Music

The music and entertainment industry is one of the biggest in the world, but it doesn’t have traditional career paths.

As well as performers and composers, theres is large collection of people who keep the industry moving. Musicians need people to produce music, to write about it and promote and manage their careers. Arts and events management are specialised roles requiring an in-depth understanding of artistic demands and industry standards. 

Our graduates are working as performers, conductors, marketers, community workers, academics, arts administrators, managers and independent practitioners. Some freelance in filmography, video game composition, teaching or sessional playing. 

Alumni have found employment internationally, with graduates working or performing in Spain, England, Wales, the People's Republic of China and the United States of America. 

Our music programmes teach valuable secondary skills such as independence, self-sufficiency and networking. These will help you gain a foothold in this highly competitive field. With close links to local orchestras and arts administrations, you can access a range of internships and scholarships, as well as volunteer at local institutions such as Auckland's premier student radio station 95bFM.

The New Zealand music industry is small by international standards but equally diverse.

Organisations like the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra employ orchestral musicians on a full time basis, with salaries varying depending on the position and level of experience.

Other musicians work in different professional environments and often have other sides to their careers, such as teaching at secondary or tertiary level, offering private instruction, freelancing or working as session musicians.

The industry runs on more than performers and composers. Behind the music, there is a large collection of people who keep the industry moving - producers, writers, promoters and managers. Arts and events management are specialised roles requiring in-depth understanding of artistic demands and industry standards.

While graduates may not immediately enter a full time role in an orchestra or arts organisation, it’s possible to build up a broad portfolio over time, equipping you for a wide variety of work in the industry.

A Bachelor of Music (Honours) in musicology equipped Claire Wackrow with the skills and knowledge for a variety of high-profile roles in London.

University of Auckland graduates are working as performers, conductors, marketers, community workers, academics, arts administrators, managers and independent practitioners around the world.

Locally, alumni have found positions in companies such as:

• NZ Opera
• NZ Choral Foundation
• Creative New Zealand
• NZ On Air
• Auckland Arts Festival

New graduates can pursue a wide range of careers, including:

• Professional musician
• Music teacher (private or public sector)
• Arranger
• Composer
• Music journalist
• Working in the broadcasting or recording industry
• Conductor
• Arts manager
• Festival director
• Event manager
• TV/Film music analyst or adviser
• Music therapist