New Zealand Certificate in Music (Level 4)
Build confidence as a performing contemporary musician.
Contemporary music is built through practice: playing, listening, rehearsing, performing and learning how the industry works. You’ll develop your voice as a musician while strengthening the practical skills needed for live and recorded performance.
This programme brings together performance, music theory, songwriting and digital production, with opportunities to rehearse and perform in ensemble settings. You’ll also explore contemporary music in Aotearoa New Zealand and globally, including industry roles, copyright, publishing, funding, financial planning and professional practice.
Key features
- Professional musician tutors:
Learn through one-on-one coaching with tutors who are working professional musicians.
- Collaborative music environment:
Work alongside musicians from different pathways, styles and creative interests.
- Performance-ready spaces:
Perform every day in dedicated music facilities including studios, rehearsal rooms and performance spaces.
- Practical music projects:
Apply your skills through performances, recordings, compositions and creative outputs.
What you'll learn
- Music theory, notation and aural skills
- Instrumental or vocal technique
- Solo and ensemble performance
- Contemporary music styles and genres
- Stagecraft and production equipment
- Composition, arranging and songwriting
- Lyric writing techniques
- Digital audio workstation skills
- Recording and music production processes
- Safe use of PA systems
- Music industry roles and pathways
- Copyright, publishing, funding and business basics
Fees for 2026
10 NCEA Level 1 literacy credits
You must Attend an audition to assess: instrumental or vocal skills and ability, aural skills, basic musical theory skills, ability and potential to study music.
Still want to study but don't meet the Academic Requirements?
If you show that you have equivalent skills for tertiary study gained through study, work and/or life experience, you may be able to gain alternative entry.
Note: The number of courses you have to complete for this qualification may be reduced where you have relevant credits from previous study, or evidence of similar learning or experience in the workplace.
What if English is not my first Language?
If English is not your first language, we want to make sure that you will be successful in your chosen programme of study.
- Please provide a result from a test or qualification on the acceptable alternatives
- If you are a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent Resident, complete an Admission and Enrolment form and Ara will contact you regarding a free assessment.
- If you are not a New Zealand Citizen or Permanent resident, please book a PTE Academic test through the Ara Examination Centre or complete an NZQA-approved English language test in your home country.
- IELTS scores used must be taken from a single IELTS Test Report Form and are valid for two years from the date of the test.
- What if I have achieved NCEA Level 3 University Entrance?
- You do not need to provide additional evidence of English Language skills.
Overall IELTS 5.5 Academic
- 5.0 Listening
- 5.0 Reading
- 5.0 Writing
- 5.0 Speaking
A selection process will take place for this programme. This will be based on application information including the ability to play a musical instrument and/or sing competently and perform in front of others.
Funding assistance
If you experience financial hardship during your studies, you may be eligible for funding, scholarships, and awards to help you continue your education.
Find out moreCareer opportunities
- Entry-level musician
- Performing musician
- Self-employed musician
Study pathways
This programme is an ideal preparation for the Bachelor of Music Arts, particularly if you don't have the equivalent of University Entrance academic qualifications to achieve that goal.
New Zealand Certificate in Music (Level 4)
Build confidence as a performing contemporary musician.
| Information | |
|---|---|
| Type | Certificate |
| Code | NZ3418 |
| Next starts | February 2027 |
| May be available for Study Visa? | Yes |
| International application close date | Received all year |
| Credits | 120 |
| Level | 4 |
| May be eligible for Studylink? | Yes |
| May be eligible for Fees Free? | Yes |
| Reference | NZ3418-STRU |
Fees for 2026
Additional Entry Requirements
You must Attend an audition to assess: instrumental or vocal skills and ability, aural skills, basic musical theory skills, ability and potential to study music.
See overview for moreCredit Recognition
Translate your knowledge from previous study into credits towards a new qualification.
Apply for credit recognitionDocuments
- Admission & Enrolment Form PDF, 425 KB
- International Application Form PDF, 357 KB
Area of Interest
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