Learn the art of recording and producing music
Learn how to record, mix, produce, synthesise, compose, and code for a range of music.
Whether you aim to work in commercial studios or produce professional music from your home studio, you’ll learn to produce release-ready music. Learn the fundamentals of room acoustics, studio design and monitoring, microphones, editing, and mixing techniques.
You can specialise in either advanced stereo mixing and mastering, or audio production for film.
National Music Centre
Opening in 2027, the National Music Centre will be a vibrant and innovative hub celebrating music, creativity, and connection in the heart of our city.
Bringing together Te Kōkī students, New Zealand Symphony Orchestra musicians, and industry leaders, the Centre will enable some of the best music education and performance experiences in the world.
Choose your study path
You can study Audio Production and Recording as a major or minor subject in a Bachelor of Popular Music.
Combine your BPM with another degree
You can combine your Bachelor of Popular Music (BPM) with another degree, which means you can complete two undergraduate degrees in a shorter time than if you’d do one degree and then another. This is called a conjoint degree, and an example is Bachelor of Popular Music/Bachelor of Arts (BPM/BA).
Popular pairings with a BPM include:
- Bachelor of Arts
- Bachelor of Commerce
- Bachelor of Law
- Bachelor of Music.
Having a conjoint degree can help you find specialised jobs and prepare for changes in your career by giving you a broader range of knowledge and connecting you with a wider professional network.
Degree support and advice
We can help you match your interests and career goals with the right course of study.
If you’re a new student, talk to a Future Student Adviser.
If you’re already studying with us, talk to Tītoko—Student Success.
Study options
Find out how you can study Audio Production and Recording at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Future careers
A degree with an Audio Production and Recording major can lead to many careers, including working in the music industry as a:
- producer
- recording engineer
- mixing engineer
- mastering engineer
- sound designer for film.
You may also find work in:
- education
- research
- journalism
- policy and government
- museums and other cultural institutions.
FHSS Internship
The FHSS Internship course run by the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences helps develop practical workplace experience.
More career information
Find out more about careers in music.
The government careers website, Tahatū, offers more information about jobs, salaries, and current opportunities.
Scholarships
You may be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies.
We have first-year and school-leaver scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It's a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for Music
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This scholarship is open to female students of the New Zealand School of Music who are studying or who aspire to study sonic arts. The successful applicant will be chosen on the basis of prior attainment and identified potential, taking into account, where appropriate, financial need.
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The Fisher Trumpet Scholarship aims to support undergraduate music students at NZSM, Victoria University of Wellington who demonstrate excellence in trumpet performance.
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The Scholarship exists to attract and support cellists of outstanding ability and potential to study cello performance at NZSM, and to engage each recipient with the life, artistry, and legacy of Greta Ostova.
Scholarships for international students
We are currently offering a NZ$15,000 VUW Undergraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Bachelor’s degree.
Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.
Other scholarships
We also offer specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It's a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for Music
-
This scholarship is open to female students of the New Zealand School of Music who are studying or who aspire to study sonic arts. The successful applicant will be chosen on the basis of prior attainment and identified potential, taking into account, where appropriate, financial need.
-
The Fisher Trumpet Scholarship aims to support undergraduate music students at NZSM, Victoria University of Wellington who demonstrate excellence in trumpet performance.
-
The Scholarship exists to attract and support cellists of outstanding ability and potential to study cello performance at NZSM, and to engage each recipient with the life, artistry, and legacy of Greta Ostova.
Postgraduate study
If you choose to continue postgraduate study with us after finishing your degree, you’ll join a talented team of internationally recognised researchers doing innovative work.
If you get good results in your undergraduate study, you could go on to an Honours degree. And if you want to do independent research, you could also study for a Master’s or a PhD.
Get help to manage your finances
We can help you:
- budget your money
- manage your student loan or allowance
- work out your accommodation payment schedule.
If you're facing financial difficulties, we can help you apply for the Hardship Fund.
You may be eligible for government or community support, too.
Wellington Global Exchange
If you're a current student at Victoria University of Wellington, you can complete part of your degree overseas. Choose from our 140 partner universities worldwide.
Study Abroad and Exchange Programme
If you're an overseas student, you can spend a trimester or a year at Victoria University of Wellington. You'll earn credits at your home university while you study here.