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 September 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 – TBA
- Contemporary Performance, Professional Practice and Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA) – TBA
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 forms
- Download the Classical Performance Audition Application form (PDF) (Please use this form for bagpipes and Scottish drumming.)
- Download the Classical Referee Report form (PDF)
- Download the Contemporary Performance and Bachelor of Performing Arts (BPA) Audition Application form (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.
The DVD or YouTube link, and your completed application form, must be received by September 1.
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
