programme
- Composition
- Digital Music
- Māori Musical Instruments in Traditional and Contemporary Contexts
- Māori Song and Dance in Traditional and Contemporary Contexts
- Western Music History
Performance Programme
- Chamber Music
- Performance
- Performance Techniques
- Western Music History
Composition Programme
- Composition
- Harmony
- Digital Music
- Western Music History
Tuition is available in voice, piano, cello, violin, classical guitar, and a range of orchestral instruments.
Learn from the best
Sharpen your musical talent with our acclaimed music staff in the Bachelor of Music program at Waikato. Benefit from ample public performance opportunities and access to a world-class performing arts venue, ensuring an exceptional learning environment.
Bachelor of Music with Honours
Requirements
The Bachelor of Music with Honours (BMus(Hons)) involves two semesters of full-time study, or the equivalent in part-time study. The BMus(Hons) comprises 120 points at 500 level, of which 30 points must be in research, normally a 30 point dissertation or an approved equivalent, specialising in either composition or performance. The BMus(Hons) is awarded with classes of honours.
Entry
In general, to be admitted to the BMus(Hons) you must have a B grade average in the 300 level Music papers of your undergraduate degree. Performance candidates must also have passed an audition. Admission criteria may vary so please consult the Music Graduate Adviser for specific admission criteria.
Music is also available for the BA(Hons).
BMus(Hons) specialisations
- Composition
- Performance
You may take up to 30 points from subjects listed outside the degree. You should discuss your intended programme of study with the Graduate Adviser in each of the Faculties or Schools concerned.
Big Band Ensemble
Do you play trumpet, trombone, saxophone, drums, bass, piano, or guitar? Enjoy jazz singing? Collaborate with musicians and enrol in MUSIC122 or MUSIC227. Available to all university students who play a suitable big band instrument.
Scholarships and prizes
Visit our Scholarship Finder for information about possible scholarships.
Te Pae Kōkako - The Aotearoa New Zealand Opera Studio (TANZOS)
This new, immersive MMus programme provides exceptionally promising young opera singers with international-level training and experience, from both national and visiting international tutors, and industry residencies in NZ and abroad.
Graduate Study Options
Bachelor of Music (Hons)
Master of Music
Graduate Certificate
Graduate Diploma
Postgraduate Certificate
Postgraduate Diploma
Doctor of Musical Arts
Doctor of Philosophy
Practical experience
The opportunities for you to practice through performance are endless. Have your compositions performed, or perform yourself, at any of our regular events including the annual Opera production, weekly lunchtime recitals, Friday performance hours and competitions such as the Lilburn Trust Student Competition Awards concert – to name a few.
We also have strong networks in the wider community, which gives you a wider range of performance opportunities.
Qualifications links
Student Achievements
Students from Waikato's Conservatorium of Music are renowned for standing out on the world stage. They have excelled nationally in New Zealand's major music competitions, such as the New Zealand National Concerto Competition, the National Woodwind Competition and the Lexus Aria Competition, as well as on the international stage, for example the Beijing International Cello Competition and the Johanssen International String Competition in Washington DC.
Soloist Specialisation
The soloist specialisation is for exceptionally talented music students who have the potential to become successful international soloists. Every specialisation student has their own programme of study and we provide intensive one-to-one teaching to raise technical and interpretative skills, with a strong focus on performance skills. You'll develop your on-stage personalities through multiple opportunities to perform before live audiences, and participate in national and international competitions.
Admission to the soloist specialisation is at the discretion of the Convenor of Music. It is restricted to exceptional students who have:
- been awarded a major prize at a recognised international or New Zealand competition;
- performed a concerto with a professional orchestra, or a solo or chamber music concert at a major concert venue;
- successfully completed the interview process.
The core undergraduate papers in the soloist specialisation are:
Auditions
2025 BMus auditions for Performance are now open for students to apply.
The deadline for the first-round audition applications is 1 August 2024.
It is recommended that students intending to apply for a Sir Edmund Hillary Scholarship complete their application before this date.
Find out more about University of Waikato Scholarships.
What are our students saying
The people around me have been the highlight of my degree. My classmates were from diverse backgrounds, which is inspiring, and everyone is incredibly supportive of each other.Emmanuel Fonoti-FuimaonoBachelor of Music
