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University home Creative home A BO UT O ur faculty Schools, programmes and centres School of Music Study options Bachelor of Music (BMus) Jazz Performance
major

Jazz Performance major

Overview | Performance teachers | Student profile | Degree structure | How to apply

Overview
Core training in jazz revolves around developing a great understanding of improvisational based music, and as such, improvisation is at
the heart of our programme. With a focus on improvisational methods through memory, transcription and analysis, students also
advance their instrumental proficiency, and deepen their knowledge of jazz history and theory to provide a well-rounded knowledge of
the genre.
Throughout the programme, the opportunity to perform in recitals and concerts act not only as assessment tools, but preparatory gigs
as students develop the skills required to perform as both band leader and band member. Collaborations are a major part of the jazz
community, and these are actively fostered within our programme. A benefit of the Universitys School of Music is that the students of
the jazz, classical and popular music majors have opportunity to work together and learn from each others practice.
Performing is often the main career choice for our graduates, however many supplement a successful playing career with roles in
teaching, composing, arts administration or management, or academic research.

Performance teachers
We understand that decisions about where to study music are often based upon the calibre of the teachers and the teacher-student
relationship. You can review our available instrument and performance teachers by discipline here. You are invited to contact staff
directly with any queries you may have. If your desired instrument is not listed please, contact us.
Our Jazz Performance major is taught by some of New Zealands leading names in jazz. Staff are well connected in the industry locally
and internationally, and these connections provide exciting learning and performance opportunities for students. Through collectives
such as Creative Jazz Club Aotearoa students have the chance to share the stage with their teachers and visiting musicians, performing
both original works and music from the jazz repertoire.

Student profile
"At the School of Music, our main focus is the jazz of about the
1940s, so we don't explore Latin jazz as much as swing or bebop.
So when I was having a jam with some friends, playing a Latin
piece, we struck a bit of trouble. All three of us were playing
something which was 'correct', but the piano, bass and drums just
werent fitting together. Each played a rhythm which worked on its
own, but when put together, they werent matching up.
"I decided to apply for a Summer Research Scholarship to
investigate this; explore the roots and patterns of Latin Jazz with a
goal of producing a quick-reference guide book. As jazz musicians,
we will be expected to have at least a working knowledge of Latin
jazz, so I decided a resource of quick solutions when you're
wanting to play Brazilian or Afro-Cuban music would be very Check out Denholm 's 2016 postgraduate recital.
beneficial."

Denholm has completed a Bachelor of Music / Bachelor of Science conjoint degree, and is quoted heading into his BMus

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(Honours) year.

Degree structure
In the first year you will develop your instrumental technique and improvisational skills through in-depth study of scales, rhythm,
harmony and relevant music analysis. In your second year and beyond, you will continue to develop your performance practice through
stylistic, interpretive and literary methods. Working in large and small ensembles refines your musical literacy within the context of
performance. With repertoire anywhere from the 1920s to contemporary jazz, you will develop your musicianship style, improvisation,
composition, arrangement and performance. Advanced studies of theory, arranging and composition allows for a deeper understanding of
the mechanisms of music making and will help to fuel your creativity.
You will also take two General Education courses offered by other faculties from across the University to acquire a broader range of skills
and understanding, and be exposed to cross-disciplinary research.
You can download a degree planner below, which outlines your course content and programme structure in more detail. You can also
find course prescriptions in the University Calendar.
BMus Jazz Performance Major degree planner Music undergraduate course list 2017
(111.0 kB, PDF) (97.5 kB, PDF)

If you are planning to undertake a conjoint programme, these course planners below outline the structure of each degree:
Bachelor of Arts / Bachelor of Music conjoint degree planner - Jazz Performance
(134.3 kB, PDF)
Bachelor of Commerce / Bachelor of Music conjoint degree planner - Jazz Performance
(131.5 kB, PDF)
Bachelor of Engineering (Honours) / Bachelor of Music conjoint degree planner - Jazz Performance
(96.9 kB, PDF)
Bachelor of Music / Bachelor of Laws conjoint degree planner - Jazz Performance
(79.3 kB, PDF)
Bachelor of Music / Bachelor of Science conjoint degree planner - Jazz Performance
(134.9 kB, PDF)

Further study
The BMus, and associated conjoint programmes, lead into further study options at the School of Music. Our postgraduate degree
programmes encourage initiative, critical analysis and independent thought about music in social, cultural and academic contexts as well
as creative excellence.
Research programmes
Master of Music (MMus)
Doctor of Music (DMus)
Doctor of Musical Arts (DMA)
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Taught programmes
Bachelor of Music (Honours) (BMus(Hons))
Postgraduate Diploma in Music (PGDipMus)
Graduate Diploma in Music (GradDipMus)

How to apply
To apply for this programme you must:

Complete the Application for Admission.

Upload a CV - Statement of musical background* including a referee contact email address.
Attend a live audition. Jazz Performance Audition Guidelines

*Your statement of musical background should list all relevant musical training and performing experience (professional and amateur),
including involvement in community and extracurricular music activities. Also include details of any musical prizes/awards you have
received. Your referee should be your current instrumental/music teacher who can comment on your musical work and your suitability
for study.
You must also achieve the published rank score. Selection will be based on the combined strength of your academic achievement,
audition and statement of musical background.
More information on entry requirements and rank scores

Get in touch
Creative Arts and Industries Student Centre
Level 2, Building 421
(Architecture and Planning Building)
26 Symonds St

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 Auckland
Open Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm
Email: info-creative@auckland.ac.nz

Tours How to apply Download a prospectus Degree enrolment info Join the mailing list

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