Why Study/Key Benefits

For students considering the current Bachelor of Commercial Music, Massey offers:

• Practical development in songwriting, composition, musicianship, performance and music production.
• Access to industry-standard music software and hardware, recording studios and rehearsal facilities.
• Opportunities to work collaboratively on music events, recordings, music videos, online promotion and other music projects.
• Exposure to the business, political, economic and philosophical dimensions of the commercial music industry.
• Teaching from lecturers who are active in the music industry as performers, producers, recording artists, touring professionals and music-business practitioners.
• Development of a portfolio of creative projects and practical industry experience. 

Programme Structure and Subjects/Topics

The current Bachelor of Commercial Music structure covers:

• Music performance and practice
• Songwriting and composition
• Music production
• Music business
• Music content creation and branding
• Live music events and showcases
• Music revenue streams
• Professional cultures
• Music media
• Contemporary musicology
• Critical studies
• Music philosophy
• Political economy of music
• Major/creative project development
• Portfolio development.

Examples from the current structure include:

• 133150 Live Music Showcases – staging and promoting live music events.
• 133167 Introduction to the Music Business – music industries in the Aotearoa New Zealand context and entrepreneurial music projects.
• 133267 Music Content Creation and Branding – development of music or artist brands.
• 133278 Music Revenue Streams – how revenue is generated and how businesses operate across the music industries.
• 133350 Major Project Pre-Production – development of a major music project.

The former Music Practice course set included:

• 133175 Musicianship and Stagecraft
• 133176 Songwriting, Production and Composition
• 133275 Music Performance Practice
• 133276 Music Collaboration and Co-Writing
• 133375 Artistry and Music Performance
• 133376 Music Production and Arrangement
• 133378 Major Project.

Disciplines/Specialisations

The current Bachelor of Commercial Music no longer uses the previous major structure for new students. Massey's current programme information describes the degree as being awarded with or without a major.

The previous specialisations included:

• Music Practice
• Music Industry
• Music Technology
• Matauranga Toi Maori

Programme Highlights

• 360-credit Bachelor of Commercial Music.
• 3 years full-time.
• Wellington campus.
• Industry-focused music education.
• Industry-standard recording, production and rehearsal facilities.
• Active music-industry practitioners teaching students.
• Practical work involving recordings, events, music media, promotion and creative projects.
• Opportunities to develop a professional portfolio.
• Current programme structure incorporates music production, performance, content creation, business, critical studies and professional cultures.

Career Outcomes

The former Music Practice information identifies career opportunities such as:

• Performing musician
• Songwriter
• Composer
• Music producer
• Recording artist
• Touring musician
• Composer for film, television and games
• Music creator for apps and digital platforms
• Writer/producer for other artists
• Entrepreneurial and online music careers. 

Latest Updates/Special Requirements

This is the most important section for a student applying now.

• The supplied Music Practice programme page is still live, but it represents the previous structure.
• Massey's current regulations mark Music Practice as “No new enrolments.”
• Massey's current College of Creative Arts page states that the Bachelor of Commercial Music is now a fully open-entry qualification and that it no longer has majors.
• The former Music Practice area is now associated with the Music Performance and Composition minor.
• Admission to the overall Bachelor of Commercial Music no longer requires an audition.
• However, enrolment approval for 133175 Musicianship and Stagecraft requires a successful live audition or performance portfolio.
• The 2027 Massey admission system is currently being updated; the application may still ask for an intended “major,” but Massey says this is only an indication of the student's area of interest and does not affect admission.
• The current Bachelor of Commercial Music page says applications for the qualification will open soon.