Overview

Study musicianship and performance in the popular genre of your choice — whether you’re a singer, DJ, or in a band, with Massey University's Commercial Music - Music Practice degree.

In the Music Practice major, you’ll learn songwriting, composition, musicianship and performance from some of New Zealand’s top musicians and professionals. The Bachelor of Commercial Music has strong connections with the music industry in New Zealand and around the globe, guaranteeing you an immersive, real-world focused music education.

You’ll develop your writing and performing craft in your instrument or interface of choice—that could be an instrument, your voice or your computer. Learn to produce and compose music with industry-standard software and hardware, in some of the best facilities in the Southern Hemisphere.

Engage critically with the music industry, considering the philosophy, politics and economics of commercial music.

Work with fellow students across the Commercial Music degree to work on gigs, tours, music videos and online promotion. You’ll learn to be a working musician with the practical skills, connections and experience to make it in the music industry.

Career

Our graduates perform on stage at major festivals, tour New Zealand and the world, and see their records and singles in the NZ Hot 20 charts.

Recent developments in digital technologies and online platforms offer new and exciting entrepreneurial and employment careers in the music industry. Musicians can compose for films, TV, games, apps and digital platforms, and write and produce for other artists.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Music Practice

Commercial Music

Theory

Performance

Music Practice Major Project

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 36 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2026-07-13 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-06-15 00:00:00
Starting 2027-02-23 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-15 00:00:00

More details

Applications will be considered after these dates if spaces are available.

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

105

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Credits

360 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Palmerston North, New Zealand

Disciplines

Music Music Composition View 33 other Bachelors in Music in New Zealand

Join for free or log in to access our complete career info list.

Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

105

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

This is a selected entry qualification. This means there are extra requirements you must meet in addition to gaining entry University Entrance.
You must register for an audition for the Bachelor of Commercial Music (Music Practice). You should apply for entry to this degree before registering for your audition and you will be assessed for selection into the qualification.

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items like Additional medical costs, Repatriation, Liability etc. Make sure your student insurance covers your needs.

Studyportals partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

Get your student insurance now

Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at Massey University and/or in New Zealand, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

42110 NZD / year

≈ 42110 NZD / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

8420 NZD / year

≈ 8420 NZD / year

Living costs

Palmerston North

New Zealand

1100 - 2100 NZD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Get Visa Support

Get personalized guidance from a certified VFS Global advisor and save 20% through Studyportals.

Avoid common visa mistakes and delays
Know exactly what documents you need
Get a clear checklist tailored to your situation

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Commercial Music - Music Practice.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Career

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic Applies to you

Living costs

Palmerston North

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

Our partners