L2 Performance Music

NCEA Level 1 Performance Music (1MUS)

Performance Music is more than learning to play an instrument or sing — it is about developing the skills, knowledge, and confidence that will serve you well throughout life. At NCEA Levels 1 to 3, Performance Music combines the thrill of live performance with composition, analysis, and research, giving students a rich academic experience that values creativity as much as critical thinking. You will have the opportunity to perform as a soloist or in groups, compose original music, and deepen your understanding of how music shapes and reflects the world we live in. This balance between practical performance, creative output, and academic study enables every student to find their own pathway through music, while building strong foundations for further study or career opportunities.

Choosing Performance Music is also a personal growth opportunity. Students develop resilience, discipline, ownership, and self-expression through practice and performance, while collaborative work fosters teamwork, leadership, and empathy. Music connects directly with culture and society, helping you to explore your own identity while gaining insight into others. It is an academic subject recognised for its rigor and depth, contributing to university entrance requirements while standing out as evidence of creativity, innovation, and commitment. Whether your passion is to perform, compose, or simply to grow through music’s unique challenges and rewards, Performance Music offers an inspiring and relevant academic pathway for 2026 and beyond.

“Performance Music showed me that chasing your creative dream isn’t a risk.  It’s an opportunity to grow, perform, and turn passion into a pathway.” - Kaipara College Student

“Through Performance Music, I’ve learned discipline, resilience, and how to be more confident. All skills that I’ll take with me wherever I go.” - Kaipara College Student

Curriculum Skills and Competencies

Taking Performance Music at Kaipara College for NCEA Levels 1 to 3 is about much more than playing an instrument or singing. These courses are developed from the Key Competencies identified in the New Zealand Curriculum, the skills that prepare you for life, study, and work, no matter where your pathway leads.

Thinking: In Performance Music, you’re constantly solving problems and making creative choices. Deciding how to interpret a song, arranging a piece for your band, or improving your own performance all require imagination and critical thinking. These are the same skills you’ll use in future study or careers when you’re asked to think outside the box.

Using language, symbols, and texts: Music is a language in itself. You’ll read notation, use chords and rhythms, and work with digital tools like recording and editing software. You’ll also learn how music communicates meaning and emotion,  giving you a whole new way to understand and express ideas.

Managing self: Success in Performance Music means setting goals, practising regularly, and being ready to perform. You’ll learn discipline, focus, and resilience as you work towards assessments and live performances. These habits carry through to every subject and any challenge you take on in the future.

Relating to others: Music is about people. Whether you’re rehearsing with others, performing on stage, or creating in a group, you’ll practise listening, cooperating, and leading. You’ll also learn empathy by connecting with your audience and supporting your peers. These are the teamwork skills that every employer and community values.

Participating and contributing: Through performance opportunities at school and in the wider community, you’ll gain the confidence to share your music and contribute to something bigger than yourself. This builds a sense of belonging and shows you the real impact your skills can have on others.

NCEA Performance Music at Kaipara College gives you so much more than musical ability; it builds confidence, creativity, a sense of ownership, and adaptability, while growing the Key Competencies that shape lifelong learners and future leaders.

Pathways While at Kaipara College

• Performance Opportunities: School productions, kapa haka, bands, choir, Band Factory, community performances, and live gigs, building stage experience and confidence.
• Composition & Recording: Use of digital tools (e.g. DAWs such as LogicPro and Studio One, notation software) that can link to music production and technology pathways.
• Leadership: Mentoring younger musicians, leading ensembles, or supporting community events.

NCEA Requirements Supported

University Entrance (UE): 

• Music Achievement Standards at Levels 2 and 3 can contribute to UE Literacy (both Reading and Writing credits are available through standards like research, analysis, and portfolio work). 
• Music standards contribute credits towards the 60 Level 3 credits needed for UE.

Vocational Pathways: 

• Music contributes to the Creative Industries pathway, but also develops transferable skills useful in Service Industries, Social & Community Services, and Manufacturing & Technology.

Apprenticeships and Trades: 

• While not a “trade” subject itself, Performance Music develops key employability skills (teamwork, discipline, confidence, communication) that employers in trades value highly. There are some opportunities available in the technical, event management and recording divisions of the sector. 

Further Education Opportunities

Polytechnic Diplomas / Certificates

• Diploma in Audio Engineering & Music Production (e.g., SAE Institute, MAINZ, or Massey)
• Diploma in Contemporary Music (e.g,. Whitireia, Ara Music Arts)
• Certificate in DJ and Electronic Music Production
• Universities
• Bachelor of Music (BMus), performance, composition, musicology, or technology streams (Auckland, Otago, Victoria, Waikato).
• Bachelor of Arts (BA) with Music Major, combining music with other subjects.
• Music Therapy (Master’s level, often through Victoria University Wellington, with undergraduate music as a foundation).
• Bachelor of Commercial Music (Massey Wellington, performance, industry, or technology focus).

Career Pathways

• Music Industry Careers: Performer, composer, songwriter, producer, sound engineer, DJ, music therapist, conductor, session musician.
• Education & Community: Music teacher (primary/secondary), private tutor, early childhood music specialist, community arts facilitator.
• Creative Industries: Film scoring, game sound design, theatre production, events management, arts administration, cultural performance.
• Transferable Skills into Other Pathways: Communication-heavy roles (sales, hospitality, tourism, trades), leadership roles, and any career valuing confidence, collaboration, and creativity.

Real-World Applications

• Performing at school and community events builds confidence in public speaking and presentation.
• Recording and producing music develops digital literacy and media skills.
• Group work fosters collaboration, leadership, and conflict resolution.
• Creative projects (composition/arrangement) mirror problem-solving and design thinking used in business and technology fields.