NZ’s only Christian music degree now in Christchurch

Sound the Ocean L – R: Jesse Te Weehi, Brendon Rickard, Jon Clarke, Nick Kraenzlin, Amanda Kraenzlin, Brett Wilson and Jason Henderson.

Media release
13 January 2014

New Zealand’s only Christian music degree now available in Christchurch

Long-standing tertiary education provider, Vision College, is now offering New Zealand’s only Christian music degree at its Christchurch campus.

The Bachelor of Music (Contemporary Christian Music) has up until now only been available from the private training provider’s Hamilton campus, with Level 5 and Level 6 music diplomas offered in Christchurch.

“We’re excited about extending this popular qualification to our Christchurch Campus. Now those who want to study the more robust and challenging three-year degree have the option to do so in the North or the South Island,” said Vision College National Principal, Alan Peary.

Although the College offers a variety of tertiary education courses, the uniqueness of the music degree is its contemporary Christian focus.

“Delivered with a strong Christian flavour, the degree allows students an opportunity to grow in their faith while taking their musical skills to an advanced level.

“Graduates of the degree from the Hamilton campus now work as professional musicians, high school music teachers, private music tutors and as music directors in large churches,” said Peary.

Three members of New Zealand band, Sound the Ocean, which was signed by renowned music manager Matt Coleman and his label Let the People Speak last year, met while completing the degree in Hamilton.

“Our country’s great music programmes, of which Vision College is one of the best, are so often the unsung heroes in musicians’ success stories,” said band member Nick Kraenzlin.

Kraenzlin, who is now the Head Vocal tutor at Vision College, chose to study at Vision College because of its performance-based papers in song writing and voice, both of which will be offered at the Christchurch campus.

He said the significant emphasis on performance is what makes it unique from other music-degree providers.

“Various streams are available including vocal, instrument and song writing. Students can also elect to study their preferred style, be it rock, pop, R&B, classical or anything else.”

Vision College is now accepting enrolments, with the music degree due to start in February 2014. Places are limited to just 25, so each student can receive a high level of individual tuition.

ENDS

About Vision College

Vision College also offers both diplomas and degrees in subjects that include web design, software, counselling, business, early childhood education, ministry, electronics and computer engineering from campuses in Christchurch, Hamilton and Auckland.

The College is a division of private training provider ATC New Zealand. Other divisions of ATC New Zealand include TrainMe, Instant Education Solutions and ATC Professional.

For more about Vision College visit http://www.visioncollege.ac.nz

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