200-level

MUSA200
Musicianship, Harmony and Analysis 2
Description
This course further develops skills in musicianship and analysis, including counterpoint and chromatic harmony.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2026 (Distance)
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
MUSA101
Restrictions
MUSI220
MUSA211
Composition Studio
Description
MUSA211 presents a range of approaches to working with musical materials across musical genres. Students learn about aspects of computer assisted composition, principles of vocal writing, high level structuring processes, scoring for Taonga Puoro, and explore ways to incorporate these into their own creative practice. Students at 200 level gain mentoring experience of 100 level composers and song writers.
Occurrences
Semester One 2026
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
MUSA100 and one of MUSA110, MUSA112, MUSA114 or MUSA115
Restrictions
MUSA311
MUSA214
Techniques of Song Writing
Description
MUSA214 teaches foundational techniques in popular song writing. Topics include creating memorable melodies, effective harmonisation and the 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. Students will also gain experience mentoring song writers enrolled in MUSA114.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2026
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
One of MUSA110, MUSA112, MUSA115, or MUSA213.
Restrictions
MUSA114, MUSA220
MUSA216
Composition for screen
Description
This course further develops students' skills in 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
15 points from MUSA112, MUSA114, or MUSA115
Restrictions
MUSA116
MUSA224
Orchestration and Arranging
Description
Learn how to score and arrange for symphony orchestra, chamber orchestra, and large ensembles.
Occurrences
Semester One 2026
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
One of MUSA100, MUSA101, MUSA110, MUSA112, MUSA114, MUSA115.
Restrictions
MUSI224
MUSA228
Audio Production
Description
In this course students will learn how to create their own music and audio content in a music production studio, and prepare it for delivery on streaming or other web-based platforms.
Occurrences
Semester One 2026
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
MUSA125 or MUSA152
Restrictions
MUSA128
MUSA229
Introduction to Game Audio
Description
Learn foundation skills in sound design and music for games. The course will survey current industry practices, and students will gain knowledge of a variety of approaches to audio creation, editing and integration into video games. No prior experience in music, sound, or game design is required.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2026
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
45 points from any courses.
Restrictions
PROD229
MUSA230
Creative Sound Studio
Description
MUSA230 teaches fundamental studio techniques in digital sound creation and manipulation that can be applied in a range of different creative settings: Electronic Music, Soundscape, sound design, remixing, and more. Along the way they become familiar with some of the most significant historic and contemporary artistic trends in the creation of digital music. The culmination of the course is the creation of a portfolio of digital sound-based works: electroacoustic compositions, live electronic performances, EDM remixes, field recordings... or a brand new digital sound genre.
Occurrences
Semester One 2026
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
MUSA125
Restrictions
MUSA330
MUSA234
20th Century Music and Beyond
Description
Exploring musical developments in the 20th century and beyond that help us understand the present-day musical world, focusing on concepts such as modernism and postmodernism and the links between social/economic and musical change.
Occurrences
Semester One 2026
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
Any 45 points
Restrictions
MUSA334
MUSA241
Performance 2A
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 with voice.
Occurrences
Semester One 2026 (The Arts Centre Christchurch)
Semester Two 2026 (The Arts Centre Christchurch)
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
MUSA142 with a C grade or higher, and 15 points from MUSA100-139 or MUSA150-189
Restrictions
MUSI241
MUSA242
Performance 2B
Description
This course builds on MUSA241 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
MUSA241
Restrictions
MUSI241
MUSA243
Performance 2 (Secondary)
Description
This whole-year course builds on MUSA143 to provide students with additional technical skills, musical knowledge and understanding through performance on an instrument or voice. The course involves weekly individual 45-minute lessons, performance classes, and ensemble training. The course is designed for Performance Majors who wish to continue studying a relevant second instrument/voice.
Occurrences
Whole Year 2026 (The Arts Centre Christchurch)
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
MUSA143
Restrictions
MUSI240
MUSA250
Community Music
Description
This course provides an introduction to the field of community music both in bicultural Aotearoa New Zealand and internationally. Students learn to create and understand music activities that build community and foster social engagement.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2026
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
Any 45 points.
MUSA252
Kapa Haka - Introducing Maori Performing Arts
Description
Designed for Maori and non-Maori, performance competent and new learners, language and non-language students this course takes the class on a journey of exploration to a high level of performance studying the mythological and traditional origins and tikanga of performing arts, moteatea (traditional song), poi (ball dance), waiata a-ringa (action song), haka and the art of warfare, mau rakau (weaponry - ti rakau, titi torea, hapai rakau, taiaha, patu), the role of male and female leaders, biographies of important composers, the renaissance of performing arts and competition. Students learn a full performance bracket and a selection of ancient, historical and sacred classic tribal anthems including: E pa to hau; Kikiki, Tika tonu, Taku rakau, Ruaumoko, E rere te ao, Ka eke ki Wairaka
Occurrences
Semester Two 2026
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
Any 15 points at 100 level from MAOR, MUSA, or TREO, or any 60 points at 100 level from the Schedule V of the MusB or the Schedule V of the BA.
Restrictions
MAOR282,TREO282, MAOR 382, TREO 382
MUSA293
Ensemble 2
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
MUSA191, MUSA192, or MUSA193.
Restrictions
MUSA291, MUSA292, MUSI294.

300-level

MUSA330
Creative Sound Studio
Description
MUSA330 teaches fundamental studio techniques in digital sound creation and manipulation that can be applied in a range of different creative settings: Electronic Music, Soundscape, sound design, remixing, and more. Along the way they become familiar with some of the most significant historic and contemporary artistic trends in the creation of digital music. The culmination of the course is the creation of a portfolio of digital sound-based works: electroacoustic compositions, live electronic performances, EDM remixes, field recordings... or a brand new digital sound genre.
Occurrences
Semester One 2026
Points
30 points
Prerequisites
MUSA228 or MUSA229
MUSA334
20th Century Music and Beyond
Description
Exploring musical developments in the 20th century and beyond that help us understand the present-day musical world, focusing on concepts such as modernism and postmodernism and the links between social/economic and musical change.
Occurrences
Semester One 2026
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
Any 45 points at 200 level or above.
Restrictions
MUSA234
MUSA341
Performance 3
Description
This course provides 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/voice 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
30 points
Prerequisites
MUSA242 with a C grade or higher, and 15 points from MUSA200-239 or 250-289.
Restrictions
MUSI341
MUSA393
Ensemble 3
Description
The course aims to provide significant performance and rehearsal experiences 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
MUSA291, MUSA292, or MUSA293.
Restrictions
MUSA391, MUSA392, MUSI391, MUSI398.
MUSA398
Capstone Project
Description
An independent project where students produce a substantial body of creative or scholarly work under individual supervision. The project might be an extension of their major study or can be original and/or Interdisciplinary. Intended to come towards the end of a degree, students are encouraged to select projects that link their previous studies to their future plans.
Occurrences
Semester Two 2026
Points
30 points
Prerequisites
30 points of MUSA at 300-level.
Restrictions
MUSA342, MUSI322 and MUSI341

Not Offered Courses in 2026

200-level

MUSA200
Musicianship, Harmony and Analysis 2
Description
This course further develops skills in musicianship and analysis, including counterpoint and chromatic harmony.
Occurrences
MUSA200-26S2 (C)
Semester Two 2026 - Not offered
For further information see MUSA200 course details
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
MUSA101
Restrictions
MUSI220
MUSA210
Composer's Toolbox
Description
MUSA210 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. They will also have the opportunity to mentor students enrolled in MUSA110.
Occurrences
Not offered 2026, offered in 2023 , 2025
For further information see MUSA210 course details
Points
15 points
MUSA212
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 MUSA212 course details
Points
15 points
MUSA213
Composition in Context
Description
MUSA213 explores practical applications of advanced compositional concepts in a variety of situations. Students learn about working with sound and images in different artistic contexts; study the pivotal role of timbre in certain genres of popular, contemporary art music, and Taonga Puoro; and explore approaches to combining electronic and instrumental sounds. Students at 200 level gain mentoring experience of 100 level composers and song writers.
Occurrences
Not offered 2026, offered in 2023 , 2025
For further information see MUSA213 course details
Points
15 points
MUSA215
Song Writing in Practice
Description
MUSA215 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. Students will have the opportunity to mentor song writers enrolled in MUSA115.
Occurrences
Not offered 2026, offered in 2023 , 2025
For further information see MUSA215 course details
Points
15 points
MUSA231
Music in the Age of Revolutions
Description
Western music history from the late 18th to the early 20th centuries, exploring innovations in music and the radical social and cultural ideas and developments that underpinned them.
Occurrences
Not offered 2026
For further information see MUSA231 course details
Points
15 points
MUSA233
Popular Music in Context
Description
An exploration of contemporary popular music styles from a range of genres, and their historical significance and wider contexts, including music for film and television, and the rise of music video.
Occurrences
Not offered 2026, offered in 2014 , 2015 , 2016 , 2018 , 2020
For further information see MUSA233 course details
Points
15 points
MUSA236
Hip Hop Revolution
Description
This course examines the emergence of Hip Hop music and traces its development to become today's most popular music genre. Students will explore Hip Hop's key elements of dance, graffiti, rap, and DJ-ing. The course will outline the various ways in which Hip Hop culture has influenced modern music, fashion, and politics.
Occurrences
Not offered 2026, offered in 2018
For further information see MUSA236 course details
Points
15 points
MUSA237
Early Music
Description
Case studies in early music history and performance practice, ranging from the impact of church and state from the 12th to the 17th centuries, to ideas underpinning the contemporary historically-informed performance movement.
Occurrences
Not offered 2026, offered in 2025
For further information see MUSA237 course details
Points
15 points
MUSA253
Community Music Internship
Description
This course provides students with the opportunity to develop their skills and personal attributes as community music facilitators through an internship with the Christchurch Symphony Orchestra’s community engagement programme. Students will work alongside CSO musicians and staff and in partnership with other Christchurch organisations, facilitating inclusive group music making for extra-musical goals which may include health and wellbeing or social justice.
Occurrences
MUSA253-26S2 (C)
Semester Two 2026 - Not offered
For further information see MUSA253 course details
Points
15 points
Prerequisites
MUSA250

300-level

MUSA300
Musicianship, Harmony, and Analysis 3
Description
This course builds on 100- and 200-level music theory courses by analysing a variety of musical works from and beyond the common practice era, along with practical skills in areas such as score-reading and conducting.
Occurrences
Not offered 2026, offered in 2025
For further information see MUSA300 course details
Points
15 points
MUSA311
Composition Studio
Description
MUSA311 presents a range of approaches to working with musical materials across musical genres. Students learn about aspects of computer assisted composition, principles of vocal writing, high level structuring processes, scoring for Taonga Puoro, and explore ways to incorporate these into their own creative practice. Students at 300 level students gain experience in tiered mentoring.
Occurrences
Not offered 2026, offered in 2022 , 2024
For further information see MUSA311 course details
Points
30 points
MUSA313
Composition in Context
Description
MUSA313 explores practical applications of advanced compositional concepts in a variety of situations. Students learn about working with sound and images in different artistic contexts; study the pivotal role of timbre in certain genres of popular, contemporary art music, and Taonga Puoro; and explore approaches to combining electronic and instrumental sounds. Students experience tiered mentoring.
Occurrences
Not offered 2026, offered in 2023 , 2025
For further information see MUSA313 course details
Points
30 points
MUSA326
Creative Audio Coding
Description
MUSA326 introduces fundamental programming principles and demonstrates how to deploy these in creative musical situations. Topics include advanced concepts in algorithmic composition, sound spatialization, synthesis methods, and live coding.
Occurrences
Not offered 2026
For further information see MUSA326 course details
Points
30 points
MUSA327
Sonic Interfaces
Description
MUSA327 teaches design skills for creating interactive digital sound environments. Topics include microprocessor configuration and programming, basic electronic circuit design, and configuring sensors. Lectures will also explore the historical context of interactive devices in sound art since the mid 20th century, from early practices in hardware hacking to DIY digital instruments to contemporary "maker" culture.
Occurrences
Not offered 2026
For further information see MUSA327 course details
Points
30 points
MUSA331
Music in the Age of Revolutions
Description
Western music history from the late 18th to the early 20th centuries, exploring innovations in music and the radical social and cultural ideas and developments that underpinned them.
Occurrences
Not offered 2026
For further information see MUSA331 course details
Points
15 points
MUSA333
Popular Music in Context
Description
An exploration of contemporary popular music styles from a range of genres, and their historical significance and wider contexts, including music for film and television, and the rise of music video.
Occurrences
Not offered 2026, offered in 2014 , 2015 , 2016 , 2018 , 2020
For further information see MUSA333 course details
Points
15 points
MUSA337
Early Music
Description
Case studies in early music history and performance practice, ranging from the impact of church and state from the 12th to the 17th centuries, to ideas underpinning the contemporary historically-informed performance movement.
Occurrences
Not offered 2026, offered in 2025
For further information see MUSA337 course details
Points
15 points