Field Arts and Crafts
Review of Music Technology unit standards
|
Subfield |
Domain |
ID |
|
Music |
Music Technology |
27657, 32300, 32301, 32302, 32303, 32304, 32305 |
NZQA National Qualifications Services (NQS) has completed the review of the Music Technology unit standards listed above.
Date new versions published April 2026
Planned review date December 2030
Summary
The seven standards in the Music Technology domain were reviewed as part of the NQS regular review cycle.
National consultation was conducted between March and April 2025 via an online survey distributed through MENZA (Music Education New Zealand Aotearoa) communication channels, and in consultation with the Ministry of Education.
A review panel, comprising the NZQA National Assessment Advisor and secondary school music technology experts, analysed the survey results. In response to sector feedback, the panel made changes to six of the seven current standards to better align assessment requirements to curriculum levels and ensure a more natural progression across standards.
As a result, credit values were updated to reflect a broader range of real-world music applications across genres. Progression from Levels 1 to 3 — particularly in the music notation standards — has also been improved to support more seamless development of learner skills.
Main changes
· Edits applied to standards and titles to streamline progression across the standards.
· Credit values in four unit standards were increased to provide parity across standards.
· US 32300: learners must now demonstrate cohesive structuring of musical ideas. A drum track is now a required component.
· US 32301: learners must now produce two scores: one for piano and one multi-staff score.
· US 32302: learners must now include an additional track and use continuous controller messages to simulate a realistic performance.
· US 32303: notation skills now include the addition of a lead sheet.
· US 32305: edits made to make the range for the scores less prescribed and more relevant to learners’ real-world needs, for example, as composers and/or songwriters.
Detailed list of unit standards – classification, title, level, and credits
All changes are in bold.
|
Key to review category |
|
|
A |
Dates changed, but no other changes are made - the new version of the standard carries the same ID and a new version number |
|
B |
Changes made, but the overall outcome remains the same - the new version of the standard carries the same ID and a new version number |
|
C |
Major changes that necessitate the registration of a replacement standard with a new ID |
|
D |
Standard will expire and not be replaced |
Arts and Crafts > Music > Music Technology
|
ID |
Title |
Level |
Credit |
Review Category |
|
27657 |
Demonstrate knowledge of the development and use of music technology, techniques, and associated equipment Demonstrate knowledge of the development and use of music technology, techniques, and associated equipment |
2
|
4
|
B |
|
32300
|
Demonstrate and apply introductory knowledge of MIDI sequencing Demonstrate knowledge of MIDI sequencing using a sequencer or digital audio workstation |
1
|
2
4 |
B |
|
32301 |
Demonstrate and apply introductory knowledge of a music notation application Demonstrate knowledge of a music notation application |
1
|
2
4 |
B |
|
32302 |
Apply knowledge of MIDI sequencing Create, edit and mix a sequence using a sequencer or digital audio workstation |
2
|
3 4
|
B |
|
32303 |
Apply knowledge of a music notation application Use music annotation application features to create musical scores |
2
|
3 4 |
B |
|
32304
|
Operate a music sequencing application Use a music sequencing application to create a multi-track sequence |
3 |
4 |
B |
|
32305 |
Operate a music notation application Use advanced features of a music notation application to create musical scores |
3 |
4 |
B |