Typically, music programs concentrate on the historical, theoretical and technical aspects of music and performance. An interdisciplinary field, music is as much for the ambitious academic as it is for the aspiring professional musician.

New Zealand is an island country in the southwestern Pacific Ocean. The country geographically comprises two main landmasses ‒ that of the North and South Islands ‒ and numerous smaller islands. Overseas students need to have a student visa and a reasonable level of cash to spend in order to undertake a course of study at a New Zealand based educational institution. New Zealand educational institutions will inform the appropriate immigration authorities if a student ceases to attend their enrolled courses, who may then suspend or cancel that student's visa. Educational institutions often also exchange this enrollment and attendance data electronically with other government agencies responsible for providing student assistance.

Certificate programs, which can be earned in about a year, consist of academic classes that are offered at different skill and ability levels. Undergraduate as well as graduate students, depending on their field of study, may obtain certificates.