New Zealand Diploma in Creativity (Music)

Note: As a business division of Te Pūkenga - New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology, UCOL is committed to providing the best learning outcome for you. As part of this, all programmes are currently being reviewed to make them portable, consistent, and closely aligned with the needs of the industry. When published, this course information is correct, but the courses offered may change over time. If you have any questions call an Enrolment Advisor on 0800 468 265.

From 2023, UCOL and the programme you have enrolled in will become part of Te Pūkenga. So, if you join UCOL in 2023, you will be awarded Te Pūkenga certification. And, if you are a current learner graduating in 2023, you will be awarded a co-branded certificate.

This programme consist of 120 credits. The courses includes:

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.

Professional Practice (15 Credits)
You will develop and apply the professional work skills and attributes required for facilitating learning and recording music. This will cover approaches and frameworks, lesson planning and development, basic teaching pedagogy, communication in teaching, application of advanced studio setup knowledge, organising studio time and musicians, producing songs for commercial release and basic mastering techniques.

Applicants may be required to audition. 

NCEA Level 3

OR

Equivalent academic achievement

OR

On a case-by-case basis at the discretion of the Executive Dean

For applicants 20 years of age and over there are no minimum academic requirements.

English language proficiency
If English is not your first language, you must also demonstrate English language skills equivalent to an IELTS overall band score (academic) of 5.5 with no band score less than 5 (or equivalent including TOEFL). IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form (i.e. combining scores from more than one test is not permissible). UCOL is a TOEFL testing centre.

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 (i.e. combining scores from more than one test is not permissible). UCOL is a TOEFL testing centre.

Under 20 years of age
In addition to this, international applicants under 20 years of age must have NCEA equivalency.

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.

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 have already been met. Applications will be evaluated on a case-by-case basis in accordance with the UCOL Academic Statute and other relavant policies and procedures.

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 (not via the online application form).

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