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We offer advanced tuition in performance, composition/songwriting and music production, as well as the academic study of music theory and history.

Here at Otago, you have the opportunity to explore a range of musical styles, from classical to contemporary, and traditional to jazz.

Study Music for your bachelor's degree

Study Music Performance

There are three main options for first-year students interested in studying music performance.

  • Vocal or Instrumental Performance (MUSI 143): Students receive individual and group instruction over two semesters.
  • Music Ensemble (MUSI 144): Students learn as part of a music ensemble (options available in Jazz, or Vocal Ensemble, or Chamber Music).
  • Performance Studies (MUSI 140): A performance option that is suited for international students, preparatory study, or a second instrument.

Papers in Music Performance (voice and instruments)

Undergraduate study options

You can study Music:

  • in a specialised Bachelor of Music (MusB) degree
  • as a major in the following degrees: Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Arts and Commerce (BACom), Bachelor of Arts and Science (BASc)
  • as a specialised minor in a range of degrees, or
  • as stand-alone interest papers

Studying Music for your bachelor's degree

Exterior window of the School of Performing Arts building

Two students walking outside the School of Performing Arts building

Study Music at postgraduate level

If you are interested in studying Music at postgraduate level, there are a number of degree options available.

Postgraduate study options in Music

Interior of music studio

Auditions

If you would like to take music performance papers, you will need to audition.

Find out more about the audition process and application deadlines for our musical performance options.

There is no audition required for Japanese taiko or koto, or Māori taonga pūoro. Email spa@otago.ac.nz if you wish to study one of these instruments.

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