Take your passion for jazz further
Take your creative performance abilities to new heights and become an accomplished musician at the New Zealand School of Music.
Polish your skills under the expert attention of acclaimed New Zealand teachers and performers. You'll learn from practising professional artists, including members of the Rodger Fox Big Band, the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra (NZSO), Te Kōkī Trio, and the New Zealand String Quartet.
Make use of staff contacts in the music world—you might get to audition for the NZSO or Orchestra Wellington, or to be involved with other classical and jazz events for which Wellington is famous.
Choose your study path
While your focus will be on perfecting your jazz performance skills, you may also do coursework and research depending on your chosen postgraduate qualification.
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
- 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.
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 Jazz Performance at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington.
Why Wellington
Make the most of our decades of scholarship and study. Our Department of Music was established in 1946 and became Te Kōkī—New Zealand School of Music in 2006. Our academic staff include top professional musicians and singers, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise.
As the cultural capital, Wellington is home to many of Aotearoa New Zealand's most acclaimed performers, composers, teachers, scholars, and arts organisations.
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.
Future careers
You might go on to have a rewarding career as a solo artist or as part of an orchestra, chamber ensemble, jazz band or popular music group. Some graduates have created portfolio careers that combine professional music roles with other work.
You might also find a career in related areas like teaching or arts administration.
Alumni of the NZSM have gone on to work with groups ranging from the NZSO, the Australian Chamber Orchestra, and New Zealand Opera, to acclaimed New Zealand popular music bands like Drax Project, L.A.B, Pacific Heights, Tunes of I, and the Richter City Rebels.
More career information
Find out more about careers.
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 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 is open to female students of the New Zealand School of Music who are studying or who aspire to study sonic arts. The successful applicant will be chosen on the basis of prior attainment and identified potential, taking into account, where appropriate, financial need.
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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...
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The scholarship is offered to students who: have completed the first year of the Master of Music Therapy degree and intend to enrol in the second year of this programme
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, Postgraduate Diploma, or eligible Honours 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
-
This scholarship is open to female students of the New Zealand School of Music who are studying or who aspire to study sonic arts. The successful applicant will be chosen on the basis of prior attainment and identified potential, taking into account, where appropriate, financial need.
-
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...
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This scholarship is to assist students in the last year of their first Bachelors degree at Victoria University of Wellington. The scholarship fund will be awarded equally between male and female students.
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
Lance Philip
Lecturer
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.