New Zealand Diploma in Creativity (Music)

Compulsory courses

Performance 1A (15 credits)
Create, interpret and evaluate original musical works and/or arrangements in a live performance environment. The course will cover compositional form and structure; arrangement techniques; self-management; communication; stage planning; technical riders; live sound mixing; PA system set up and pack down; health and safety regulations; stage performance; and audience engagement.

Composition and Technology 1A (15 credits)
Create, develop and critique original musical works and/or arrangements using a wide range of music technology equipment and processes. The course will cover a variety of composition techniques and processes; application of software and hardware audio effects; sampling acoustic instruments; sampling loops; research of musical styles and sounds; arranging musical works; writing and arranging music for film; and writing and arranging music for advertising.

Music Theory (15 credits)
Learn to define and contrast the use of music theory in a practical, written and aural environment. The course will cover exploring composers and their compositions; chord construction; chord-scale relationships; chord progression; harmonic analysis; chord substitution; interval recognition; rhythmic dictation; and melodic dictation.

Performance 1B (15 credits)
Create, interpret and evaluate original musical works and/or arrangements in a live performance environment. The course will expand on your skills and help you to challenge conventions and discover new possibilities across a range of contexts. You'll create, arrange and evaluate musical compositions for a live performance; demonstrate leadership for a solo artist, band or ensemble; organise and evaluate a live performance for a solo artist or band/ensemble; and record and evaluate a live performance using multitrack recording hardware and software.

Composition and Technology 1B (15 credits)
Create, develop and critique original musical works and/or arrangements using a wide range or music technology equipment and processes. The course covers exploring a variety of composition techniques and processes; evaluatioin of software and hardware audio efects; critical analysis of a song; recording and production techniques; and remixing and structural arrangement of songs.

Creative Industries (30 credits)
Develop creative processes, implement a creative project and determine its viability. The course will cover marketing music; researching the viability of a business; small business finances; small business management; creative processes; self-management; communications; understanding of legal requirements for events; health and safety for public events; financial self-management; goal setting; and small business structures.

Elective courses (choose one)

Knowledge Transfer (15 credits)
Develop and analyse the skills and framework for teaching music as a private tutor. The course will cover time management; lesson planning and development; learning style analysis; basic teaching pedagogy; communication in teaching; and creation of resources for a variety of learning styles.

Recording (15 credits)
Develop skills and analyse various sound recording techniques in the recording studio. The course will cover application of advanced studio setup; organising studio time and musicians; detailed audio mixing techniques; producing songs for commercial release; basic mastering techniques; computer based file management; and studio maintenance.

Design Media (15 credits)
Examine the application and effectiveness of digital marketing and design in the context of the New Zealand music industry. The course will cover design software; design principle basics; conceptual development; target markets; social media for business; and marketing basics.

Applicants may be required to audition. 

In addition to the Domestic Entry Requirements, the following applies to international student applicants.

English language proficiency
International student applicants whose first language is not English must have an IELTS Academic score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5 (or equivalent including TOEFL). IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form (ie combining scores from more than one test is not permissible). UCOL is a TOEFL iBT testing centre.

UCOL's New Zealand Diploma in Creativity (Music) comprises 120 credits.

If you're not ready to study New Zealand Diploma in Creativity (Music), you can study UCOL's New Zealand Certificate in Music.

Work experience
There are no practicum or work experience hours for this programme although students will be participating in public performances as part of their study.

Application checklist
It will make the process easier if you prepare the following before you apply:

• National Student Number (NSN) (If you don't have a NSN, you may request one from NZQA, or you can supply a verified copy of your birth certificate, passport or Whakapapa statement.)
• Evidence of your highest level of academic achievement (and evidence of prior learning, if applicable)
• Evidence that you meet the entry requirements of the programme
• Check if you're eligible for additional support or a scholarship. If you're 19 years or younger, you may be eligible to enrol in one of our free Youth Transition programmes.

Note that you will need to provide any verified documents in person, via post or email.

Recognition of prior learning
Applications for Recognition of Prior Learning, including Cross Credit, Credit Transfer and Assessment of Prior Learning may be made on the Recognition of Prior Learning Form where a student believes all learning outcomes for a course or unit standards have already been met.

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