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

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