Red X iconGreen tick iconYellow tick icon

Bachelor of Music (MusB)

Overview

At Otago, we make music, know about music, and are passionate about nurturing and developing musicians. We teach performance, composition, songwriting and music production, as well as music theory, history and culture. You’ll have the opportunity to explore classical, traditional and contemporary music from Aotearoa and worldwide.

Our excellent facilities include a recording studio, performance spaces and practice rooms, all equipped with the latest technology. Dunedin’s wider performing arts community also makes use of our facilities, connecting students, professional musicians, community groups and arts organisations.

We have a thriving University music culture: there are weekly lunchtime music and theatre/performances, as well as opportunities to perform in local bands, musical productions, orchestras and community groups.

Join a creative community with strong professional connections

If you’re passionate about music, you’ll find your home at Otago’s School of Performing Arts. Our community of staff and students encourages and supports personal growth and self-expression. In our classes you’ll get time with your lecturers and tutors, often in small groups, tutorials or workshops. The flexible nature of our degrees allows different study pathways and multiple specialisations, giving you the opportunity to shape your study to suit your passions and career aspirations.

Ready to apply?

If this is the qualification for you, get started with your application today.

Programme details

Career opportunities

With opportunities to specialise in Performance, Composition, or Music Production, this degree enables you to tailor your study to suit your passions and career ambitions. Our graduates become:

  • Performers
  • Teachers
  • Composers
  • Studio producers
testimonial-image

The MusB enabled me to pursue performing, composing, conducting and musicology, and also allowed me to explore other disciplines. Students are involved in the local music scene, from playing in orchestras and singing in operas to performing at local music venues. The people at the School of Performing Arts were really supportive and fantastic.


Nathaniel Otley

2024 SOUNZ Contemporary Award Te Tohu Auaha winner
Composer in Residence, NZSO National Youth Orchestra

University jargon

Starting to research your study options and already feeling lost in the jargon? Here are some handy links for common terms you’re likely to come across.


Further study

We offer postgraduate opportunities tailored to your interests at Honours, Master's and PhD level.


More information

Have a question or need support? AskOtago can connect you with the right team for personalised help.


This information must be read subject to the statement on our Copyright & Disclaimer page.

Regulations on this page are taken from the 2025 Calendar and supplementary material.

Not sure what to study?


Take our short quiz to uncover study options matched to your background and interests.

Take the quiz
Undergraduate student
Back to top