Career opportunities
A Music degree with an endorsement in Performance gives you the training, confidence and professionalism to succeed in the music world and beyond. Your skills in communication, collaboration and self-discipline open doors in a wide range of creative careers.
- Professional musician (soloist or ensemble performer)
- Session or studio musician
- Music teacher or vocal coach
- Conductor, accompanist, or musical director
- Arts management, recording, or event coordination roles
How you will learn
You’ll learn through one-on-one lessons, ensemble rehearsals, workshops and live performance experiences. From chamber groups to orchestras, choirs and jazz combos, you’ll perform regularly and receive expert feedback to refine your craft. You’ll also study music theory, aural skills, and musicianship papers that deepen your understanding of what you play and hear.
Performance students take part in concerts and recitals throughout the year, developing professionalism and confidence in real settings. Every step helps you grow as a well-rounded, expressive musician.
Recommended high school subjects for undergraduate study
A strong background in music, with experience on your chosen instrument or as a vocalist, is essential. NCEA Music or equivalent practical experience will set you up well.
Choose a study option
Whether you're embarking on your academic journey with our comprehensive undergraduate programmes or aiming to reach new heights through our advanced postgraduate offerings, Otago is here to support your aspirations.
Undergraduate qualifications
For new and current students studying towards a Bachelor's or other first degree. Explore undergraduate qualifications at Otago, designed to build a strong foundation in your chosen field, preparing you for a successful career or further study.
Ready to apply?
Take the first step towards your future in this subject.
Step into the spotlight
Otago’s Performance programme offers exceptional one-to-one teaching and vibrant performance opportunities. You’ll learn from internationally recognised musicians and educators who bring professional insight into every lesson.
Students benefit from purpose-built rehearsal rooms, superior recording facilities and performance venues such as Marama Hall. Dunedin’s lively music scene gives you plenty of chances to perform, collaborate and grow as an artist. With a supportive community and strong academic foundation, Otago is the ideal place to refine your talent and prepare for a life in music.
Papers
View a list of all related papers below.
MUSI papers
| Paper Code | Year | Title | Points | Teaching period |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MUSI101 | 2026, 2027 | Materials of Music 1 | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| MUSI103 | 2026, 2027 | Popular Music | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| MUSI104 | 2026, 2027 | World Music | 18 points | Not offered in 2026, Semester 1 |
| MUSI105 | 2026, 2027 | Music Matters in Human Life | 18 points | Semester 1, Not offered in 2027 |
| MUSI131 | 2026, 2027 | Composition 1 | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| MUSI132 | 2026, 2027 | Music Production 1 | 18 points | Semester 1, Semester 2 |
| MUSI135 | 2026, 2027 | Songwriting | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| MUSI140 | 2026, 2027 | Performance Studies 1 | 18 points | Semester 1, Semester 2, Full Year |
| MUSI143 | 2026, 2027 | Instrumental or Vocal Performance 1 | 18 points, 36 points | Full Year |
| MUSI144 | 2026, 2027 | Music Ensemble 1 | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| MUSI191 | 2026, 2027 | Introduction to Music | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| MUSI201 | 2026, 2027 | Materials of Music 2 | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| MUSI207 | 2026, 2027 | Radical Works | 18 points | Not offered in 2026, Semester 1 |
| MUSI232 | 2026, 2027 | Music Production 2 | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| MUSI233 | 2026, 2027 | Electronic Music Production | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| MUSI234 | 2026, 2027 | Contemporary Composition | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| MUSI240 | 2026, 2027 | Performance Studies 2 | 18 points | Semester 1, Semester 2, Full Year |
| MUSI243 | 2026, 2027 | Instrumental or Vocal Performance 2 | 18 points, 36 points | Full Year |
| MUSI244 | 2026, 2027 | Music Ensemble 2 | 18 points | Semester 2, Not offered in 2027 |
| MUSI249 | 2026, 2027 | Contemporary Vocal Pedagogy: How to Teach Contemporary Voice | 18 points | Not offered in 2026, Not offered in 2027 |
| MUSI259 | 2026, 2027 | Special Topic | 18 points | Not offered in 2026, Not offered in 2027 |
| MUSI260 | 2026, 2027 | Special Topic | 18 points | Summer School |
| MUSI266 | 2026, 2027 | Film Music | 18 points | Semester 2, Not offered in 2027 |
| MUSI267 | 2026, 2027 | Music in Aotearoa | 18 points | Semester 1, Not offered in 2027 |
| MUSI268 | 2026, 2027 | Performance in Asia and the Pacific | 18 points | Not offered in 2026, Semester 2 |
| MUSI269 | 2026, 2027 | Popular Music 2 | 18 points | Not offered in 2026, Not offered in 2027 |
| MUSI307 | 2026, 2027 | Radical Works (Advanced) | 18 points | Not offered in 2026, Semester 1 |
| MUSI310 | 2026, 2027 | Materials of Music 3 | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| MUSI331 | 2026, 2027 | Composition Projects | 36 points | Full Year |
| MUSI332 | 2026, 2027 | Music Production 3 | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| MUSI333 | 2026, 2027 | Electronic Music Production (Advanced) | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| MUSI334 | 2026, 2027 | Music Production Projects | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| MUSI340 | 2026, 2027 | Performance Studies 3 | 18 points | Semester 1, Semester 2, Full Year |
| MUSI343 | 2026, 2027 | Instrumental or Vocal Performance 3 | 36 points | Full Year |
| MUSI344 | 2026, 2027 | Music Ensemble 3 | 18 points | Semester 2, Not offered in 2027 |
| MUSI349 | 2026, 2027 | Contemporary Vocal Pedagogy: How to Teach Contemporary Voice | 18 points | Not offered in 2026, Not offered in 2027 |
| MUSI366 | 2026, 2027 | Film Music | 18 points | Semester 2, Not offered in 2027 |
| MUSI367 | 2026, 2027 | Music in Aotearoa (Advanced) | 18 points | Semester 1, Not offered in 2027 |
| MUSI368 | 2026, 2027 | Performance in Asia and the Pacific | 18 points | Not offered in 2026, Semester 2 |
| MUSI369 | 2026, 2027 | Popular Music 3 | 18 points | Not offered in 2026, Not offered in 2027 |
| MUSI371 | 2026, 2027 | Research Methods and Approaches | 18 points | Semester 2 |
| MUSI375 | 2026, 2027 | Music Performance Pedagogy | 18 points | Semester 2, Not offered in 2027 |
| MUSI379 | 2026, 2027 | Performance, Health and Well-being | 18 points | Not offered in 2026, Semester 2 |
| MUSI386 | 2026, 2027 | Community Project | 18 points | Semester 1 |
| MUSI440 | 2026, 2027 | Performance Studies 4 | 30 points | Semester 1, Semester 2, Full Year |
| MUSI443 | 2026, 2027 | Creative Project 1 | 60 points | Full Year, 1st Non standard period (13 July 2026 - 15 February 2027), 1st Non standard period (13 July 2027 - 15 February 2028) |
| MUSI471 | 2026, 2027 | Research Methods and Approaches (Advanced) | 30 points | Semester 2 |
| MUSI475 | 2026, 2027 | Music Performance Pedagogy (Advanced) | 30 points | Semester 2, Not offered in 2027 |
| MUSI479 | 2026, 2027 | Performance, Health and Well-being (Advanced) | 30 points | Not offered in 2026, Semester 2 |
| MUSI486 | 2026, 2027 | Community Project (Advanced) | 30 points | Semester 1 |
| MUSI487 | 2026, 2027 | Creative Practice | 30 points | Semester 2 |
| MUSI490 | 2026, 2027 | Dissertation | 60 points | Full Year, 1st Non standard period (13 July 2026 - 15 February 2027), 1st Non standard period (13 July 2027 - 15 February 2028) |
| MUSI543 | 2026, 2027 | Creative Project 2 | 60 points | 1st Non standard period (1 March 2026 - 28 February 2027), 2nd Non standard period (1 July 2026 - 30 June 2027), 1st Non standard period (5 March 2027 - 25 February 2028), 2nd Non standard period (16 July 2027 - 7 June 2028) |
| MUSI590 | 2026, 2027 | Research Dissertation | 60 points | 1st Non standard period (27 February 2026 - 19 February 2027), 2nd Non standard period (17 July 2026 - 9 July 2027), 1st Non standard period (5 March 2027 - 25 February 2028), 2nd Non standard period (16 July 2027 - 7 July 2028) |
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