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

Requirements for major

Principal instrumental/ vocal study (individual lessons)
PERF 130, 230, 330

Practical papers related to the principal study
One of PERF 132, 134, 136 plus
Either PERF 232 and 233, or PERF 233 and 234, or PERF 235 and 236, plus
Either PERF 332 and 333, or PERF 333 and 334, or PERF 335 and 336

Papers in music theory
MUSC 166, 167, 266

Music studies: music viewed from a range of cultural, historical, analytical and/or critical perspectives
MUSC 105, one of MUSC 130-139, and one of MUSC 210, 230-249, 330-345, 365-369
Elective papers
Sufficient to complete the 360 pts needed for the degree.

Typical Degree Plan (120 points per year)

Year 1
All papers are required:

Principal study
PERF 130 (30 pts)

Related practical papers:
 - Pianists take PERF132 (10 pts)
 - Instrumentalists take PERF 134 (10 pts)
 - Singers take PERF 136 (10 pts)

Music theory
MUSC 166 (20 pts) and MUSC 167 (20 pts)

Music studies
MUSC 105 (20 pts) and one of MUSC 130-139 (20 pts)

Year 2
Required papers

Principal study
PERF 230 (30 pts)

Related practical papers
-  Pianists take PERF 232 (15 pts) and PERF 233 (15 pts)
-  Instrumentalists take PERF 233 (15 pts) and PERF 234 (15 pts),
- Singers take PERF 235 (15 pts) and PERF 236 (15 pts) 

Music theory
MUSC 266 (20 pts)

Music studies
One of MUSC 210, 230-239, 245 (20 pts)
Elective papers:
To the value of 20 points, taken at 100 or 200 level

Year 3
Required papers:

Principal study
PERF 330 (40 pts)

Related practical papers
- Pianists take PERF 332 (15 pts) and  PERF 333 (15 pts)
- Instrumentalists take PERF 333 (15 pts) and PERF 334 (15 pts)
- Singers take PERF 335  (15 pts) and PERF 336  (15 pts) 

Music studies
One of MUSC 330-45, MUSC 365-9 (20 pts)
Elective papers:
To the value of 30 points.
NOTE: at least 180 points in the degree must be taken at 200 or 300 level, including at least 72 points taken at 300 level

Postgraduate degrees in Classical Performance

Please see the Postgraduate Degrees page

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