Dr. Jonathan Dunlop

Dr. Jonathan Dunlop is a multi-keyboard specialist, conductor, repetiteur, and composer whose work spans performance, education, and research.

He completed a Bachelor of Music in Piano Performance at the University of Auckland, where he was first introduced to early keyboard instruments. During this time, he developed a strong foundation in historical performance practice and stylistic awareness, studying instruments such as the harpsichord, clavichord, and fortepiano. The skills gained during these studies continue to inform his modern piano performance and teaching.

In 2018, Jonathan completed a Master’s degree at the University of Auckland. Alongside his postgraduate studies, he worked extensively as a choral accompanist, supporting choirs in both rehearsal and performance. This work led to the development of his skills as a repetiteur, including leading sectional and full rehearsals in the absence of a conductor.

Jonathan went on to complete a Doctor of Musical Arts at the University of Waikato, studying under the late Katherine Austin, Dr Rachael Griffiths-Hughes, and the late Professor Martin Lodge. His research and performance interests focus on 17th-, 18th-, and 19th-century keyboard repertoire, with particular expertise in historically informed performance on period instruments. He has worked with ensembles throughout Auckland and Waikato, performing on a wide range of early keyboards, including chamber organ.

Following the completion of his doctoral studies, Jonathan became an Associate Artist with the TANZOS programme at the University of Waikato. Since the programme’s inception in 2023, he has contributed as an Associate Artist Repetiteur, working closely with emerging opera singers.

His recent professional highlights include the completion of his doctorate and successful nationwide tours with New Zealand Opera as a repetiteur and keyboard specialist.

In addition to his freelance and academic work, Jonathan is the Principal Organist at St Paul’s Collegiate School, Hamilton, where he is also active as a choir director and accompanist. He is currently the conductor of the Franklin Community Choir in Pukekohe.

As a composer, Jonathan has entered works in regional and tertiary-level competitions, receiving numerous awards. He remains committed to expanding his musical knowledge across genres and historical periods, with a disciplined and focused approach to performance, research, and teaching.