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Kā Toi Whakaari

Music Arts

Taught by internationally acclaimed jazz and contemporary music artists in a supportive, collaborative environment, Ara's Music Arts programmes attract students from all over New Zealand who want to pursue a career in the global music industry.

Music Arts at Ara has a long and proud history of producing highly successful graduates. We welcome you to join our musical family.

Our flexible programmes allow you to specialise in jazz or contemporary performance, or transfer your skills into music production, composition, arranging, teaching, artist management, public relations or technical roles.

As a Music Arts student you'll develop your talents in New Zealand's finest purpose-built music training facilities, and have many opportunities to collaborate on projects with fellow students and tutors.

Throughout your studies you'll play and compose music in sound-proofed rehearsal and performance spaces, including a fully equipped auditorium. You'll also have access to our recording studios which are similarly well equipped, with fine musical instruments including grand pianos, a Hammond C3 organ and a selection of boutique backline.

You'll also gain inspiration from our Visiting Artist and APRA/Ara Songwriter in Residence programmes which connect students to leading local and international musicians.

Related programmes & courses

Master of Creative Practice

Gain a qualification that recognises you as a leader in creative practice.

Full-time - 1 Year
Art and Design Music Theatre (NASDA) Music

Master of Creative Practice

Gain a qualification that recognises you as a leader in creative practice.

Full-time - 1.5 Years (Part-time options available)
Starts: February
Madras Street
Art and Design Music Theatre (NASDA) Music

Postgraduate Diploma in Creative Practice

Take your professional creative career to a new level.

Full-time - 1 Year (Part-time options available)
Art and Design Music Theatre (NASDA) Music

Postgraduate Diploma in Creative Practice

Take your professional creative career to a new level.

Full-time - 1 Year (Part-time options available)
Starts: February
Madras Street
Art and Design Music Theatre (NASDA) Music

Bachelor of Music

Prepare to thrive as a professional musician.

Full-time - 3 Years (Part-time options available)
Starts: February
Madras Street
Music

New Zealand Diploma in Audio Engineering and Production (Level 6)

Take your audio engineering skills to new heights.

Full-time - 1 Year
Starts: February
Madras Street
Music

New Zealand Diploma in Audio Engineering and Production (Level 5)

Launch your career as a professional audio engineer.

Full-time - 1 Year (Part-time options available)
Starts: February
Madras Street
Music

New Zealand Certificate in Music (Level 4)

Enhance your talent with performance skills and embark on a career in the music industry.

Full-time - 1 Year
Starts: February
Madras Street
Music

New Zealand Certificate in DJ and Music Production (Level 4)

Immerse yourself in electronic music in New Zealand’s home of drum and bass with a qualification from MAINZ at Ara

Full-time - 1 Year
Starts: February
Madras Street
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Music Arts For A Day

Discover what's involved in becoming a professional musician.

4 Hours
Music