Why Study/Key Benefits

• Develop confidence and practical ability as a contemporary musician.

• Learn from professional musician tutors, including through individual coaching.

• Develop instrumental or vocal performance skills, music theory, songwriting and music production.

• Gain experience performing individually and in ensembles.

• Learn to use recording equipment, digital audio workstations and public-address (PA) systems.

• Develop skills in composition, arranging, lyric writing and music recording.

• Understand the contemporary music industry in New Zealand and internationally.

• Explore music copyright, publishing, funding, financial planning and professional career development.

• Work alongside students with different musical interests, styles and creative backgrounds.

• Use Ara's music studios, rehearsal rooms and performance spaces for practical learning and creative projects

Programme Structure and Subjects/Topics

The 2026 Ara programme handbook identifies eight compulsory Level 4 courses, each worth 15 credits.

Music Fundamentals:

• Music Fundamentals 1 – CMUS401 – 15 credits.

• Music Fundamentals 2 – CMUS402 – 15 credits.

Music Performance:

• Music Performance 1 – CMUS411 – 15 credits.

• Music Performance 2 – CMUS412 – 15 credits.

Music Writing and Technology:

• Music Writing and Technology 1 – CMUS421 – 15 credits.

• Music Writing and Technology 2 – CMUS422 – 15 credits.

Contemporary Music Industry:

• Contemporary Music Industry 1 – CMUS431 – 15 credits.

• Contemporary Music Industry 2 – CMUS432 – 15 credits.

Total: 120 credits.

The handbook shows that the second course in each sequence has a prerequisite:

• CMUS402 requires CMUS401.

• CMUS412 requires CMUS411.

• CMUS422 requires CMUS421.

• CMUS432 follows CMUS431.

Main learning topics include:

• Music theory, notation and aural skills.

• Instrumental and vocal technique.

• Solo and ensemble performance.

• Contemporary rock and pop music.

• Contemporary music styles and genres.

• Composition, arranging and songwriting.

• Lyric writing.

• Digital audio workstation skills.

• Recording and music production.

• Stagecraft and production equipment.

• Safe operation of PA systems.

• Music-industry roles and career pathways.

• Copyright, publishing, funding and business fundamentals.

Disciplines/Specialisations

The qualification focuses on contemporary music. It does not list separate formal specialisations.

Its main study areas include:

• Contemporary music performance.

• Instrumental performance.

• Vocal performance.

• Music theory and musicianship.

• Songwriting and composition.

• Music writing and arranging.

• Digital music technology.

• Recording and music production.

• Contemporary music industry and professional practice.

Programme Highlights

• One-year full-time Level 4 certificate.

• 120 credits.

• February 2027 intake at Christchurch.

• Full-time and part-time study options.

• Professional musician tutors and individual coaching.

• Practical performance and rehearsal opportunities.

• Dedicated studios, rehearsal rooms and performance facilities.

• Development of instrumental, vocal and ensemble performance skills.

• Songwriting, composition and recording projects.

• Digital audio workstation and music production learning.

• Study of copyright, publishing, funding and music-industry business practices.

• A pathway towards Ara's Bachelor of Music, particularly for students who do not have the equivalent of New Zealand University Entrance qualifications.

Career Outcomes

Ara identifies the following career opportunities for graduates:

• Entry-level musician.

• Performing musician.

• Self-employed musician.

Graduates may also use the skills developed through the programme to pursue opportunities in:

• Live music performance.

• Solo or group performance.

• Songwriting and composition.

• Music recording and production support.

• Music-related creative projects.

• Performance at venues, schools, theatres and corporate functions.

Latest Updates/Special Requirements

• Ara's current programme page lists February 2027 as the next intake, with applications received throughout the year.

• The 2026 programme handbook is the latest detailed handbook identified for NZ3418 in the sources reviewed.

• The 2026 handbook describes the qualification as a one-year, 120-credit programme and sets a maximum completion period of three years.

• Audition and selection are compulsory. Applicants should prepare to demonstrate their instrumental or vocal ability, aural skills and basic music theory.

• Students should bring their instrument and note-taking materials for the programme's first-day activities, as indicated in the 2026 handbook.

• International learners are invited to attend both international orientation and programme orientation.

• The 2026 handbook defines satisfactory academic progress for international learners as 100% attendance and successful completion of at least 75% of courses.

• Ara requires learners to follow its academic integrity rules. AI-generated work must not be presented as the student's own work.

International Student Visa Requirements

Ara's programme page indicates that the New Zealand Certificate in Music (Level 4) may be available for a Student Visa. International applicants must still meet Immigration New Zealand's requirements and receive an eligible offer of place.

Fee Paying Student Visa requirements:

• An offer of place from an approved New Zealand education provider.

• Evidence of sufficient funds to pay tuition fees, or evidence of an applicable scholarship.

• Evidence of sufficient funds for living expenses.

• Acceptable medical and travel insurance for the period of stay.

• Evidence of good health and character.

• Genuine intention to study in New Zealand.

• Evidence of onward travel or sufficient funds to leave New Zealand at the end of the authorised stay.

Living-cost funds:

• For tertiary study lasting one year or more, Immigration New Zealand requires NZD $20,000 per year for living expenses, or an acceptable sponsor.

• For study lasting less than one year, the requirement is NZD $1,667 per month.

• The programme is one year full-time, so the relevant living-cost benchmark is NZD $20,000.

• Living funds are separate from tuition fees and travel costs.

• Students planning to study for more than one year should also provide a credible plan for funding subsequent years if relevant.

Student visa work rights:

• Eligible student visa holders may be allowed to work up to 25 hours per week during study.

• Full-time work may be permitted during scheduled holidays, depending on the visa conditions.

• Students must check the specific work rights stated on their eVisa or visa letter.

• Work rights are not automatic and depend on the visa granted.

Attendance and academic progress:

• Students must attend the course specified on their visa and make satisfactory academic progress.

• Ara's 2026 programme handbook states that international learners are expected to maintain 100% attendance and successfully complete at least 75% of their courses.

• Students must maintain acceptable medical and travel insurance throughout their stay.

Visa cost and processing:

• Fee Paying Student Visa cost: from NZD $850.

• Immigration New Zealand currently indicates that 80% of applications are processed within 7 weeks.

• Students are advised to apply at least three months before their intended travel date.

• Visa fees and processing times may change.