Course Overview

Ready to turn your love of music into a career? This one-year music course is ideal for anyone wanting to get their music career started. It focuses on developing your performance skills and providing an introduction to music technology. You’ll learn about how to write music from theory to composition.

Playing and recording in on-campus, professional studios will also provide you with a base knowledge of music recording. Production wise you will learn how to use PA systems and DAW software. 

Our industry-skilled tutors will help you develop your musical talent through an instrument or vocal mode. There will be lots of opportunities to practice your performance, gain industry connections and work with other students. 

Skills for working in the music industry are also part of this course from business skills, to how to plan your pathway in the industry and promote your own music.

Upon successfully completing the requirements you'll receive the award of:

  • New Zealand Certificate in Music (Level 4)
Locations Rotorua, Tauranga
Next intake Feb 2025 View more details
Study options

1 year full-time, including holidays (if applicable)
Total credits 120
StudyLink assistance Available
Indicative Fees $6,741 for domestic students View full fees information
Eligibility View entry criteria

To see the information for international students change your location using the button at the top right of the screen.

Career opportunities

  • Musician
  • Technician
  • Road Manager/Coordinator
  • Festival Organiser/Assistant

Topics you'll cover

  • Music Theory
  • Composition
  • Musical Instrument
  • Music Technology
  • Performance 
  • Music Industry
  • Music Identity

Course Fees

Indicative Fees * $6,741 for domestic students

Your final fee may vary if:

  • you have a choice of topics/papers to study
  • the qualification excludes GST
  • there are extra course materials to purchase
  • student levies apply

We’ll let you know if any of these apply to you.

* Important fee information, and hints and tips

Help with fees

Are you Eligible for Free Fees?

There are several ways to take advantage of free study at Toi Ohomai. Find out how on our Fees Free FAQ page.

Student Loans and Allowances

This course meets the requirements for student allowance and student loan applications through StudyLink.

  • A student loan helps to pay for your course fees (the compulsory fees), study materials e.g. books, equipment, and living costs. You'll have to pay this money back.
  • A student allowance is a weekly payment that can help with your living expenses while you're studying. You don't have to pay the money back.

Find out more and apply at studylink.govt.nz

Scholarships

Scholarships are one way you might be able to get some financial help. Any scholarships specifically related to this course are shown below, otherwise check out the full list of scholarships promoted by Toi Ohomai.

Course Entry Information

Entry criteria

  • Open entry
  • All applicants are required to attend an audition to demonstrate their instrumental or vocal abilities

Information Session

You’ll be invited to an information meeting. This is your opportunity to find out more about the course content and to make sure you're on the most appropriate course for your career aspirations and current level of experience.

Standard Entry Criteria

Admission, entry, selection, and enrolment into programmes will be in accordance with the Academic Regulations and/or, where approved, specific programme regulations.

For courses at Level 4, domestic students will normally be required to have:

NCEA Level 2 with passes in English/Te Reo Māori or education achievement at least equivalent to NCEA Level 2; OR

Evidence of ability to complete academic and any other programme requirements.

Other Considerations

  • All applicants are required to attend an audition to demonstrate their instrumental or vocal proficiency.

English language requirements

Level 4 certificate IELTS General or Academic score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5 or completed New Zealand Certificate in English Language Level 3 with an endorsement of either General, Workplace or Academic, or meets a relevant English Proficiency Outcome as outlined by NZQA.

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Course Locations and Intake Information

Location Campus Start Date
Rotorua Mokoia Campus 17 Feb 2025 Apply now
Tauranga Windermere Campus 17 Feb 2025 Apply now

Study options

  • 1 year full-time, including holidays (if applicable)

Important dates

View calendar of start dates and events

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Further Study Options

Courses Currently Under Development at Toi Ohomai, or Offered at Other Institutions

  • New Zealand Diploma in Music (Level 5)
  • New Zealand Certificate in Communications Media (Level 5)