100-level

MUSA100
Essentials in Music Techniques
Description
This course provides students with skills in musicianship, music theory. Students will have a good understanding of chords and chord progressions, melodic patterns and notation systems, and will have acquired skills in sight singing and melodic dictation.
Occurrences
Semester One 2026
Points
15 points
Restrictions
MUSI107
MUSA101
Musicianship, Harmony and Analysis 1
Description
Continued development of students' skills in music analysis, harmony (including SATB part writing) and musicianship (sight singing, melodic and harmonic dictation, and keyboard harmonisation).
Occurrences
Semester Two 2026 (Distance)
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
MUSA100
Restrictions
MUSI112, MUSI171
MUSA114
Techniques of Song Writing
Description
MUSA114 teaches foundational techniques in popular song writing. Topics include creating memorable melodies, effective harmonisation and use of common chord progressions, creating and developing compelling lyric concepts, and managing sectional forms. Students hone their writing skills while preparing a portfolio of songs.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2026
Points
15 points
Restrictions
MUSA214
MUSA116
Composition for screen
Description
This course provides an introduction to composition for a screen context. Students will learn to create original music for games, film, and TV.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2026
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
MUSA100
Restrictions
MUSA216
MUSA126
Sound Technologies
Description
This course teaches practical skills in digital sound for musicians, filmmakers, game developers, aspiring "bedroom producers," and anyone interested in working with sound in the digital domain. Students learn how to match sounds with moving images, how to edit and manipulate audio files in a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW), and fundamental concepts and terminology that enable them to communicate effectively with music technology experts. Instruction includes lectures and hands-on studio tutorial sessions.
Occurrences
Semester One 2026
Points
15 points
Restrictions
MUSA125, DIGI126
MUSA132
Musics of the World
Description
This course explores musical traditions from a range of geographical regions and introduces key concepts for the study of music in culture.
Occurrences
Semester One 2026
Points
15 points
Restrictions
MUSA232 and MUSA332
MUSA141
Performance 1A
Description
This course involves weekly individual 1-hour lessons, performance classes, and ensemble training. Students develop technical skills and increase their musical knowledge through performance on an instrument or voice.
Occurrences
Semester One 2026 (The Arts Centre Christchurch)
Semester Two 2026 (The Arts Centre Christchurch)
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
Subject to approval of the Head of School following an audition.
Restrictions
MUSI141
MUSA142
Performance 1B
Description
This course builds on MUSA141 to provide students with additional technical skills, musical knowledge and understanding through performance on an instrument or voice. The course involves weekly individual 1-hour lessons, performance classes, and ensemble training. Students will gain further knowledge of the repertoire for their particular instrument and undertake a concert performance at the end of the semester.
Occurrences
Semester One 2026 (The Arts Centre Christchurch)
Semester Two 2026 (The Arts Centre Christchurch)
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
MUSA141
Restrictions
MUSI141
MUSA143
Performance 1 (Secondary)
Description
This whole-year course involves weekly individual 45-minute lessons, performance classes, and ensemble training. Students develop technical skills and increase their musical knowledge through performance on an instrument or voice. The course is designed for Performance Majors who wish to study a relevant second instrument/voice.
Occurrences
Whole Year 2026 (The Arts Centre Christchurch)
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
Subject to approval of the Head of School following an audition.
Restrictions
MUSI140
MUSA152
Recording Techniques
Description
This course helps the student to develop skills in DAW operation, microphone techniques, and fundamentals of acoustics and digital audio required for complex multitrack recording projects. Students are taught how to apply these skills in a range of production situations, including orchestral, instrumental, and vocal ensemble recording. The concept of critical listening is also introduced, along with practical guidelines for noise and hearing management.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2026
Points
15 points
Restrictions
MUSI180, DISC233
MUSA193
Ensemble 1
Description
The course aims to develop students’ performance and rehearsal skills in one or more music ensembles-such as orchestra (CYO), An Ensemble, UC Gamelan Ensemble, North Indian Tabla Ensemble, chamber ensembles, or contemporary bands.
Occurrences
Whole Year 2026 (The Arts Centre Christchurch)
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
Applicants will either be accepted on the basis of their audition for Performance courses, or on the basis of a successful short audition with the Course co-ordinator or their delegate.
Restrictions
MUSA191, MUSA192, MUSI142, MUSI143, MUSI144, MUSI145, MUSI194, MUSI198.

Not Offered Courses in 2026

100-level

MUSA101
Musicianship, Harmony and Analysis 1
Description
Continued development of students' skills in music analysis, harmony (including SATB part writing) and musicianship (sight singing, melodic and harmonic dictation, and keyboard harmonisation).
Occurrences
MUSA101-26S2 (C)
Semester Two 2026 - Not offered
For further information see MUSA101 course details
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
MUSA100
Restrictions
MUSI112, MUSI171
MUSA110
Composer's Toolbox
Description
This course introduces a range of skills and techniques relevant to the composition of contemporary art music, including notational conventions, musical transformation techniques, and approaches to structuring. Students will prepare and present a portfolio of compositions in collaboration with student performers, while receiving guidance from upper-level composition students and School of Music teaching staff.
Occurrences
Not offered 2026, offered in 2023 , 2025
For further information see MUSA110 course details
Points
15 points
MUSA112
Current Trends in Composition
Description
A survey of techniques and trends in post-tonal music, with an emphasis on present-day repertoire. The course aims to give a global perspective on the plurality of evolving cultures of contemporary art music that exist today. From this perspective the student can take their first steps, or further steps, towards identifying their own unique voice and finding their place in the world of contemporary music. Advanced concepts in musical materials, transformation, development, handling of form, and instrumental performance techniques, are also taught.
Occurrences
Not offered 2026, offered in 2022 , 2024
For further information see MUSA112 course details
Points
15 points
MUSA115
Song Writing in Practice
Description
MUSA115 surveys current trends and practices in song writing from a global perspective. Students prepare a portfolio of songs while learning about present-day applications of traditional techniques. Contextual listening analyses provide a platform to sharpen critical listening skills while preparing a portfolio of original songs. There are no limitations on the genre of music that students can write, all styles and perspectives are welcome.
Occurrences
Not offered 2026, offered in 2023 , 2025
For further information see MUSA115 course details
Points
15 points