Auditions

If performance will be part of your studies you will need to pass an audition as part of the application process.

Apply to audition

NZSM welcomes students to audition for their study in 2027 from June 2026 until 15 November 2026.

Before you start, read about the requirements for:

Please apply to study at Victoria University in 2027 by following this link. Once you have selected your degree and major, the NZSM will be in touch with you directly to arrange an audition.

Apply now

Scholarships for incoming NZSM students

Scholarships are available for incoming students — apply to audition for consideration.

Audition process

There are two parts to your audition. The first is to apply to study at Victoria University of Wellington. Then the NZSM will contact you directly with a request for relevant background about your audition request and guide you through the audition process which involves the submission of a recorded audition.

All auditions are to be submitted as a recording. See the recorded audition guidelines. Music Therapy applicants have additional Music Therapy audition guidelines.

Late auditions: Late auditions are subject to availability of places and the due date is negotiated between yourself and the School. To arrange a late audition, contact music@vuw.ac.nz.

Audition dates for Trimester 1, 2027

Jazz and Classical Performance:

NZSM welcomes auditions for Jazz and Classical Performance from 1 June until 15 November.
You can expect to hear about the outcome of your audition within 10 working days of submission.

Scholarships:

Each year a number of NZSM Music Prizes are awarded to our best auditionees for the BMus in Performance.
Auditions received before the 31 July and the 30 September will be considered for these awards.

Late audition applications will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Please contact music@vuw.ac.nz.

Music Therapy:

22 July: application submitted via Pūaha
19 August: audition recording and document uploads due
Mid-September and early October: interviews and referee checks.

Songwriting portfolio requirements:

Recordings of 2 original songs, in which all aspects of the songs are clearly audible. Recordings can be made using a phone.
Lyrics for both songs.
A short video (approx. 2-3 minutes) outlining your songwriting journey and your interest in the songwriting major in the Bachelor of Popular Music degree.

Please upload as unlisted videos to YouTube and email the recording links and lyrics to: music@vuw.ac.nz

Instructions for uploading unlisted videos can be found here.

International students

International students should contact VUW's International Office. Your audition will be arranged with them. To ensure to your recorded audition meets requirements see information below and recorded audition guidelines

Contact

For more information about auditions, contact music@vuw.ac.nz.