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Otis Prescott-Mason

Otis performing while at school

It is not every day you leave a conversation feeling uplifted and exhilarated for someone else. Yet that was our experience after speaking with 2020 alumnus Otis Prescott-Mason.

Since leaving the College, Otis has remained closely connected, returning each year to perform mini concerts for the Music Department and to support our piano students. So, it is with great joy that we celebrate the extraordinary opportunity he has earned. Later this year, Otis will travel to Yale University in the United States to begin a Master of Music on a full two-year study scholarship.

With some gentle prompting, we came to appreciate just how remarkable this achievement is. Otis is one of fewer than ten pianists accepted into the programme from many hundreds of applicants worldwide. The selection process was rigorous, beginning with a written application and culminating in a live audition for a small group of finalists before offers were made.

Otis grew up in Wellington’s southern bays in a creative family who loved music. Initially, he admits, piano was something he endured rather than enjoyed, encouraged by his parents. However, over time, music found its way into his heart.

Without hesitation, Otis credits former Head of Music, Mr Roger Powdrell, as pivotal in shaping his passion. ‘I hated classical music until one of Mr Powdrell’s classes, then something just clicked. I can absolutely say I would not be where I am today without him. He opened so many doors, introduced me to people, helped me perform with the NZSO, and, very importantly, gave me the freedom to practise whenever I wanted to. I practically lived in the music room and probably snuck in more than I should have. I just wanted to get better and Mr Powdrell supported this.’

Otis reflects that he always felt slightly behind, having focused seriously on music later than many others, perhaps the source of the dedication and intensity that now define him.

As a younger student, Otis was also a competitive gymnast and enjoyed playing rugby, but music gradually became his sole focus. His talent and commitment set him apart from his peers. While still in Year 11 at St Patrick’s, he earned a New Zealand Scholarship, placing him among the top three percent of music students in the entire country. By Year 13, he was studying both at school and at Victoria University, before moving to full-time university study and completing his Bachelor of Music.

Looking ahead, Otis speaks with humility. He is less concerned with the idea of a career and more focused on continual growth. ‘Music is how I make sense of life. I just want to keep improving, to keep studying and growing. Hopefully, I can get by with this.’

He plans to enter competitions that might open doors, create connections, and lead to performance opportunities. ‘I dream of playing great concerts. My drive is to make music at the highest level I can and to contribute meaningfully to the world of music.’

We are grateful to Otis for continuing to give back to St Patrick’s College. His recent performance at the Music Department Concert was a highlight for all who attended. As he prepares for his move to the United States, Otis has also been hosting concerts to help fund his living costs over the next two years. If you would like to hear Otis play on Sunday 9 August, you can buy tickets here.

The St Patrick’s College Wellington Foundation is proud to support Otis and encourages our alumni and wider community to consider contributing to his journey, through a donation (eligible for a tax credit) here.

Thank you, Otis. It was a privilege to spend time with you. The College is very proud of all you have achieved and excited for what lies ahead. In time, we have no doubt your name will be in lights—and deservedly so. Sectare Fidem Otis.

 

Some of Otis’ achievements include:

  • 2025: awarded 3rd prize at the National Concerto Competition in Christchurch, performing Prokofiev’s 3rd concerto with the Christchurch Symphony
  • 2022: awarded 1st prize, Best Performance of a Classical Sonata, and the Audience Choice Award at the Lewis Eady National Piano Competition
  • 2022: awarded 1st prize at the PACANZ National Piano Competition
  • 2020: awarded 1st prize at the New Zealand Junior Piano Competition