Graduate Diploma in Contemporary Music
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2024-02-12 | - |
| 2025-02-17 | - |
Program Overview
The Graduate Diploma in Contemporary Music at SIT is a one-year program designed to equip graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary for success in the contemporary music industry. The program offers a unique blend of theoretical and practical learning, allowing students to develop their musical talents and professional skills while connecting with industry professionals. Graduates are prepared for careers in various fields of the contemporary music industry, such as performance, songwriting, composition, music education, and music therapy.
Program Outline
Graduate Diploma in Contemporary Music: A Comprehensive Analysis
Degree Overview:
Overall Goal:
The Graduate Diploma in Contemporary Music aims to equip graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in the contemporary music industry, meeting the expectations of practitioners, clients, and the industry at large. Graduates will acquire critical thinking and independent learning skills, alongside in-depth knowledge of contemporary music, while enhancing their professional skills in their chosen area of expertise. This program may also serve as a stepping stone to postgraduate studies.
Who Should Apply:
This program is ideal for individuals who:
- Have completed a degree in a different discipline but have a passion for music.
- Wish to enhance their professional skills in the contemporary music industry.
- Aim to pursue further studies in music therapy, music education, or music research.
- Desire a career as a performer, songwriter, composer, music arranger, music educator, or music writer.
What You Will Learn:
Through this program, you will gain expertise in:
- Advanced music theory and aural skills.
- Composition and arranging techniques for various creative processes and concepts.
- Performance practice and technical development in your chosen instrumental major (including voice).
- Music education principles and practices relevant to different age groups and contexts.
- The business and legal aspects of the creative industries, including music.
- Research skills and methodologies specific to the creative arts.
- Professional development and project management skills.
Bachelor's Degree: While the Graduate Diploma provides a focused, specialized program, the Bachelor of Contemporary Music offers a broader and more comprehensive education. Students choose from a schedule of papers across both levels to tailor their learning experience.
Level 6 Electives:
- Music Theory and Aural 2: Develops advanced music theory and analysis skills.
- Contemporary Composition Studies 2: Explores advanced composition and arranging techniques.
- Practical Studies 3: Focuses on performance development and technical extension in chosen instrumental major.
- Practical Studies 4: Continues development in performance and technical skills in chosen instrumental major.
- Contextual Studies 2: Introduces research methodologies and prepares students for professional practice.
- Music Education Studies 1: Explores the principles and practices of music education in Aotearoa/New Zealand.
- Songwriting: Develops advanced songwriting skills and techniques.
- CIB601 Creative Industries Business and Legal: Explores the business and legal aspects of the creative industries.
Level 7 Electives:
- Music Theory and Aural 3: Further develops advanced music theory and aural skills.
- Professional Project: Pursue a personal area of interest in music, culminating in a substantial portfolio of work.
- Practical Studies 5: Plan, prepare, and implement a group tour to selected venues in the South Island of New Zealand.
- Music Education Studies 2: Critically examines philosophical, historical, and social issues related to music and music education.
- BCM790 Special Project: Investigate a music-related topic, subject to Programme Manager approval.
- Two Elective Papers: Approved by the Programme Manager, chosen from other SIT programs.
Assessment:
Assessment methods vary depending on the chosen paper and may include:
- Examinations
- Assignments
- Presentations
- Performances
- Portfolios
- Project work Assessment criteria are designed to evaluate students' understanding of theoretical concepts, practical skills, critical thinking, and creative abilities.
Teaching:
Teaching Methods:
The program utilizes a variety of teaching methods, including:
- Lectures
- Tutorials
- Workshops
- Individual tuition
- Group work
- Online learning
Faculty:
The program is delivered by experienced and qualified faculty members who are active practitioners in the contemporary music industry.
Unique Approaches:
The program offers several unique features, including:
- Focus on industry-relevant skills and knowledge.
- Strong emphasis on practical learning through performance and project work.
- Flexibility to customize learning through elective paper choices.
- Opportunities for professional development and networking within the industry.
Careers:
Career Paths:
Graduates of the program are prepared for careers in various fields of the contemporary music industry, such as:
- Performer
- Songwriter
- Composer (film, television, theatre)
- Music arranger
- Music educator
- Music writer
- Music therapist
- Music researcher
Potential Employers:
Graduates may find employment in:
- Music production companies
- Record labels
- Performing arts organizations
- Educational institutions
- Media organizations
- Music therapy clinics
- The program is offered full-time and can be completed in one year.
- Applicants must attend a live audition or provide a high-quality CD/links to an audition performance.
- Two confidential references are required.
Keywords:
- Graduate Diploma in Contemporary Music
- SIT
- Contemporary music
- Music industry
- Musicianship
- Performance
- Composition
- Education
- Research
- Careers
Conclusion:
The Graduate Diploma in Contemporary Music at SIT provides a comprehensive and industry-focused program designed to equip graduates with the skills and knowledge necessary for success in a competitive and dynamic field. The program offers a unique blend of theoretical and practical learning, allowing students to develop their musical talents and professional skills while connecting with industry professionals.
