Begin your classical performance career
If you dream of being an accomplished classical musician, study Classical Performance at the New Zealand School of Music. Learn from and work with some of New Zealand's most acclaimed performers and teachers.
You'll push the limits of your creative abilities. Choose from a range of instruments, including piano and keyboard, strings, brass, woodwind, percussion, guitar, historical instruments, and voice. Refine your skills and artistry through intensive one-on-one lessons and ensemble work. Study music theory and gain transferable skills in critical thinking, writing, and communication.
Graduate as a confident, skilled musician—ready for a career in performance, teaching, arts leadership, or other fields within New Zealand and around the world.
Classical performance at Victoria University of Wellington
Follow your dream and become an accomplished classical musician or gain the skills to teach others. You'll have the opportunity to learn from or work with some of New Zealand’s most acclaimed performers and teachers, including members of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra (NZSO), and chamber musicians who perform and record internationally.
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 undergraduate Classical Performance as your major subject in the Bachelor of Music (BMus).
The BMus prepares you for a career in music or a variety of related professions. Your studies develop your understanding of music and your skills in performance or composition. Throughout, you’ll be supported by internationally recognised musicians and academics.
The BMus is a flexible degree that lets you:
- combine Classical Performance with another major (as part of a double major)
- study another minor subject (such as Popular Music) alongside your Classical Performance major.
You can also study the BMus as part of a conjoint degree—for example, as a Bachelor of Music/Bachelor of Arts (BMus/BA).
Here's more information about double majors and conjoint degrees.
Degree 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.
If you’re already studying with us, talk to Tītoko—Student Success.
Study options
Find out how you can study Classical Performance at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Future careers
A major in Classical Performance develops your musical knowledge and skills for a performance career. A few graduates become full-time performers and may even achieve national and international recognition.
Some graduates have portfolio careers that combine various professional music roles with other work.
You’ll also develop broader transferable skills—critical thinking, listening, research, analysis, and communication—that are important in other areas.
More career information
Find out more about careers in music.
The government careers website, Tahatū, offers more information about jobs, salaries, and current opportunities.
Scholarships
You may be able to get a scholarship to help fund your studies.
We have first-year and school-leaver 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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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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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 is to encourage students who demonstrate outstanding vocal and academic ability.
Scholarships for international students
We are currently offering a NZ$15,000 VUW Undergraduate International Scholarship to all eligible international students enrolling in a Bachelor’s degree.
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 offer 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
-
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.
-
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 is to assist in the education and training of international classical piano undergraduate students at the New Zealand School of Music.
Postgraduate study
If you do well in undergraduate Classical Performance, you could continue your Performance studies at postgraduate level.
You can also take academically oriented musical study with Postgraduate study in Music.
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.
Wellington Global Exchange
If you're a current student at Victoria University of Wellington, you can complete part of your degree overseas. Choose from our 140 partner universities worldwide.
Study Abroad and Exchange Programme
If you're an overseas student, you can spend a trimester or a year at Victoria University of Wellington. You'll earn credits at your home university while you study here.