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Music and Performing Arts

Studying music and performing arts at Wintec is ideal for those who want to find their own musical voice and actively engage and learn in a flexible, authentic and creative environment.

Pathways are available in theatre, audio production, composition, and performance. With this opportunity to specialise, students develop industry-ready skills, and become equipped to bring their ideas to life.

A feature of study in this area is the opportunity to collaborate on projects with students from other creative disciplines, and also with industry. Connecting with specialists and mentors is part of the School of Media Arts experience, combined with learning through real-life projects and performing. The job opportunities in this industry include roles in theatre, performance, production, sound technology, songwriting, composition/arranging, teaching, musical therapy, musical writing/journalism, and roles in community organisations.

If applicants do not meet the entry criteria for the degree, they can start with the Te Ara Pūtake programme. This course is a one-semester introductory course that delivers the basic knowledge and skills to prepare for a creative career. Once successfully completed, students will be eligible to compete on merit for entry into the Bachelor of Music and Performing Arts programme.

Enthusiasts still at school might be interested in our one-day STAR taster courses in Music Production.

Do you have questions about our music programmes? Contact Commercial Music Team Manager David Sidwell via email here.

Te Kawau Toi | Music and Performing Arts

Gifted to the School of Media Arts music and performing arts pathway by Wintec Kaumatua Tame Pokaia, Te Kawau Toi represents the guiding spirit of creativity in performing arts, inspired by the kawau tūī (king shag, cormorant), a native bird known for leading its flock.

The name reflects the success of artists and performers as leaders and messengers, connecting earthly and spiritual realms through their creative crafts. 

The tohu (emblem) symbolises the Manaia connecting these worlds together with curved lines representative of the passing of knowledge between ākonga and kaimahi. The shapes further acknowledge the kawau tūī and the treble clef curves, speaking to the collaborative nature of the Bachelor of Music and Performing Arts degree and the creative arts industry. 

Te Kawau Toi Tohu

Our programmes

Professional programmes / short courses

Hollie Smith

Musician in Residence 

Hollie Smith 

2018 – Present  

Internationally acclaimed New Zealand singer/songwriter Hollie Smith, described as “the reigning queen of Aotearoa soul”, is Wintec School of Media Arts Musician in Residence. A position devised to inspire and lead Wintec Music and Performing Arts students.

Hollie Smith is one of New Zealand's most iconic musicians. She has performed with numerous bands including Trinity Roots, Fat Freddy’s Drop and Detroit dance legend Recloose. Hollie is perhaps best known for her single ‘Bathe in The River’ that topped the New Zealand singles charts. Find out more about Hollie Smith.

The Wintec School of Media Arts residency position supports students with producing projects, consulting and critiquing through workshops, tutorials and performances.

Pathways

Media Arts pathway diagram for semester 2 2019

To check what you need to gain entry to a course, review the entry criteria available on each programme page. These assist you in understanding what qualifications or experience are typically required to gain entry. You can contact our team at info@wintec.ac.nz or 0800 2 Wintec at any time for further guidance.

About the faculty

At the School of Media Arts we provide innovative, interdisciplinary education that prepares students for a future in the creative industries.

If you're interested in graphic design, communication, moving image, digital media, painting, sculpture, photography, animation, interior design, fashion design, journalism, public relations, songwriting, or commercial music, Media Arts' programmes of study are a great place to begin your career. 

Experienced staff and industry standard facilities help you develop a unique range of skills and the ability to apply them in the professional world. There are always challenges for students entering a rapidly changing work environment. Innovation, expertise, team work and an awareness of contemporary communication strategies are highly valued. We are very conscious of the preparations necessary and believe that we provide a unique learning environment that encourages students to work collaboratively while developing a strong individual practice in a chosen field. We strive to provide students with the right mix of technical problem-solving and interpersonal skills, all informed by an awareness of professional expectations.

Read more about the Centre.

Prospectus (course guide)

The Wintec Prospectus (otherwise known as a course guide) outlines everything you need to know about Wintec. It contains information about the Wintec campuses, student life, and the programmes that are on offer.

Access your copy of the Wintec Prospectus

The Wintec Prospectus (course guide) is available by downloading the file - click on a document below to access the file. Alternatively, to request a copy via email or the post, please complete the form below.

Request an emailable or printed copy of the Prospectus

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