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The TANZOS programme is restricted to five or six exceptional singers each year, selected by audition
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Applications for 2026 are now closed. Applications for 2027 will open mid-2026.
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Auditions for 2026 will take place on 7-8 September 2025 and shortlisted applicants invited to join classes during the following few days.
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When applications open, you can do so by using the button below and please see our guide to the audition process here.
This unique degree is offered by The University of Waikato - Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato with the paper code, MUSIC525 - MMus in Advanced Opera Studies.
Read through the following information before applying, and when you've set up your University of Waikato Profile, search for the 'MMus in Advanced Opera Studies'.
A BMusHons or performance-standard equivalent is required along with a proven ability as a singer of promise with evidence provided at the time of application consisting of:
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Curricula Vitae
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Links to 2 or more video recordings of performances
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Up to two references from a teacher or opera practitioner (these need to be sent directly to us at tepaekokako@waikato.ac.nz or your referees can complete the form here:)
Once you've applied, you'll be contacted about whether you have been accepted for audition and sent information about what will be required.
APPLICATIONS OPEN: WEDNESDAY 14 MAY 2025
APPLICATIONS CLOSE: MONDAY 11 AUGUST 2025, 23:59 NZT
SUCCESSFUL APPLICANTS NOTIFIED: MONDAY 18 AUGUST, 2025
IN-PERSON AUDITIONS: SUNDAY 7 SEPTEMBER AND MONDAY 8 SEPTEMBER, 2025
SHORTLISTED APPLICANTS ATTEND CLASSES: TUESDAY 9 AND WEDNESDAY 10 SEPTEMBER, 2025
ALL APPLICANTS NOTIFIED OF DECISION: FRIDAY 12 SEPTEMBER, 2025
COURSE START DATE: FEBRUARY 2026
Auditions - 7-8 September, 2025
Process
Our programme is supported by substantial scholarships in order to provide the level of training that we do, so we appoint a panel who conduct the auditions, and who make the final decisions.
We are looking for singers with exceptional promise who are at a stage where they are nearing the end of their university studies and who will benefit from the holistic nature of the programme to prepare them for the demands of a Young Artist programme or career in opera.
Auditions will be held on Sunday 7 and Monday 8 September, 2025, at the Gallagher Academy of Performing Arts, our home, in Hamilton at The University of Waikato. We provide the audition pianist and you are required to provide three arias for the panel to choose from. Generally, you will be invited to select which aria you'd like to present first. Following the sung part of your audition, you will be invited to join the panel for a short interview.
We are inviting shortlisted applicants to join our TANZOS classes during the week following their audition, which will include a consultation with our primary vocal teacher, Nikki Li Hartliep, attended by the panel.
Shortlisted applicants will be notified at the end of the day on 8 September and required to attend classes on 9-11 September. If attendance is not possible for all applicants on those dates, there may be a possibility for alternative arrangements, but this is not guaranteed, so we encourage all shortlisted applicants to attend.