Wintec School of Media Arts

Well done to Wintec Music and Performing Arts Team Manager Dr Nick Braae who recently had an article published in Music Theory Online, a major American music theory journal.

His article, "Structural and Rhetorical Closure in 1970s Rock Songs", explored the different ways songs end and looked at Dark Side of the Moon, "Bohemian Rhapsody", and "Piano Man", amongst other examples.

Nick was particularly stoked to see this article to publication nine years after he first talked about the subject at a conference!

For some light bed-time reading, you can check out the article here: https://www.mtosmt.org/issues/mto.26.32.1/mto.26.32.1.braae.html

Our Professional Practice class is busy exploring the creative ecosystems and networks that support creative practice.

What better way to explore things than to get out and about?

Recently, our lucky class (kaiako included) enjoyed a tour of the BNZ Theatre, and learned about its role and focus on supporting creative practice in Kirikiriroa.

A bonus – hanging out with Wintec SoMA grads Ash Jugum (Technical & Operations Manager) and Joshua Woest (Theatre Technician).

Thanks for having us!

Great opportunity for industry connections and insights this week in the Prof2 class, with guests Kirstin McLachlan from Kind Design and Bron Alexander from ALXNDR.

This semester we’re diving a bit further into understanding some of the business practices that support creative practice.

An important insight – working for yourself doesn’t mean that you’re working in a bubble; you surround yourself with supporters and collaborators who join you on the journey.


Brand Design & Illustration — Waikato | Kind Design: https://kinddesign.nz/
ALXNDR Studio by surface pattern designer and artist Bron Alexander: https://alxndrstudio.art/

Yesterday, our second year Wintec Bachelor of Music and Performing arts ākonga visited Lake Ngaroto, capturing field recordings for their Music in Context class with Te Kawau Toi kaiako Kent Macpherson.

These recordings will be used as sound design elements for a film cue assessment, where ākonga score two specified cues on short films - one as a sound design cue, and the other as an orchestral score cue.

We love a field trip, but it's even better when it involves getting out in nature and completing work towards an assignment!

We are so excited to welcome Kate Pattison, a PhD researcher and Social Media Manager for Delta Goodrem, who will be joining us as our guest lecturer this week!

Wintec Bachelor of Music and Performing Arts and Bachelor of Communication ākonga, this is one session you won't want to miss.

Join us for the opportunity to hear from an industry professional and gain insights into social media, music marketing, and the creative industries.

Will this be you next year? 🌟

Audition registrations are now open for our 2027 Performing Arts cohort at Te Kawau Toi | Wintec.

If you are ready to take the next step in your performing arts journey, we would love to hear from you.

Apply now by emailing [email protected]

Auditions will be taking place on September 25 from 3pm.

During the mid-semester break, our Theatre ākonga travelled to Melbourne for an incredible learning experience at JMC Academy.

Here's what third-year student Kate Scotting had to say about the trip:

"Our trip to JMC Academy in Melbourne was such a fun and inspiring experience. We took five dance classes over the week, which definitely challenged us, but they were so rewarding and gave us the chance to learn from new tutors and explore different styles. JMC's incredible facilities and welcoming atmosphere made the experience even more special, and it was so lovely to meet their talented students and train alongside them.

Other highlights included a Shakespeare workshop and a performance practice masterclass, both of which left us with fresh ideas and new tools to take into our own training.

One of my favourite parts was getting to experience it all together. It was so special to see students from Years 1–3 supporting one another and really shining throughout the week. We all came back feeling a little more inspired, a little more motivated, and with an even greater appreciation for the incredible tutors and opportunities we have here at Wintec."

Our creative programmes here at Wintec are built around hands-on, practical learning and strong industry connections. Opportunities like this give our ākonga the chance to broaden their skills, learn from leading practitioners, build valuable industry relationships, and return with fresh ideas that enrich their creative practice.

What a wonderful initiative from Wintec graduate Dayne Lennon, featuring so many current and former Wintec ākonga. Saturday's event helped raise funds for the I AM HOPE Foundation.

We love seeing our current and former Wintec music students thriving in their careers while finding meaningful ways to give back to their communities. We couldn't be prouder of what you've achieved.

There's still time to support this incredible cause by donating through their Givealittle page. (https://givealittle.co.nz/fundraiser/i-am-hope-fundraiser-seasonal-disorder?ref=home&ref_code=donation_feed)

And a beautiful write-up via nzherald.co.nz as well!

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/waikato-news/news/hamilton-musician-dayne-lennon-launches-gumboot-friday-fundraiser-with-local-bands/DPJUBLTNDJEHJMK6B6WIHEIFOI/?fbclid=IwY2xjawTPecpleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFkZEJrb3dCZE9MU1liU3pCc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHujz1mxYl9bPx55F0vh-Y5nUf2sjDmBVHQOloZCKwrOtzbgLoC-5UDwB_T2I_aem_YBXrMItRfmByceHDSgRYBw

'We don't hibernate like bears': Hamilton muso's winter gig with a purpose The gig, Seasonal Disorder, will support I Am Hope and Gumboot Friday.