Course Overview
Ready to turn your love of music into a career? This one-year music course is ideal for anyone wanting to get their music career started. It focuses on developing your performance skills and providing an introduction to music technology. You’ll learn about how to write music from theory to composition.
Playing and recording in on-campus, professional studios will also provide you with a base knowledge of music recording. Production wise you will learn how to use PA systems and DAW software.
Our industry-skilled tutors will help you develop your musical talent through an instrument or vocal mode. There will be lots of opportunities to practice your performance, gain industry connections and work with other students.
Skills for working in the music industry are also part of this course from business skills, to how to plan your pathway in the industry and promote your own music.
Upon successfully completing the requirements you'll receive the award of:
- New Zealand Certificate in Music (Level 4)
| Locations | Rotorua, Tauranga |
|---|---|
| Next intake | Feb 2026 View more details |
| Study options |
1 year full-time, including holidays (if applicable) |
| Total credits | 120 |
| StudyLink assistance | Available |
| Indicative Fees | To be confirmed for domestic students View full fees information |
| Eligibility | View entry criteria |
To see the information for international students change your location using the button at the top right of the screen.
Career opportunities
- Musician
- Technician
- Road Manager/Coordinator
- Festival Organiser/Assistant
Topics you'll cover
- Music Theory
- Composition
- Musical Instrument
- Music Technology
- Performance
- Music Industry
- Music Identity
Course Fees
| Indicative Fees * | To be confirmed for domestic students |
|---|
Please note, fees for our 2026 intakes are yet to be confirmed. Once they are, we will update our website to reflect the new 2026 fee amount.
Your final fee may vary if:
- you have a choice of topics/papers to study
- the qualification excludes GST
- there are extra course materials to purchase
- student levies apply
We’ll let you know if any of these apply to you.
* Important fee information, and hints and tips
Help with fees
Are you Eligible for Free Fees?
There are several ways to take advantage of free study at Toi Ohomai. Find out how on our Fees Free FAQ page.
Student Loans and Allowances
This course meets the requirements for student allowance and student loan applications through StudyLink.
- A student loan helps to pay for your course fees (the compulsory fees), study materials e.g. books, equipment, and living costs. You'll have to pay this money back.
- A student allowance is a weekly payment that can help with your living expenses while you're studying. You don't have to pay the money back.
Find out more and apply at studylink.govt.nz
Scholarships
Scholarships are one way you might be able to get some financial help. Any scholarships specifically related to this course are shown below, otherwise check out the full list of scholarships promoted by Toi Ohomai.
Course Entry Information
Entry criteria
Open entry. There are no minimum academic requirements.
Information Session
You’ll be invited to an information meeting. This is your opportunity to find out more about the course content and to make sure you're on the most appropriate course for your career aspirations and current level of experience.
Standard Entry Criteria
Admission, entry, selection, and enrolment into programmes will be in accordance with the Academic Regulations and/or, where approved, specific programme regulations.
Other Considerations
All applicants are required to attend an audition to demonstrate their instrumental or vocal abilities.
English language requirements
Level 4 certificate IELTS General or Academic score of 5.5 with no band score lower than 5 or completed New Zealand Certificate in English Language Level 3 with an endorsement of either General, Workplace or Academic, or meets a relevant English Proficiency Outcome as outlined by NZQA.
Return to course overview
Course Locations and Intake Information
| Location | Campus | Start Date | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rotorua | Mokoia Campus | 23 Feb 2026 | |
| Tauranga | Windermere Campus | 23 Feb 2026 |
Study options
- 1 year full-time, including holidays (if applicable)
