The Pettman National Junior Academy is New Zealand’s most successful music scholarship programme, preparing our most talented young musicians for future studies at the world’s leading Universities.
The programme is open for young musicians aged 8 – 18, all orchestral instruments, voice and piano are offered.
The Academy offers 45 scholarships at $4000 each, International masterclasses, frequent concert opportunities, career development opportunities, individual lessons with our world class teachers and targeted competition preparation.

Lady Maureen Pettman
The Pettman National Junior Academy is proudly sponsored by
Lady Maureen Pettman
and the
Pettman Foundation
Our PROGRAMMES
The student will have also individual lesson with a PNJA teacher within the programme.
The programme will also provide entrance into the following classes:
- Musicianship class
- Masterclasses
- Performance Classes
- Ensemble
- Piano accompaniment
- Participation in concerts on a regular basis
- Competition preparation (as discussed with the teacher)
The programme will offer entrance into the following classes:
- Musicianship class
- Masterclasses
- Performance classes
- Ensemble
- Participation in concerts on a regular basis
Fees are set for each academic year and are subject to increase as required. Unless otherwise explicitly agreed/arranged with the Head of Junior Programmes in advance, students are expected to take part in all elements of the core curriculum.
The Pettman National Junior Academy of Music is very happy to offer options for the annual fees to be paid. These can be either of the following:
Payments per monthly instalments: The total annual fee can be split into smaller instalments, with an invoice sent per month (total fees are to be paid within 10 months’ maximum).
Payments per semester: The total annual fee can be split into two larger payments, with an invoice sent per semester.
- Chamber Music Programme: Annual fee $840
- Soloists Programme: Annual fee $2,280
Extra help, based on financial need is available on a case-by-case basis.
ENTRANCE CRITERIA
Students are expected to perform at a standard equivalent to Grade 5 and above.
AUDITION
Entrance to both the Chamber Music and the Soloists programme is by audition. Students are expected to perform a varied programme of 5 – 10 min (chamber music programme) and 10 – 15 min (soloists programme). Part of the audition process is an interview, including the instrumental teacher, to discuss the best possible programme for the individual student.
INTERVIEW
The second stage of the application process is an interview with the Director of the Academy and members of the teaching faculty.
ACCEPTANCE
Successful applicants will then receive a letter of acceptance which outlines their status within the Academy. This letter will outline the requirements and expectations for the programme, and the parents of the student will be required to sign a contract. On receipt of a completed contract, the Pettman National Junior Academy will issue an invoice for the student’s fees.
Our Teachers
Mark Bennett
Wolfgang Kraemer
Dr Lisa Chung
Sam Girling
Robert Ashworth
Viola
“In art, the best is the standard. When you hear a new violinist, you do not compare him to the kid next door; you compare him to Stern and Heifetz.”
Ursula K Le Guin
Contact us
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