New Zealand Certificate in Music

Note: As a subsidiary of Te Pūkenga - New Zealand Institute of Skills and Technology, UCOL Te Pūkenga 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 Te Pūkenga and the programme you have enrolled in will become part of Te Pūkenga. So, if you join UCOL Te Pūkenga 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 consists of 120 credits. The courses include:

Music Theory (30 Credits)
Learn to apply elementary music theory in a practical, written and aural environment. This may include:

• Complete circle of 5ths
• Notes on treble clef and bass clef
• All intervals up to an octave
• Scales – Major, chromatic, blues, minor pentatonic, major pentatonic, major arpeggio, including major modes, parent scales and natural, melodic minor and harmonic minor.
• Chords: Major, minor, sus4, dominant 7th, augmented, diminished, min7th, min7b5, augmented 7th, diminished 7th.
• Rhythm – 2 bar rhythms including whole, half, quarter, eighth, sixteenth notes and corresponding rests. Including eighth and quarter note triplets.
• 12 bar blues
• Major diatonic chords
• Chord progressions up to 6 bars
• Melodic dictation up to 2 bars
• Harmonising a short melody
• Transpose a short melody

Performance and Technology 1a (15 Credits)
Perform and analyse a range of musical styles and performance technology in a range of performance environments. This may include:

• Sound theory
• Live sound technology, PA Set up, basic live band mixing
• Instrument development training from a specialised mentor
• Regular programme of practising, and rehearsals is planned out and monitored
• Artistic and creative goal setting
• Improvisation, sight reading, technical fluency, agility and technical exercises for individual instrumentalists
• Composing music for band and solo performance
• Playing music in a range of styles in band or solo
• Research and analysis of a range of genres

Performance and Technology 1b (15 Credits)
Perform and analyse a range of musical styles and devise strategies for performance technology in a range of performance environments. This may include:

• Live Sound Technology, PA Set up, basic live band mixing
• Instrument development training from a specialised mentor
• Regular programme of practising and rehearsals is planned out and monitored
• Improvisation, sight reading, technical fluency, agility and technical exercises for individual instrumentalists
• Composing music for band and solo performance
• Critiquing music for band and solo performance
• Playing music in a range of styles in band or solo
• Participation in planning an event or function

Composition and Technology 1a (15 Credits)
Compose and record music in the studio and Digital Audio Workstations (DAW). This may include:

• Introduction to DAW software and hardware
• Setting up a session in a DAW
• Recording audio, recording midi
• Applying sound theory to the production process
• Dynamic processing
• Effects processing
• Audio formats
• Rendering audio
• Electronic composition
• Music Fundamentals (Rhythm, form, timbre, dynamics, Harmony, Melody)

Composition and Technology 1b (15 Credits)
Compose and record music for a range of scenarios. This may include:

• Recording audio, recording midi
• Applying sound theory to the production process
• Dynamic processing
• Effects processing
• Mic placement
• Session management
• Headroom, Stereo Field, Dynamic range
• Project planning
• Working in the grid
• BPM’s and Quantising
• DAW short cuts
• Compositional techniques in a range of environments

Industry 1a (15 credits)
Develop the skills and knowledge to function in the music industry of New Zealand Aotearoa. This may include:

• Pepeha: genealogy and relationships
• Te Whare Tapa Whā
• Te Whare Tapere: traditional Māori performance types ( waiata, haka, poi etc)
• Influence of Māori performing arts in the New Zealand music industry
• Small Business (tax requirements, budgets, basic record keeping, business structures, funding)
• Employment opportunities in the New Zealand music industry

Industry 1b (15credits)
Manage a basic project as an individual or group. This may include:

• Event planning
• Marketing
• Introduction to design concepts
• Communication
• Management
• Brand development

Previous Related Programmes

The New Zealand Certificate in Music supersedes and takes the best from the following programme of study, which is no longer offered:

• Certificate in Contemporary Music Performance

NCEA Level 2

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.

Applicants must be able to play a musical instrument and/or sing confidently and competently in front of others. Evidence will be demonstrated by an audition or a DVD/video recording.

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 Te Pūkenga is a TOEFL testing centre.

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

English language proficiency
International learner 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 Te Pūkenga 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.

The New Zealand Certificate in Music (Level 4) may lead to employment or self-employment as an entry-level musician at a range of events and venues. 

Public performances may occur in licensed premises requiring students to be either over 18 with photo ID or have a legal guardian present.

Practicum/Work Experience/Internship

There are no practicum or work experience hours for this programme although learners 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 Te Pūkenga 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).