Classical Performance at the NZSM

Students who pursue a Classical Performance major at the NZSM have the opportunity to study with some of New Zealand’s most acclaimed performers, recording artists and teachers, many of whom are New Zealand Symphony Orchestra Principals, or engaged in performing and recording internationally. Your experience also includes exposure to major international touring artists who give masterclasses, workshops and performances throughout the year.

You can major in voice, piano, guitar, organ, recorder or all orchestral instruments and your programme of study is tailored to suit the individual requirements of your instrument. You will work with an instrumental teacher on a weekly basis, with whom you will develop a thorough grounding in repertoire, technique, style and interpretation. Instrumental/vocal classes and workshops supplement individual lessons, in which you further develop and hone your skills, and provide opportunities for you to perform discuss and analyse your work in a supportive and encouraging environment.

Additional performance opportunities and classes to choose from will enhance your experience, and provide encounters with a wide range of possibilities. Students are involved in chamber music, orchestra, vocal ensemble, big band, choir, guitar ensemble, opera, gamelan and contemporary music ensembles, all of which give regular in-house or public performances during the year.

Students also engage with aspects of music theory, musicianship and musicology in order to develop and enhance the study of their instrument and to provide context for their major pursuit. You are also encouraged to explore other aspects of study, either musical or non-musical, and incorporate these into your personal programme.

For exceptional students, the study of a second instrument is a special privilege, which may be available to undergraduates who have successfully passed an audition on that instrument. Studies in period instruments such as lute, harpsichord, early guitar, Baroque strings/wind may also be available for outstanding students.

BMus in Classical Performance

Subject Requirements

Classical Performance

(a) PERF 130; MUSC 105, 166, 167, and one of MUSC 130–139; and at least one of PERF 132, 134, or 136;
(b) PERF 230; either PERF 232 and 233, PERF 233 and 234, or PERF 235 and 236; MUSC 266; and at least one of MUSC 230–239, 245; and
(c) PERF 330; either PERF 332 and 333, PERF 333 and 334, or PERF 335 and 336; and at least one of MUSC 230–249, 267, 330–345, 365–369.

Year 1
You should take PERF 130 Classical Performance 1; MUSC 105 Music Now: Understanding Music Through the Lens of the 20th–21st Centuries; MUSC 166 Classical Theory 1; MUSC 167 Classical Theory 2 and one other Music Studies paper from MUSC 130–139 depending on what is being offered in that particular year.

In addition:
Keyboard students take PERF 132 Accompanying 1
Orchestral instrumentalists including guitarists and saxophonists take PERF 134 Large Ensemble.
Singers take PERF 136 Diction and Language 1.

Year 2
You should take PERF 230 Classical Performance 2, MUSC 266 Classical Theory 3, and one other Music Studies paper from MUSC 230–239, 245 depending on what is being offered in that particular year.

In addition:
Keyboard students take PERF 232 Accompanying 2 and PERF 233 Small Ensemble 2.
Orchestral instrumentalists including guitarists and saxophonists take PERF 233 Small Ensemble 2 and PERF 234 Large Ensemble 2.
Singers take PERF 235 Vocal Ensemble and Stagecraft 2 and PERF 236 Diction and Language 2.

Take a paper of your choice at 100- or 200-level to the value of 20 points.

Year 3
You should take PERF 330 Classical Performance 3 and at least one of MUSC 230–249, 267, 330–345, 365–369 depending on what is being offered in that particular year.

In addition:
Keyboard students take PERF 332 Accompanying 3 and PERF 333 Small Ensemble 3.
Orchestral instrumentalists including guitarists and saxophonists take PERF 333 Small Ensemble 3 and PERF 334 Large Ensemble 3.
Singers take PERF 335 Vocal Ensemble and Stagecraft 3 and PERF 336 Diction and Language 3.

Take a paper of your choice to the value of 30 points.

Postgraduate degrees in Classical Performance

Please see the Postgraduate Degrees page

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