Introduced to the piano at just five years old after his parents arranged lessons, it took several more years before music revealed itself as something deeper than a childhood activity. “It wasn’t until I was thirteen,” he reflects, “that I knew music would play a central role in my life.”

Music was always part of the fabric of home life. With a father who plays the bagpipes and a mother trained in baroque recorder and flute, the household was rich with sound. Informal musical gatherings – often centred on folk traditions – left a lasting impression. “There was a sense that notions like right and wrong were left at the door,” he says. “What mattered was the passion and love for music itself.” This early, joyful exposure planted a quiet but enduring seed, one that would shape his approach to music in the years to come.

Otis’ time at Scots College proved pivotal. Supported by encouraging teachers and enriched by opportunities beyond the classroom, he credits the school with nurturing both his confidence and ambition. A music scholarship made attendance possible, while committed staff offered flexibility and guidance, ensuring that practice and performance could sit alongside academic life. Highlights included performing chamber music with members of the New Zealand Symphony Orchestra and participating in a pre-tertiary university programme. “The support I received at school was essential during those formative years,” he says.

Now, that foundation has led him to an exciting new chapter: postgraduate study at Yale University in the United States. Central to this decision was the opportunity to study under renowned pianist and teacher Boris Berman.

“Finding the right teacher is one of the most important parts of a young musician’s journey,” he explains. Alongside intensive musical training, he looks forward to exploring courses beyond music, and engaging with a global cohort of talented musicians.

Reflecting on the path ahead, he sees both opportunity and challenge. The chance to focus deeply on his craft and to build connections within a vibrant musical community stands out as a clear advantage. At the same time, maintaining belief through periods of slow or uncertain progress is key. “Consistency and faith in the long vision are essential,” he says.

Looking forward, his ambitions are grounded in growth. He hopes his time in the United States will broaden his musicianship, shaped not only by the excellence of Yale but also by the wider cultural energy of the American East Coast. Ultimately, he aims to return with the skills and perspective needed to contribute meaningfully to musical communities – both locally and beyond.

And for those who remember him at school? One surprising detail: his journey hasn’t been a straight line. “Before I came to love classical music,” he admits, “I actively disliked it.”

His advice to current students is simple but powerful: work hard and with care, seek out great mentors, and remain open to unexpected opportunities. “It is often the unlikeliest doors,” he says, “that take you to where you need to go.”

From early lessons in Wellington to the halls of Yale, his story is a testament to passion, perseverance, and the enduring support of a strong school community.