University of Otago

What you'll study

The Bachelor of Music combines one-to-one tuition, ensemble work and academic study to build technical fluency, creative and analytical ability. In your first year you will typically cover core musicianship skills — aural training, harmony and theory, keyboard skills and introductory studies in music history and cultures — alongside continuing private lessons on your principal instrument or voice.

In later years you specialise through a chosen pathway such as Performance, Composition, Music Studies (musicology and ethnomusicology) or Music and Music Technology. Typical modules and activities include:

• Private instrumental or vocal tuition and graded repertoire work
• Ensemble participation (orchestra, wind band, choir, jazz combo, chamber groups and specialised early-music ensembles)
• Advanced harmony, counterpoint, orchestration and arranging
• Analytical and historical modules covering Western art music, popular music studies and ethnomusicology
• Contemporary composition and studio composition projects
• Music production and recording techniques, MIDI and digital audio workstations for students on technology pathways
• Performance practice classes, masterclasses and recital preparation
• A final-year capstone such as a major recital, portfolio of original compositions or a research dissertation

The degree offers flexible combinations of practical and academic papers and can be taken as a single BMus or in conjoint study with other degrees across the university.

Entry requirements

Prospective students need University Entrance (or an equivalent international qualification) and evidence of adequate prior musical study. Requirements commonly include passing scores in music-related secondary school papers or recognised music examinations.

Applicants for Performance and Composition pathways are usually required to audition or submit recordings and a portfolio of compositions. There may also be an aural and theory assessment to determine placement in musicianship streams. Mature applicants and those with non-traditional backgrounds can be considered on the strength of experience and audition.

Specific entry criteria and audition processes are published by the University and the School of Music; applicants applying from other tertiary institutions should check credit and transfer arrangements.

Career prospects

Graduates from the Bachelor of Music pursue a wide range of careers in the creative and cultural sector. Common pathways include:

• Professional performance in solo, chamber, orchestral or jazz contexts
• Secondary and primary music teaching (often followed by a teaching qualification)
• Composer for concert, media and theatre projects
• Music producer, sound technician or recording engineer (particularly for graduates who specialise in music technology)
• Arts administration, concert management and festival programming
• Further academic study leading to postgraduate diplomas, master’s degrees or research careers in musicology, ethnomusicology or composition
• Community music work, outreach and music therapy-related roles (noting that clinical music therapy requires additional specialist qualification)

The degree provides both the practical skills and academic grounding valued in a range of cultural and educational roles.

Why study at University of Otago

The University of Otago offers a long-established music programme embedded in a lively regional music scene. Students benefit from one-to-one tuition from experienced performers and academics, regular performance opportunities across orchestras, choirs and ensembles, and access to practice facilities and dedicated music technology studios.

Studying in Dunedin gives students close contact with community and professional music-making, and the university’s flexible degree structure supports interdisciplinary study and conjoint degrees. The School of Music emphasises both high-level performance development and rigorous academic inquiry, preparing graduates for diverse careers in music and the wider creative sector.