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    Bachelor of Commercial Music
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    Massey University

    Bachelor of Commercial Music

    Massey University
    University RankQS Ranking
    239

    Key Facts

    Program Level

    Bachelor

    Study Type

    Full Time

    Delivery

    On Campus

    Campuses

    Main Site

    Program Language

    English

    Start & Deadlines

    Next Intake Deadlines15-Jul-2024
    Apply to this program

    Go to the official application for the university

    Duration 4 year(s)
    Next Intake 15-Jul-2024

    Bachelor of Commercial Music

    About

    Study a Bachelor of Commercial Music – BCommMus

    In the Bachelor of Commercial Music, you will:

    • think critically about the music industry and where you want to position yourself
    • work collaboratively on a wide range of music events and experiences
    • become proficient with industry-standard production tools.

    The degree has three majors: Music Practice, Music Technology, and Music Industry, so you can choose whether you want to make and perform new music, engineer live and studio sound as well as design new music technology, or immerse yourself in the business of the music industry.

    Commercial Music has a strong emphasis on popular music genres and new technology and methods. Youll consider the role of streaming and digital media in the music industry and explore how to disrupt and operate outside of traditional business models.

    Alongside the core courses in your major, youll work with students from across the qualification to learn music content creation, online and media skills, organise and produce music events and experiences, and make and release recordings.

    The critical content of the qualification spans new musicology, the political economy of music, and music philosophy. 

    Learn from people who know the music industry

    All our commercial music lecturers are active in the industry. They perform, record, tour, produce and manage successful music ventures in New Zealand and internationally.

    Master your craft in world-class facilities

    The purpose-built facilities at Toi RauwhÄrangi College of Creative Arts are some of the best in the Southern Hemisphere. Youll master industry-standard software and hardware, including recording and production methods, in world-class recording studios and rehearsal spaces.

    Further study

    Extend your study with postgraduate research in the Bachelor of Commercial Music (Honours), or take a creative product or idea to market in the Master of Creative Enterprise. Or, develop your own creative practice in a Master of Fine Arts.

    Requirements

    Entry Requirements

    Courses and specialisations

    Key terms

    Courses
    Each qualification has its own specific set of courses. Some universities call these papers. You enrol in courses after you get accepted into Massey.
    Course code
    Each course is numbered using 6 digits. The fourth number shows the level of the course. For example, in course 219206, the fourth number is a 2, so it is a 200-level course (usually studied in the second year of full-time study).
    Credits
    Each course is worth a number of credits. You combine courses (credits) to meet the total number of credits needed for your qualification.
    Specialisations
    Some qualifications let you choose what subject you'd like to specialise in. Your major or endorsement is what you will take the majority of your courses in.

    Credit summary

    360 credits

    • Compulsory courses – 165 credits
    • Compulsory course selection – 15 credits
    • Major courses – 120 credits
    • Electives including at least 15 credits at 200 level or higher – 60 credits

    Ensure that overall, you have:

    • Not more than 150 credits at 100 level
    • At least 105 credits at 300 level

    Course planning key

    Prerequisites
    Courses that need to be completed before moving onto a course at the next level. For example, a lot of 200-level courses have 100-level prerequisite courses.
    Corequisites
    Courses that must be completed at the same time as another course are known as corequisite courses.
    Restrictions
    Some courses are restricted against each other because their content is similar. This means you can only choose one of the offered courses to study and credit to your qualification.

    Schedule A: Core courses

    Compulsory courses (Choose 165 credits from)

    Code
    Course
    Credits
    Choose 165 credits from
    Course code: 133152 Music Media 1 Credits: 15 credits

    This course explores and develops creative and technical knowledge of industry standard content production tools and environments used in the production of music related media. Students explore basic music media analysis and apply theoretical concepts to the production of online music and video content.

    Prerequisites: 30 credits from 1331XX Restrictions: 133155

    View full course details
    Course code: 133153 Music Project 1 Credits: 30 credits

    In this course students apply creative and practical skills to develop live experiences and works for the music industry. As well as develop technical expertise, students will explore social, cultural and economic trends associated within the production and dissemination of music in New Zealand and internationally. Multidisciplinary teams will apply creative narrative skills to develop, manage, produce and iterate musical content, technical production, and promotion.

    Prerequisites: 30 credits from 1331XX Restrictions: 133156, 133158

    View full course details
    Course code: 133154 Contemporary Musicology Credits: 15 credits

    In this course students are introduced to a number of established theoretical approaches and perspectives on contemporary musicology. Students are supported and encouraged to embark on an exploratory intellectual journey providing a context and critical framework for their practice and research.

    Restrictions: 133255

    View full course details
    Course code: 133253 Music Project 2 Credits: 30 credits

    In this course students apply technical skills and new creative approaches for the development of strategic, sophisticated and unique experiences and works in the music industry. In addition to developing new technical skills, students will apply and critique social, cultural and economic roles and trends associated with the dissemination of unique musical experiences through their creative practice. Multidisciplinary teams will explore innovative creative narrative and communication skills to develop, manage, produce, and iterate musical content, technical production and promotion.

    Prerequisites: 30 credits from 1332xx and 133153 or (133156 and 133158) Restrictions: 133254, 133258

    View full course details
    Course code: 133256 Music Media 2 Credits: 15 credits

    This course explores and applies technical and creative knowledge of industry standard content development tools and environments used in the production of music related media. Students explore advanced music media analysis tools and apply theoretical concepts, via a range of new and emerging technologies, to the production of interdisciplinary music, video, and multi-media content.

    Prerequisites: 133152 or 133155

    View full course details
    Course code: 133257 Philosophical Perspectives on Creative Practice Credits: 15 credits

    In this course students study a range of philosophical perspectives on the nature, purpose and value of creative work, exploring theoretical positions to develop cognitive tools for the analysis of their own practice and research. Students are enabled to develop strategies of collaboration and communication within group environments and to employ reflective and analytical approaches formed through philosophy and critical theory.

    View full course details
    Course code: 133350 Major Project Pre-Production Credits: 15 credits

    In this course students generate and evaluate innovative concepts for a music major project and carry out detailed investigation into planning and resourcing requirements along with analysis of cultural, social and economic values of the proposed project. Students work individually and as a team in and across major specialisms to agree the scope and roles of the proposed project.

    Prerequisites: 133253 or 133258 Restrictions: 133367 or 133377 or 133387

    View full course details
    Course code: 133355 Political Economy, Freeconomy and Community Credits: 15 credits

    Students develop theoretical approaches to analyse and contextualise their Music Major Project as a cultural form in relation to society, economy, and technology. Through engaging with the political, economic, industrial, and cultural contexts of their music practice and research, students employ strategies of critical reflection and analysis.

    Prerequisites: Both of 133257, 133154

    View full course details
    Course code: 133356 Graduate Portfolio Development Credits: 15 credits

    In this course students prepare for progression to postgraduate study or transition to industry in the development of an online portfolio managing processes advantageous to their graduate progression. Students also develop creative and organisational approaches to devising a range of strategies in developing professional networks and progression opportunities.

    Prerequisites: 60 credits from 1332xx

    View full course details

    Compulsory course selection (Choose 15 credits from)

    Any 100-level Music (133 prefix) course

    Schedule B: Specialisations

    Majors

    Some qualifications let you choose what subject you'd like to specialise in. Your major or endorsement is what you will take the majority of your courses in.

    Completing a major is compulsory. A major requires 120 credits.

    You will have specialist classes in your chosen major. You will also study a range of shared courses and collaborate each semester on external projects, for example:

    • staging a live show
    • staging and promoting a tour
    • developing media campaigns.

    Find out more

    • Yellow Book
    • creative.massey.ac.nz

    Music Industry

    Specialisation
    Location
    Wellington campus

    Seek out and develop new ways to work in the commercial music industry. Learn artist development, management and distribution, and how to stage live events and tours.

    View courses for this specialisation

    Music Practice

    Specialisation
    Location
    Wellington campus

    Study musicianship and performance in the popular genre of your choice — whether you’re a singer, DJ, or in a band. Music Practice will give you the skills and confidence to take risks and make it in the music industry.

    View courses for this specialisation

    Music Technology

    Specialisation
    Location
    Wellington campus

    Explore and extend how music is created, produced and heard. In Music Technology, you’ll work at the intersection of music, creativity and technology.

    View courses for this specialisation

    Minors (Choose 60 credits from)

    You may complete a minor by passing at least 60 credits from the schedule for one of the Bachelor of Commercial Music majors, including:

    • at least 45 credits above 100 level, and
    • at least 15 credits at 300 level.

    Due to prerequisites you may need to complete more than 60 credits to complete your minor. If you’re interested in doing a minor you should contact us using the Get advice button on this page. Our student advice team will be able to talk you through your options and help you plan your degree.

    • Music Industry
    • Music Practice
    • Music Technology

    Schedule C: Elective courses

    Any other courses offered by the University and may include (Choose no more than 60 credits from)

    Code
    Course
    Credits
    Choose no more than 60 credits from
    Course code: 133178 Introduction to Ableton Live Credits: 15 credits

    Students will learn techniques for music production on the Albeton Live digital audio workstation and relevant music technologies. Students will gain basic technical and theoretical skills in music production via Ableton Live, as well as practical understanding of how Ableton Live is used in a range of musical applications and contexts.

    View full course details
    Course code: 133179 Vocal Performance and Production Credits: 15 credits

    Learn the fundamentals of vocal techniques and production skills relevant to a broad range of styles. Students explore the basic anatomy of the voice, vocal health, and live skills alongside studio techniques and etiquette. The course does not require an audition or existing vocal training, and comprises lectures as well as practical group-based vocal and production workshops.

    English Program Requirements

    We offer short English language courses, such as the English for Academic Purposes (EAP) course, IELTS tests and preparation courses and Occupational English Tests.

    Recognised English language examinations

    We recognise these English language examinations:

    • International English Language Testing System (IELTS) – academic scores only
    • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
    • Cambridge English Qualifications
    • NZCEL
    • Pearson Test of English (Academic)
    • LanguageCert.

    Career

    Careers and job opportunities

    Recent developments in digital technologies and online platforms offer new and exciting entrepreneurial and employment careers in the music industry. Musicians can compose for films, TV, games, apps and digital platforms, produce recordings, tour, manage artists and promote their brand.

    Working behind the scenes, you can find jobs in the recording and publishing industries such as artist and repertoire (A&R), marketing or management. The live sector is also lucrative, and provides jobs in promotion, venue management and a range of other support roles.

    If you’re interested in music technology you can find entrepreneurial and employment careers in software and hardware development, sound engineering live and in studios, as well as lighting design, and stage and production design.

    How to Apply

    When you apply to study with us as a international student the first step is to apply for admission into a qualification.

    You will be admitted into your chosen qualification once you have:

    • been offered a place
    • accepted your offer, and
    • paid your fees.

    You will then be able to apply for enrolment in the courses that make up your qualification.

    View our overview of the application process

    Prepare to apply for admission

    Check the entry and English language requirements

    Entrance and English language requirements

    Choose your qualification

    Explore the qualifications Massey has to offer and choose what you would like to apply for.

    Find a course or qualification

    If your qualification has majors or endorsements (specialisations) you will be able to choose one when you apply for admission. You will be able to choose an additional major or endorsement, and minors, when you apply for courses.

    For some qualifications you will need to give us specific information when you apply such as personal statements, portfolios or completed forms.

    If you are a postgraduate research student you may also need to decide how many credits of research you would like to do. You should also contact the right department to discuss the possible research opportunities.

    List of Massey departments

    Choose where you want to study

    As an international student you will generally study full-time at one of our campuses in New Zealand. However, there are also options for distance and online study.

    Massey campus guides

    Distance and online study

    Identify documents you need to supply

    Documents you need to apply for admission

    Check application due dates

    Make sure you check the admission application due dates so you don not miss out.

    Admission application due dates

    Apply for admission

    New students apply for admission on our website.

    Returning students apply by logging in to the student portal and going to the Admissions tab.

    After you apply for admission

    Acknowledgement of application

    You can expect to get an acknowledgement from us within 1 week of submitting your application.

    Outstanding documents

    We will contact you if you have not given us all of the documents we need.

    Offer of Place

    You will get an email letting you know an Offer of Place message is in the student portal if your application is successful.

    Once you get your Offer of Place you can:

    • accept it
    • decline it
    • apply to defer your start date or change your study location.

    If you decline your offer you will be withdrawn from the qualification you applied for.

    If you want to change to a different qualification you need to make a new admission application.

    Paying your fees

    Once you have accepted your Offer of Place you need to pay your fees.

    View fee payment options

    After your fees are paid we will send you an international Receipt of Payment. You can use this letter and your admission Offer of Place as part of the documentation you need to get a visa from Immigration New Zealand. We will also send you an email with your Massey student ID number.

    Prepare for course enrolment

    You will be invited to apply for the specific courses you want to study within your qualification once:

    • you have accepted your Offer of Place
    • you have paid your fees
    • enrolments are open.

    Choose your courses

    Review your qualification structure. When you select your courses you need to make sure you meet all of the requirements for your qualification. You also need to work out which courses to study first and how many to study.

    Find a course or qualification

    Planning your courses guide

    Contact our academic advice team

    Check the due dates

    Make sure you know the due dates for adding courses. You should also check the semester dates and exam periods.

    Due dates for adding courses

    Semester and exam period dates

    Log in to the student portal

    To apply for enrolment in courses, go to the Qualifications and courses tab when you log in to the student portal

    After you apply for courses

    Offer of Enrolment

    If we approve your application to enrol in the specific courses for your qualification you will get an Offer of Enrolment message in the student portal. You need to accept this.

    Finalise your enrolment in person

    If you are a new international student studying in New Zealand you will need to show evidence of your identity and your student visa to finish your enrolment.

    Bring your visa and passport to Campus Information Service – Mōhiohio a few days before semester starts. You can also bring them to orientation. Orientation is a series of events to celebrate your start at university.

    Orientation dates and information

    Confirmation of Enrolment

    Once you accept your Offer of Enrolment, you will get a Confirmation of Enrolment message in the student portal. It will contain:

    • confirmation of the qualification you are studying and any specialisations (majors, minors or endorsements)
    • confirmation of the courses you are approved to take
    • any courses that could not be approved or that you withdrew from (the reason will be shown)
    • due dates for withdrawing from courses without financial and academic penalties
    • fees information.

    Changing your qualification or courses

    You can change your qualification or courses on the Qualification and courses tab in the student portal.

    You need to allow time for us to process your changes so you get access to your study material before you start.

    Changing and withdrawing from study

    Massey University

    Bachelor of Commercial Music

    Massey University

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    New Zealand,

    Palmerston North

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