- Where you can study
-
Wellington campus
-
International students
International students are not New Zealand citizens or residents.
- Open to international students on campus in New Zealand
- Note:
- Note: Selected entry qualification .
Specialise in Music Practice for your Bachelor of Commercial Music at Massey
In the Music Practice major, you’ll learn songwriting, composition, musicianship and performance from some of New Zealand’s top musicians and professionals. The Bachelor of Commercial Music has strong connections with the music industry in New Zealand and around the globe, guaranteeing you an immersive, real-world focused music education.
You’ll develop your writing and performing craft in your instrument or interface of choice—that could be an instrument, your voice or your computer. Learn to produce and compose music with industry-standard software and hardware, in some of the best facilities in the Southern Hemisphere.
Engage critically with the music industry, considering the philosophy, politics and economics of commercial music.
Work with fellow students across the Commercial Music degree to work on gigs, tours, music videos and online promotion. You’ll learn to be a working musician with the practical skills, connections and experience to make it in the music industry.
Further study
Extend your study with postgraduate research in the Bachelor of Commercial Music (Honours) or a Master of Commercial Music.
A Bachelor of Commercial Music in Music Practice is a good fit if you:
- love creating and experimenting with new music
- want to master industry-standard production tools
- dream of your music being heard across the world.
Planning information
Planning information
If you study full-time, in your first year, you’ll take eight 15-credit courses, making a total of 120 credits.
If you wish to study over two semesters, you should aim for 60 credits per semester. You may be able to take some courses at summer school. Make sure you include courses that are prerequisites for the next level of courses you wish to study.
More information: ‘Creative Arts qualification guides’.
Official regulations
To understand what you need to study and must complete to graduate read the official rules and regulations for this qualification.
You should read these together with all other relevant Statutes and Regulations of the University including the General Regulations for Undergraduate Degrees, Undergraduate Diplomas, Undergraduate Certificates, Graduate Diplomas and Graduate Certificates.
Returning students
For returning students, there may be changes to the majors and minors available and the courses you need to take. Go to the section called ‘Transitional Provisions’ in the Regulations to find out more.
In some cases the qualification or specialisation you enrolled in may be no longer be taking new enrolments, so may not appear on these web pages. To find information on the regulations for these qualifications go to the Massey University Calendar.
Please contact us through the Get advice button on this page if you have any questions.
Courses you can enrol in
Courses you can enrol in
Core courses for the Bachelor of Commercial Music
As well as the specialisation courses listed below, this qualification has core courses that you will need to complete.
Bachelor of Commercial Music core courses
Music Practice courses
Compulsory courses
Course code: 133175 Musicianship and Stagecraft 15 credits
In this course students develop their music performance skills, through a focus on mixed ensemble groups, musicianship, and stagecraft.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133176 Songwriting, Production and Composition 15 credits
This course will introduce students to songwriting, composition and music production. Students apply songwriting, composition, and production techniques as they gain practical knowledge of using DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations) to create their own music.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133275 Music Performance Practice 15 credits
In this course students engage in their musical practice through performance. Through a combination of instrument specific and mixed ensemble groups students are supported to gain a professional level of technical and artistic skill.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133276 Music Collaboration and Co-Writing 15 credits
In this course, students engage in intermediate-level study of composition and production techniques for collaborative musical outcomes. Expanding on knowledge of composition, arrangement, and digital audio workstations (DAWs), students refine creative and technical skills. Students develop an intermediate level of composition and production skills suitable for collaborative commercial and experimental musical contexts.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133375 Artistry and Music Performance 15 credits
In this course students engage in advanced study of their musical practice. Through a combination of instrument specific and mixed ensemble groups, students are supported in achieving an advanced level of technical and artistic skill. Musical materials will be delivered and appropriate to the students musical discipline and chosen genre(s).
View full course detailsCourse code: 133376 Music Production and Arrangement 15 credits
In this course, students engage in advanced study of composition and production, focusing on developing a musical voice within the field. Through an in-depth exploration of composition and production techniques, students refine their ability to craft compelling musical works. Students will undertake self-directed projects, engage with industry-standard workflows, and prepare musical work that reflects an advanced level of creative and technical proficiency for musical pursuits.
View full course detailsCourse code: 133378 Major Project 30 credits
In this course students work to produce and realise an ambitious major music project by means of self-directed study under professional mentorship appropriate to their music area.
View full course detailsEntry requirements
Entry requirements
Admission to Massey
All students must meet university entrance requirements to be admitted to the University.
Specific requirements
This is a selected entry qualification. This means there are extra requirements you must meet in addition to gaining entry University Entrance.
You must register for an audition for the Bachelor of Commercial Music (Music Practice). You should apply for entry to this degree before registering for your audition and you will be assessed for selection into the qualification.
Due dates
Music Practice
- Semester One: 15 January
- Semester Two: 15 June
Late applications may be accepted, subject to available spaces.
English language requirements
To study this qualification you must meet Massey University's English language standards.
English language skills
If you need help with your English language skills before you start university, see our English for Academic Purposes (EAP) courses.
Can't meet the entry requirements?
If your Music Practice audition is unsuccessful you can still consider a Bachelor of Commercial Music with the Music Technology or Music Industry majors.
Fees and scholarships
Fees and scholarships
2026 tuition fees
- Domestic students: $8,420
- International students: $42,110
Tuition fees are estimates only. The exact fees charged will depend on which courses you select at the time of enrolment. The estimates are for full-time study (120 credits). Fees are in New Zealand dollars and include Goods and Services Tax (GST).
The estimates do not include the Student Services Fee. This fee is $1,164 for on-campus students and $948 for distance students for full-time study (120 credits). For more information about this fee and other fees you may need to pay, see non-tuition fees.
There may also be charges for things such as study resources, software, trips and contact workshops.
Course fees
You can view fees for the courses that make up your qualification on the course details pages.
Student loans (StudyLink) and Fees Free scheme
You may be eligible for a student loan to help towards paying your fees.
The New Zealand Government offers fees-free tertiary study for eligible domestic students. Find out more about the scheme, including how much could be covered and your eligibility on the Inland Revenue website.
Careers and job opportunities
Careers and job opportunities
Our graduates perform on stage at major festivals, tour New Zealand and the world, and see their records and singles in the NZ Hot 20 charts.
Recent developments in digital technologies and online platforms offer new and exciting entrepreneurial and employment careers in the music industry. Musicians can compose for films, TV, games, apps and digital platforms, and write and produce for other artists.
International students
International students
New Zealand is a great place to study. Massey University’s reputation is supported by our international rankings, accreditations and associations. We are rated five star plus by the QS World University Rankings.
Massey University has small class sizes, and our lecturers and staff are friendly and approachable.
As an international student, there are entry requirements that will apply to you. We recommend that you apply at least three months before your anticipated start date so your application can be processed in time. There are additional steps you will need to take. These include obtaining a visa and travel bookings if your study is to be in New Zealand.
Related study options
Bachelor of Commercial Music (Honours) – BCommMus(Hons)
Refine your specialist music skills with postgraduate study in Commercial Music. Singer, DJ, lighting tech, or tour manager—whatever your jam, we’ll help you get further.
Master of Commercial Music – MCommMus
Pursue commercial music research pathways, supported through connections and partnerships with industry and the sector. Our Master of Commercial Music spans music production and recording, performance, song writing and composition for games and screen-based media, publishing, promotion and management, music technology, sound design, experimental practices, and much more.
Music Industry – Bachelor of Commercial Music
Seek out and develop new ways to work in the commercial music industry. Learn artist development, management and distribution, and how to stage live events and tours.
Music Technology – Bachelor of Commercial Music
Explore and extend how music is created, produced and heard. In Music Technology, you’ll work at the intersection of music, creativity and technology.
Mātauranga Toi Māori – Bachelor of Commercial Music
Study creative arts and help shape a future where te ao Māori is at the forefront of Aotearoa creative industries. A first for Aotearoa tertiary education, the Mātauranga Toi Māori major engages te ao Māori in any of our creative disciplines in commercial music.
Without Specialisation – Bachelor of Commercial Music
Radical shifts are happening in the global music industry. Learn how to perform, promote and produce the music of tomorrow, from leading New Zealand artists and industry specialists, in the Bachelor of Commercial Music.
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