Waikato Institute of Technology (Wintec)

Bachelor of Music and Performing Arts

This degree is for those who want to find their own musical voice and actively engage and learn in a flexible and authentic environment.

Students will have 24-hour access to recording studios and practice/rehearsal spaces, including fully equipped production edit suites. Students will have the opportunity to undertake collaborative real-world projects with students from other disciplines, and with industry. The degree has pathways in Performance, Audio Production, Composition and Theatre.

Academic staff in this programme are all active practitioners within their fields, including staff who are composers, arrangers, musical theatre directors, actors, musical directors for theatre, studio producers, songwriters, sonic artists, and classical, jazz and popular performers.

Theatre
Our Theatre endorsement is for creatives who want to pursue a variety of theatre pathways from arena musicals to intimate plays, dance shows to cabaret. Students will learn fundamental skills relating to:

• Acting techniques
• Voice and movement
• Directing and producing
• Stage managing or designing sets, sound and lighting.

Students will be taught on-stage in theatre environments, learning from some of New Zealand’s directors, choreographers, actors, musical directors, and writers. Students will be provided with opportunities to perform regularly within the Wintec Music and Performing Arts scene, and will be encouraged to audition for and participate in community, regional and national productions while studying.

Audio production
Our Audio Production endorsement is for creatives who want to learn how to capture and shape sound in innovative ways. Students will learn fundamental skills relating to: 

• Audio engineering Mixing
• Sound designing
• Producing

Student will technically engage with a wide range of music and multimedia contexts and develop a heightened sense of listening. Students will develop an understanding of the technologies and innovations of how sound is captured, manipulated and reproduced.  

Composition
Our Composition endorsement is for creatives who wish to craft the elements of music. Students will learn fundamental skills relating to:

• Songwriting
• Music and multimedia
• Notation and recording technology
• Instrumental genres and styles including film/game music, classical music, and sound art

While music can be created as a standalone art form, it is more commonly experienced alongside video/film, theatre, games and other emergent technologies. Students will develop control of the technology needed to craft the elements of music for a range of musical genres. 

Performance
Our Performance endorsement is for creatives who wish to perform original music in a live and studio setting. Students will learn fundamental skills relating to:

• Vocal and instrumental technique
• Performance stagecraft
• Vocal, instrumental, and ensemble performance
• Studio recording
• Songwriting

Students will develop a richer understanding of musical interpretation, as well enhance their practical, creative and critical skills to become a professional musician in a variety of performance settings. As part of the performance strand, students will have opportunities to learn from professional teachers to develop technical skills on their chosen instrument/voice.

Hamilton City Campus