
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.

“I’m delighted that you are interested in the Pettman National Junior Academy. Hearing our Students discuss their Academy and their part within it confirms that they are happy to be musicians, being well educated by their excellent Tutors.
Congratulations Edith and Wolfgang for many successful years and I wish you well for many more.”
Lady Maureen Pettman
Lady Maureen Pettman
and the
Pettman Foundation
OUR PROGRAMMES
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
All students receive a very generous scholarship from the Pettman National Junior Academy.
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 $1,040
- Soloists Programme: Annual fee $2,560
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
Edith Salzmann
Oksana Murashova Thompson
Violin
Robert Ashworth
Dr. Humberto Almeida
Piano
Uwe Grodd
Michael Endres
Mark Bennett
Dr Rae de Lisle
Dr Sarah Watkins
Luca Manghi
Odette Creanga-Kurth
Violin
Julianne Song
Rosemary Barnes
James Fry
Clarinet
Sam Girling
Miranda Adams
Violin
Susan Bierre
Able Zhu
Piano
Wolfgang Kraemer
Mark Hobson
Saxophone
“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