School of Performing Arts, University of Otago

School of Performing Arts, University of Otago We offer degree programmes in Music, Theatre, Performing Arts, Dance and Postgraduate study pathways

🎶 Centenary Celebrations Spotlight: Meet The Cleos! 🎶We’re shining a light on one of our freshest talents—The Cleos! 🌟Th...
31/08/2026

🎶 Centenary Celebrations Spotlight: Meet The Cleos! 🎶

We’re shining a light on one of our freshest talents—The Cleos! 🌟

This five-piece folk-rock band formed right here in our Contemporary Music Performance programme earlier in 2025, and they’re already making waves in the student scene. Their sound is as unique as it is captivating.

Think dreamy vocals, groovy beats, and songwriting that keeps you guessing—The Cleos blend country, folk-rock, and indie influences into something totally their own. And the best part? They’re still students, bringing a bold, fresh energy to contemporary music that you won’t want to miss.

Catch them during our Centenary Celebrations and see what all the buzz is about! 🎸✨

The Cocker Concert and LuthaA conversation with Garry McAlpine, Tim Hazledine, and Graham Wardrop Wednesday 30th Septemb...
30/08/2026

The Cocker Concert and Lutha

A conversation with Garry McAlpine, Tim Hazledine, and Graham Wardrop

Wednesday 30th September, 11:00am
Toitū Otago Settlers Museum
Dunedin

https://events.humanitix.com/the-cocker-concert-and-lutha

The University of Otago's School of Performing Arts, along with the department of Sociology, Criminology and Gender Studies, and the department of Media, Film and Communication, would like to announce The Cocker Concert and Lutha, part of our Behind The Music symposium. See here for details:

https://www.tekorokorootetui.com/behind-the-music

Jeff Harford leads three key figures from Dunedin’s 1970s music scene on a journey back in time. Garry MacAlpine (vocals, percussion) and Graham Wardrop (vocals, lead guitar), both members of Lutha, the band making waves across New Zealand a decade before the Dunedin Sound, join pianist and musical director Tim Hazledine to revisit the legendary 1972 Otago University tribute to Joe Cocker’s Mad Dogs and Englishmen. Together, they reflect on the songs and the performances that captivated audiences in both Dunedin and Auckland, contributing to a new era of Music in Dunedin.

Join Garry, Graham, Tim, and Jeff in the Toitū auditorium at 11:00am on Wednesday 30th September. Free entry. Register here.

🎭 AUDITIONS FOR 2027 ARE OFFICIALLY OPEN! 🎭 Calling all musicians—whether you vibe with Contemporary instruments or liv...
27/08/2026

🎭 AUDITIONS FOR 2027 ARE OFFICIALLY OPEN! 🎭

Calling all musicians—whether you vibe with Contemporary instruments or live for the Classical repertoire, we’ve got space for YOU. 🎸🎻🎹

This is your moment to shine. Spots are limited, so don’t wait—apply now and secure your place in the 2027 season!

📍 Contact us for details.
Tag a musician who needs to see this! 👇

🎉 Huge congratulations to Alisha Rong Zhang! 🎶As of September 17th, she’ll officially hold a Doctorate of Musical Arts i...
25/08/2026

🎉 Huge congratulations to Alisha Rong Zhang! 🎶

As of September 17th, she’ll officially hold a Doctorate of Musical Arts in Classical Vocal Performance—and her dissertation title is nothing short of groundbreaking:

"The Localisation of Bel Canto in Chinese National Vocal Music Through a Coloratura Soprano Lens: Enhancing and Preserving National Vocal Music Identity”

A brilliant blend of tradition, voice, and cultural preservation. 👏

We wish you all the best as you pursue an academic position in vocal performance. The world of voice is lucky to have you, Dr. Zhang! 🎵✨

🎹 Workshop Spotlight: Centenary Celebrations Join us on Friday, 25th September for a profound personal reflection from ...
25/08/2026

🎹 Workshop Spotlight: Centenary Celebrations

Join us on Friday, 25th September for a profound personal reflection from Abhinath Berry—one of our most distinguished recent Music Programme graduates—on the demands and expectations of high-level international training.

As both a pianist and composer, Abhinath has graced prestigious London concert series this year and recently performed for the Wagner Society. Currently completing his Masters in Solo Piano Performance at the Guildhall School, he brings a wealth of experience and insight.

🎶 Facilitated by Terence Denis
📍 Council Chamber, Clock Tower

Don’t miss this intimate conversation on excellence, resilience, and the journey of a musician.



Register here;
https://events.otago.ac.nz/music-2026

🎶 A century of sound! 🎶 In 2026, the University of Otago’s Department of Music turns 100 — and what a journey it’s been....
23/08/2026

🎶 A century of sound! 🎶

In 2026, the University of Otago’s Department of Music turns 100 — and what a journey it’s been. From humble public lectures to shaping world-class performers, and even pioneering the very first university rock-music training course 🎸📚

This is more than history — it’s a legacy of breaking the mould, one note at a time.

Who’s ready to dive into 100 years of music magic? 🙌🎹✨

https://events.otago.ac.nz/music-2026/registration/Site/Register

Our Contemporary Music Performance students at work today. So much talent and a truly unique experience hearing original...
21/08/2026

Our Contemporary Music Performance students at work today.

So much talent and a truly unique experience hearing original performances.

Auditions are open now for next year.

Please share and let’s keep our performance community vibrant and alive.

Alumni Spotlight "Rachel Trainor"🎸 Life on the road has been WILD lately! Rachel has just wrapped up touring with the i...
16/08/2026

Alumni Spotlight "Rachel Trainor"

🎸 Life on the road has been WILD lately!

Rachel has just wrapped up touring with the incredible "Beks" (Aussie pop queen 👑) opening for "The Superjesus" on their 'Jet Age' 25th anniversary tour. Huge venues, epic vibes, and hanging with Sarah & the gang—absolute Australian rock royalty! 🤘

But that’s not all…
Earlier this year, she crossed the globe with 'Stephanie Lake’s Manifesto'—a contemporary dance show with NINE drummers as the live soundtrack. 🥁 They hit the US & Canada in March/April, and honestly? Bucket list = ✅. Playing in those countries was a dream come true.

And to top it off—she got to record some fresh videos for 'Meinl' (beyond grateful to be endorsed by such an iconic brand). 🙏

"Feeling so lucky to do what I love with people I admire" 📸

Another success story from our Contemporary Performance program.

🎭 From the stage to the voice clinic – Michelle Keating’s career is proof that a Performing Arts degree can take you in ...
12/08/2026

🎭 From the stage to the voice clinic – Michelle Keating’s career is proof that a Performing Arts degree can take you in so many directions!

Since graduating from the University of Otago in 2016, Michelle has woven together her loves of performance, singing, teaching, and voice science into a truly unique career path. She went on to complete a Master of Speech-Language Pathology with Distinction at UC, and now works as both a Speech-Language Therapist and Vocologist – while still teaching singing and piano! 🎶

Michelle is the founder of 'Vocal Tones' in Lincoln, Canterbury, offering singing/piano lessons, voice therapy, and vocal health services. Her superpower? Helping professional voice users and performers build healthy, efficient techniques and avoid injury. 🙌

A tertiary-trained contemporary commercial singer, she teaches everything from musical theatre and jazz to classic rock – for all ages and levels. She’s also Co-Vice President of He Wai Kōmako NEWZATS, giving back to the singing teaching community.

Michelle says her Performing Arts degree gave her the foundation to understand the voice from creative, educational, and clinical angles – and that’s a gift that keeps on giving.

From performer to teacher, therapist, and business owner – Michelle’s journey is a beautiful reminder that the arts open more doors than you might expect. ✨

Address

145 Union Street East
Dunedin
9016

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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