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Auditions are required for vocals or playing an instrument

You will need to audition if you want to take our musical performance papers or programmes.

Application forms and deadlines

The number of places available for music performance at undergraduate and graduate level is limited by our resources. Entry into these papers and programmes therefore depends on the successful completion of an audition process. You are advised to attend the audition in person at the School of Performing Arts if possible.

Those wishing to take a paper in Musical Performance are strongly advised to submit an application form in the year prior to study.

Leaving the process to the start of the year in which you wish to study is unwise: there are not likely to be many if any places available at that point, no matter how good you are.

The application deadline for  programmes

Please let us know which instrument you intend to study (including voice).

The application deadline for Classical Performance, Contemporary Performance, Professional Practice and Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA)  programmes is October 1.

Classical Performance applicants who would prefer an earlier audition should contact us to arrange an audition.

Late applications will be considered, subject to lecturer availability.

To arrange a late audition please contact us as soon as possible.

Contact us

Tel +64 3 479 4180 or
Email spa@otago.ac.nz

Audition dates

Dates for the 2024 Classical and Contemporary Auditions will be held on Saturday 30 September 2023. If you are not auditioning in person, please ensure you send in your recording with your application form so that we receive them at the same time.

  • Classical Performance – 30 September 2023
  • Contemporary Performance, Professional Practice and Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA) – 30 September 2023

Please note: There is no audition required for World Music Performance (Taonga Pūoro and Taiko drums). You must email spa@otago.ac.nz to indicate that you wish to study one of these instruments.

Application form

Audition application for music performance 2024 (PDF)

Auditions from a distance

DVD / YouTube link auditions

Applicants who are unable to attend an audition in person or on the dates allocated for auditions should send a high quality DVD to the School of Performing Arts or e-mail a YouTube link to spa@otago.ac.nz, for consideration. Please send in your video recording at the same time as your application form.

Videos can be from live performances, recitals or examinations as long as these are recent. Please ensure that any links or video files are easily accessible.

The DVD or YouTube link, and your completed application form, must be received by September 1.

Audition Requirements

Classical Instrumental

Two to three short contrasting pieces, to a total of ten minutes audition time.

Classical Vocal

Three pieces - one in English (accompanied), one in a language other than English (accompanied), one piece a cappella in your native language

Contemporary Voice

  • MUSI146: please prepare two contrasting songs and if you are an original songwriter, one of those two songs can be an original.
  • PERF102:  please prepare an excerpt of two contrasting musical theatre, no longer than two minutes each.

Contemporary Instrumental

Two contrasting pieces, to a total of ten minutes audition time.

Notification of acceptance

Following your audition you will be notified of the result. If you are offered a place, you must let us know if you intend to accept this offer.

You should receive an offer of a place by early to mid October. The application deadline for Classical Performance, Contemporary Performance, Professional Practice & Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA)  programmes is September 1.

Classical Performance applicants who would prefer an earlier auditon should contact us to arrange an audition.

Late applications will be considered, subject to lecturer availability. To arrange a late audition please contact us.

Contact us

Tel +64 3 479 4180
Email spa@otago.ac.nz

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