Kaiapoi High School Kaiapoi High School

Level 2 Music and Taonga Puoro

L2MUSP
Course Description

Head of Faculty/Teacher in Charge: Mr E. Mead.

Recommended Prior Learning

To be accepted for this course, students must have earned a minimum of 14 credits from Level 1 Music, or have received HOD approval from Mr. Mead. Approval will be given to students who have not taken Level 1 music and are choosing this course to take the taonga puoro standards.

At Level 2, you’ll take your music learning to the next level – whether your passion lies in modern music-making, traditional Māori instruments, or both. This course offers two interconnected strands: Music and Taonga Pūoro. You can choose to follow one path closely or weave between them, creating a unique musical journey that reflects your strengths and interests.

In the Music strand, you’ll continue to develop as a performer, composer, and listener. You’ll have opportunities to perform solo, in groups, or on a second instrument. You’ll also develop your songwriting through the composition standard. This path is perfect for students looking to build on their existing skills and gain deeper control of their musical voice.

In the Taonga Pūoro strand, you’ll craft traditional Māori instruments from natural materials and learn about their whakapapa, tikanga, and use in ceremonial and everyday contexts. You’ll explore how taonga pūoro relate to te taiao (the natural world) and use them to express environmental themes through performance. This path is ideal for students passionate about hands-on creation, Māori culture, and sonic storytelling.

Whether you’re focused on one strand or interested in combining both, this course offers flexibility, creativity, and the chance to develop a rich and personal understanding of music in Aotearoa.




Course Overview

What is taught in courses varies from year to year. This course could include:
Students choose which standards they wish to complete, this process is guided by their teacher to keep the workload realistic and achievable.

Standards available are:

Taonga Pūoro Unit Standards
30240 – Demonstrate knowledge of whānau taonga pūoro (6 credits)
30241 – Demonstrate knowledge of the traditional use of taonga pūoro in accordance with tikanga (5 credits)
30242 – Construct simple taonga pūoro (8 credits)
30243 – Describe the relationship between te taiao and taonga pūoro, and incorporate into performance (4 credits)

Music Achievement Standards
91270 – Solo Performance (6 credits)
91272 – Group Performance (4 credits)
91274 – Second Instrument Performance (3 credits)
91271 – Composition (6 credits)

Faculties:

The Arts


Pathway

Level 3 Music and Taonga Puoro

Music builds skills such as collaboration, creative thinking, self-discipline, and perseverance that students can apply to all areas of their lives, as well as to other subjects that they study. Music can give students a lifelong creative outlet and indicates to future employers a well-rounded student with good interpersonal skills.

Career Pathways

Musician, Sound Technician, Film and Video Editor, Entertainer, Film/Television Camera Operator, Media Producer, Production Assistant (Film, Television, Radio or Stage), Game Developer, Primary School Teacher, Tertiary Lecturer, Private Teacher/Tutor, Secondary School Teacher



			


				






    

        
Disclaimer

        
Please note that courses will go ahead only if student numbers, staffing, and timetabling allow it.  Where a subject is oversubscribed, and there are insufficient numbers or resources to create an extra class, a ballot system may be applied.  
Costs
KHS aims to deliver educational courses over and above that which is funded by the Ministry, however parental contribution for the costs of trips and activities where participation is optional, and/or components not covered by the Government grant may be requested, and we appreciate the financial support our families make to the School.