Master of Musical Arts–MMA 120 points Qualification regulations

1. (a) Before enrolment, a candidate for the MMA degree shall have:

(i) completed a Bachelor of Music with Honours, First or Second Class, Division 1, or a Postgraduate Diploma in Music with Distinction or Merit; and

(ii) passed an audition, in the case of a candidate in Performance, submitted an acceptable portfolio of compositions in the case of a candidate in Composition, or sound-based works in the case of a candidate in Sonic Arts; and

(iii) been accepted by the Head of School of the New Zealand School of Music—Te Kōkī as capable of proceeding with the proposed course of study.

2. The course of study for the MMA shall comprise 120 points of study, which includes the following:

Coursework

30 points of study at 400 or 500 level, in a topic that engages with critical perspectives on fields relating to creative endeavours, such as aesthetics, performance practice, or critical analysis. The course must contain substantial written components.

Thesis

90 points of creative research expressed either through a public recital(s) and written exegesis or a portfolio of compositions or sound-based works and written exegesis. The scope of the proposed recital/portfolio is to be approved by the Head of School.

3. A candidate shall complete the degree within one year and six months of first enrolling in it (or up to four years for students who are part time). For thesis students, refer to Master’s Thesis Regulations. The Associate Dean (Students), Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, may extend the maximum period in special cases

4. The personal course of study of each candidate shall satisfy the requirements for one of the subjects listed below.

Composition/Sonic Arts (CMSA)

NZSM 598 and 30 points of NZSM 430–459 or 501–510 

Performance (PERF)

NZSM 599 and 30 points of NZSM 430–459 or 501–510

5. The MMA may be awarded with Distinction or Merit as described in the Assessment Handbook.