Become a classical music performer
Take your performance skills to a professional level with postgraduate study in Classical Performance. Build on your undergraduate degree to gain the high-level music skills and critical perspective you need for a performance career in classical music.
We’ll encourage you to reach a high level of artistic accomplishment in musical performance, and present yourself with confidence for major auditions and international competitions.
You’ll study with world-class performers and teachers to develop your creativity and artistic accomplishment. Gain leadership skills, resilience, written and oral communication skills, and confidence—invaluable skills for careers in music teaching, arts administration, and related fields.
National Music Centre
Opening in 2027, the National Music Centre will be a vibrant and innovative hub celebrating music, creativity, and connection in the heart of our city.
Bringing together Te Kōkī students, New Zealand Symphony Orchestra musicians, and industry leaders, the Centre will enable some of the best music education and performance experiences in the world.
Choose your study path
You can study Classical Performance through several postgraduate study paths. Choose the option that fits your career goals and commitments.
Postgraduate study pathways
Postgraduate study gives you the flexibility to focus on either coursework or research, depending on your goals and interests.
When you study by coursework, you'll learn in a structured way through lectures, tutorials, assignments, and exams. When you do a research degree, you'll do independent research while working closely with an academic supervisor.
Focus on coursework
- Graduate Diploma in Music—upskill quickly or explore postgraduate study before committing to a longer qualification.
- Postgraduate Diploma in Music—deepen your knowledge and develop your skills in research, writing, and critical thinking.
Develop and refine your skills with a career-focused qualification
- Master of Fine Arts (Creative Practice)—develop your mastery, craft, and high-level practical skills for a career in the creative industries.
- Artist Diploma—gain the skills you need to become a concert artist of international standard.
Focus on research
- Bachelor of Music with Honours—expand your knowledge through advanced study that’s a mix of coursework and independent research.
- Master of Music—become an expert through extensive independent research.
- Doctor of Musical Arts—a specialist doctorate aimed at working musical professionals that combines coursework, research, and creative practice.
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)—complete advanced research and make an original contribution to your field.
Master of Fine Arts (Creative Practice)
Develop your arts practice while drawing on everything the creative capital has to offer. Our Master of Fine Arts (Creative Practice) is a practical, industry-focused degree that helps you develop as a creative leader.
The degree develops your mastery, craft, and practical skills, and helps you build new networks in Wellington’s creative industries. Lead an ambitious creative project over 12 months of intensive study.
Qualification support and advice
We can help you match your interests and career goals with the right course of study.
If you’re a new student, talk to a Future Student Adviser through our enquiry form.
If you’re already studying with us, talk to Tītoko—Student Success.
For the research portion of your study, you’ll need a supervisor to help guide your research. Your programme coordinator will work with you to find the right person.
Study options
Find out how you can study postgraduate Classical Performance at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Future careers
Postgraduate study of Classical Performance builds your performance skills and experience. Some graduates become full-time performers and a few even achieve national and international recognition.
Some graduates have portfolio careers that combine professional music roles with other work.
Your studies also develop skills like research, writing, communication, and critical thinking that will help you find work elsewhere.
More career information
Find out more about careers in music.
The government careers website, Tahatū, offers more information about jobs, salaries, and current opportunities.
You can also check out the New Zealand School of Music careers page.
Scholarships
You may be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies.
We have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It's a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for Music
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This Scholarship was established in 2025 to honour Professor Margaret Hyland who held the role of Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research at Victoria University of Wellington from 2018 to 2025.
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Applicants must be New Zealand citizens or permanent residents who have applied for the Master of Fine Arts in Creative Practice (MFA(CP)) within NZSM, will reside in Wellington during their studies, and have either completed an undergraduate performance degree on an orchestral instrument with a GPA of at least 7.0 at a New Zealand university or demonstrated equivalent professional experience.
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Applicants will be current violin, viola or violoncello students, enrolled in the NZSM. A particular of the scholarship is to fund postgraduate study, travel, accommodation and other expenses incurred in the pursuit of such study, both within and outside New Zealand. The scholarship is available to both domestic and international students.
Scholarships for international students
We are currently offering a NZ$10,000 VUW Postgraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Master’s degree or Postgraduate Diploma programme.
Your scholarship will be processed automatically when your programme application is accepted, and the amount will be deducted from your tuition fees.
Other scholarships
We also have postgraduate and doctoral scholarships available, as well as specialised scholarships for different groups and subject areas. If nothing fits right now, something may suit you later.
We encourage you to apply. It's a straightforward process, and it could make a real difference.
Scholarships for Music
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Applicants will be current violin, viola or violoncello students, enrolled in the NZSM. A particular of the scholarship is to fund postgraduate study, travel, accommodation and other expenses incurred in the pursuit of such study, both within and outside New Zealand. The scholarship is available to both domestic and international students.
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The Scholarship exists to attract and support cellists of outstanding ability and potential to study cello performance at NZSM, and to engage each recipient with the life, artistry, and legacy of Greta Ostova.
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This scholarship is available to students intending to do research at postgraduate level at the New Zealand School of Music – Te Kōkī in the field of Music Education. Master’s or Doctoral research is preferred, though Honours level research and projects may be considered. Research or projects which may lead to qualification or enhanced professional practice of the applicant may...
Join our postgraduate community
The Postgraduate Students’ Association provides a voice for you on campus and information on studying at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Postgraduate Students’ Association
MAI ki Pōneke
MAI ki Pōneke are part of an international network of Māori and Indigenous postgraduate students. They provide advice, support, and information to Indigenous postgraduate students of all levels, as well as those thinking about enrolling.
Academic staff research areas
Gillian Ansell
Associate Professor
Jian Liu
Associate Professor
Inbal Megiddo
Associate Professor
Kathryn Mosley
Senior Lecturer in Collaborative Piano
Lance Philip
Lecturer
Shannon Pittaway
Lecturer (Teaching)
Martin Riseley
Associate Professor
Dave Wilson
Senior Lecturer in Music
Jenny Wollerman
Associate Professor
Get help to manage your finances
We can help you:
- budget your money
- manage your student loan or allowance
- work out your accommodation payment schedule.
If you’re facing financial difficulties, we can help you apply for the Hardship Fund.
You may be eligible for government or community support, too.
Apply for a New Zealand study visa
You’ll need to apply for a study visa if you plan to study with us as an international student.
You should apply for your visa after you’ve received your Offer of Place, and before you come to New Zealand.