Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music
Undergraduate Education
Degree Offered
The Conservatory offers the Bachelor of Music (Honours) degree, which is a four-year full-time undergraduate programme building out from a focus on one of 20 specific music majors. With our student body kept to 220 from Singapore, Asia and around the world, each student receives individualised attention in helping them shape their distinctive artistic identity, and is part of a multicultural, diverse student body. All undergraduates receive generous support that covers all financial costs, thanks to the Government of Singapore, the Yong Loo Lin Trust, and other benefactors.
The BMus programme is driven by two key aims: nurturing artistic identity as a driver and compass for excellence; and engaging the broader ecosystem to give music greater resonance. We envision the four years in terms of overlapping spheres of activity, which inform and enrich each other. Encompassing all these endeavours is the act of listening, which connects and opens up ever-new meaning in our musical journeys.
The Major Study
The major forms the core of the BMus programme and builds specialised expertise in one of 20 areas below. Students receive one-to-one instruction with close guidance from our faculty, alongside core and elective class and ensemble options.
Majors offered:
• Violin Performance
• Viola Performance
• Cello Performance
• Double Bass Performance
• Flute Performance
• Oboe Performance
• Clarinet Performance
• Bassoon Performance
• French Horn Performance
• Trumpet Performance
• Trombone Performance
• Tuba Performance
• Percussion Performance
• Harp Performance
• Piano Performance
• Voice
• Composition
• Audio Arts and Sciences
• Music and Society
• Music, Collaboration and Production
Electives
While the major forms the core of the BMus programme, we believe artistic identity is reflected in – and developed through – the educational choices that each student makes. As such, a significant part of the programme involves students building up their own portfolio of additional modules from within the Conservatory as well as across NUS, depending on their capacities and preferences.
Music Studies
Modules in Analysis & Composition and Contextual Studies are designed to broaden and deepen each student’s connection to music. Following introductory modules in each of the two areas, students have considerable freedom to pursue subjects according to their interests and future directions.
Collaborative Activity
Outside of their solo practice, students engage in collaborative activity with their peers through involvement in music-making, community engagement and professional integration projects, as well as self-curated initiatives. Collaborative platforms include the Conservatory Orchestra, OpusNovus (contemporary music ensemble), and the Collaboratory (for self-initiated realisations of student compositions, experimentations and improvisations). Through such activity, they hone their ability to work in different settings and teams, and in the process enrich their own musical understanding.
Professional Integration
An important challenge for any musician is finding one’s own special place in the music industry ecosystem. Professional Integration modules are designed to help students develop core professional, pedagogical and communication skills, and to define their own distinct pathways outside of the Conservatory.
University Requirements
As with all undergraduate NUS students, Conservatory students must fulfil each pillar of the General Education curriculum.
“Extracurricular” Music Activity
Artistry goes beyond the boundaries of the degree programme. We encourage students to engage in their own explorations and collaborations, and actively create their own bodies of work outside of YST – which in the process enriches their learning within the Conservatory.
Curriculum Structure & Degree Requirements
Students admitted to the Bachelor of Music (Honours) programme must complete 160 MCs to graduate.
(A) PROGRAMME REQUIREMENTS
MAJOR REQUIREMENTS
VIOLIN, VIOLA, CELLO PERFORMANCE MAJORS (80 MCs)
ALL OTHER MAJORS (72 MCs)
Please refer to Major Requirements (below).
FACULTY REQUIREMENTS (36 MCs)
Music Studies Requirements (36 MCs)
- Musical Concepts and Materials
- MUT1101 Introduction to Musical Concepts and Materials (4 MCs) — Year 1, Semester 1
- Any 3 modules from the following: (12 MCs) — to be completed by the end of Year 2
- MUT2201 Harmonic Practices — Semester 2
- MUT2202 Counterpoint through the Ages — Semester 2
- MUT2203 Texture and Timbre — Semester 2
- MUT2204 Formal Practices — Semester 1
- MUT2205 Text and Music — Semester 1
- Contextual Studies
- MUH1101 Foundations for Musical Discovery (4 MCs) — Year 1, Semester 1/2
- 1 additional Contextual Studies module (MUH-coded) (4 MCs)
- Professional Integration
- MUA1163 The Profession of Music 1 (2 MCs) — Year 1, Semester 1
- MUA1167 The Profession of Music 2 (2 MCs) — Year 1, Semester 2
- MUA2163 Leading and Guiding through Music (4 MCs) — Year 2 (year-long)
- MUA3163 Musical Pathways (4 MCs) — Year 3, Semester 1/2
Non-Credit Requirements
- Students must fulfil 6 semesters of satisfactory attendance at Noon Recitals
- Ensemble activities (as required by the Ensemble Office)
(B) UNIVERSITY REQUIREMENTS
GENERAL EDUCATION
For students admitted before AY2021/22 (20 MCs)
For students admitted from AY2021/22 (24 MCs)
Please refer to NUS General Education page for more information.
All students are advised to complete the General Education requirements by the end of Year 2.
(C) UNRESTRICTED ELECTIVES
For students admitted before AY2021/22:
VIOLIN, VIOLA AND CELLO PERFORMANCE MAJORS (24 MCs)
ALL OTHER MAJORS (32 MCs)
For students admitted from AY2021/22:
VIOLIN, VIOLA AND CELLO PERFORMANCE MAJORS (20 MCs)
ALL OTHER MAJORS (28 MCs)
Unrestricted Elective modules allow students to explore greater breadth or depth in any subject and at any level. Students may use this Unrestricted Elective space to partially or wholly satisfy the requirements for a minor or a second major.
(D) ENGLISH REQUIREMENTS
International students whose native language is not English or who do not have the acceptable English Language qualifications for admission are required to sit for the English Qualifying Test. Students who fail this test will be placed in the appropriate class level for required English language instruction.
- EM1201 English for Academic Purposes (Music) 1 — Year 1, Semester 1
- EM1202 English for Academic Purposes (Music) 2 — Year 1, Semester 1/2
Furthermore, students requiring English support must also read an additional foundational Contextual Study module below, which will be counted as an unrestricted elective.
- MUH1100 Understanding and Describing Music (4 MCs) — Year 1, Semester 1
Major Requirements: Violin/Viola/Cello Performance
Module Requirements
Applied Major Studies (52 MCs)
- MUA1161 Foundational Studies on Principal Instrument (6 MCs) – Year 1, Semester 1
- MUA1162 Juried Performance Presentation (6 MCs) – Year 1, Semester 2
- MUA2161 Advanced Juried Performance Presentation (6 MCs) – Year 2, Semester 1
- MUA2162 Continuing Studies on Principal Instrument (6 MCs) – Year 2, Semester 2
- MUA3161 Junior Recital (6 MCs) – Year 3, Semester 1
- MUA3162 Intermediate Studies on Principal Instrument (6 MCs) – Year 3, Semester 2
- MUA4161 Advanced Studies on Principal Instrument (6 MCs) – Year 4, Semester 1
- MUA4162 Senior Recital – Instrumental Performance Capstone (10 MCs) – Year 4, Semester 2
Orchestra (8 MCs)
- 2-3 semesters of large ensemble modules (2-4 MCs per semester)
Chamber Music (12 MCs)
- MUA1109 Foundation for String Chamber Music (4 MCs) – Year 1, Semester 2
- 2-4 semesters of chamber music modules (2-4 MCs per semester)
Contemporary Music (4 MCs)
- MUA3117 Contemporary Music Performance (4 MCs) – Year 3, Semester 1/2
Pedagogy (4 MCs)
- MUA3116 Pedagogy for Orchestral Instrumentalists (4 MCs) – Year 3, Semester 2
Major Requirements: Double Bass Performance
Module Requirements
Applied Major Studies (52 MCs)
- MUA1161 Foundational Studies on Principal Instrument (6 MCs) – Year 1, Semester 1
- MUA1162 Juried Performance Presentation (6 MCs) – Year 1, Semester 2
- MUA2161 Advanced Juried Performance Presentation (6 MCs) – Year 2, Semester 1
- MUA2162 Continuing Studies on Principal Instrument (6 MCs) – Year 2, Semester 2
- MUA3161 Junior Recital (6 MCs) – Year 3, Semester 1
- MUA3162 Intermediate Studies on Principal Instrument (6 MCs) – Year 3, Semester 2
- MUA4161 Advanced Studies on Principal Instrument (6 MCs) – Year 4, Semester 1
- MUA4162 Senior Recital – Instrumental Performance Capstone (10 MCs) – Year 4, Semester 2
Orchestra (4 MCs)
- 2 semesters of large ensemble modules (2 MCs per semester)
Chamber Music (8 MCs)
- 2-3 semesters of chamber music modules (2-4 MCs per semester)
Contemporary Music (4 MCs)
- MUA3117 Contemporary Music Performance (4 MCs) – Year 3, Semester 1/2
Pedagogy (4 MCs)
- MUA3116 Pedagogy for Orchestral Instrumentalists (4 MCs) – Year 3, Semester 2
Major Requirements: Flute/Oboe/Clarinet/Bassoon Performance
Module Requirements
Applied Major Studies (52 MCs)
- MUA1161 Foundational Studies on Principal Instrument (6 MCs) – Year 1, Semester 1
- MUA1162 Juried Performance Presentation (6 MCs) – Year 1, Semester 2
- MUA2161 Advanced Juried Performance Presentation (6 MCs) – Year 2, Semester 1
- MUA2162 Continuing Studies on Principal Instrument (6 MCs) – Year 2, Semester 2
- MUA3161 Junior Recital (6 MCs) – Year 3, Semester 1
- MUA3162 Intermediate Studies on Principal Instrument (6 MCs) – Year 3, Semester 2
- MUA4161 Advanced Studies on Principal Instrument (6 MCs) – Year 4, Semester 1
- MUA4162 Senior Recital – Instrumental Performance Capstone (10 MCs) – Year 4, Semester 2
Orchestra (4 MCs)
- 2 semesters of large ensemble modules (2 MCs per semester)
Chamber Music (8 MCs)
- 2-3 semesters of chamber music modules (2-4 MCs per semester)
Contemporary Music (4 MCs)
- MUA3117 Contemporary Music Performance (4 MCs) – Year 3, Semester 1/2
Pedagogy (4 MCs)
- MUA3116 Pedagogy for Orchestral Instrumentalists (4 MCs) – Year 3, Semester 2
Major Requirements: French Horn/Trumpet/Trombone/Tuba Performance
Module Requirements
Applied Major Studies (52 MCs)
- MUA1161 Foundational Studies on Principal Instrument (6 MCs) – Year 1, Semester 1
- MUA1162 Juried Performance Presentation (6 MCs) – Year 1, Semester 2
- MUA2161 Advanced Juried Performance Presentation (6 MCs) – Year 2, Semester 1
- MUA2162 Continuing Studies on Principal Instrument (6 MCs) – Year 2, Semester 2
- MUA3161 Junior Recital (6 MCs) – Year 3, Semester 1
- MUA3162 Intermediate Studies on Principal Instrument (6 MCs) – Year 3, Semester 2
- MUA4161 Advanced Studies on Principal Instrument (6 MCs) – Year 4, Semester 1
- MUA4162 Senior Recital – Instrumental Performance Capstone (10 MCs) – Year 4, Semester 2
Orchestra (4 MCs)
- 2 semesters of large ensemble modules (2 MCs per semester)
Chamber Music (8 MCs)
- 2-3 semesters of chamber music modules (2-4 MCs per semester)
Contemporary Music (4 MCs)
- MUA3117 Contemporary Music Performance (4 MCs) – Year 3, Semester 1/2
Pedagogy (4 MCs)
- MUA3116 Pedagogy for Orchestral Instrumentalists (4 MCs) – Year 3, Semester 2
Major Requirements: Percussion Performance
Module Requirements
Applied Major Studies (52 MCs)
- MUA1161 Foundational Studies on Principal Instrument (6 MCs) – Year 1, Semester 1
- MUA1162 Juried Performance Presentation (6 MCs) – Year 1, Semester 2
- MUA2161 Advanced Juried Performance Presentation (6 MCs) – Year 2, Semester 1
- MUA2162 Continuing Studies on Principal Instrument (6 MCs) – Year 2, Semester 2
- MUA3161 Junior Recital (6 MCs) – Year 3, Semester 1
- MUA3162 Intermediate Studies on Principal Instrument (6 MCs) – Year 3, Semester 2
- MUA4161 Advanced Studies on Principal Instrument (6 MCs) – Year 4, Semester 1
- MUA4162 Senior Recital – Instrumental Performance Capstone (10 MCs) – Year 4, Semester 2
Orchestra (4 MCs)
- 2 semesters of large ensemble modules (2 MCs per semester)
Chamber Music (8 MCs)
- 2-3 semesters of chamber music modules (2-4 MCs per semester)
Contemporary Music (4 MCs)
- MUA3117 Contemporary Music Performance (4 MCs) – Year 3, Semester 1/2
Pedagogy (4 MCs)
- MUA3116 Pedagogy for Orchestral Instrumentalists (4 MCs) – Year 3, Semester 2
Major Requirements: Harp Performance
Module Requirements
Applied Major Studies (52 MCs)
- MUA1161 Foundational Studies on Principal Instrument (6 MCs) – Year 1, Semester 1
- MUA1162 Juried Performance Presentation (6 MCs) – Year 1, Semester 2
- MUA2161 Advanced Juried Performance Presentation (6 MCs) – Year 2, Semester 1
- MUA2162 Continuing Studies on Principal Instrument (6 MCs) – Year 2, Semester 2
- MUA3161 Junior Recital (6 MCs) – Year 3, Semester 1
- MUA3162 Intermediate Studies on Principal Instrument (6 MCs) – Year 3, Semester 2
- MUA4161 Advanced Studies on Principal Instrument (6 MCs) – Year 4, Semester 1
- MUA4162 Senior Recital – Instrumental Performance Capstone (10 MCs) – Year 4, Semester 2
Orchestra (4 MCs)
- 2 semesters of large ensemble modules (2 MCs per semester)
Chamber Music (8 MCs)
- 2-3 semesters of chamber music modules (2-4 MCs per semester)
Contemporary Music (4 MCs)
- MUA3117 Contemporary Music Performance (4 MCs) – Year 3, Semester 1/2
Pedagogy (4 MCs)
- MUA3116 Pedagogy for Orchestral Instrumentalists (4 MCs) – Year 3, Semester 2
Major Requirements: Piano Performance
Module Requirements
Applied Major Studies (52 MCs)
- MUA1161 Foundational Studies on Principal Instrument (6 MCs) – Year 1, Semester 1
- MUA1162 Juried Performance Presentation (6 MCs) – Year 1, Semester 2
- MUA2161 Advanced Juried Performance Presentation (6 MCs) – Year 2, Semester 1
- MUA2162 Continuing Studies on Principal Instrument (6 MCs) – Year 2, Semester 2
- MUA3161 Junior Recital (6 MCs) – Year 3, Semester 1
- MUA3162 Intermediate Studies on Principal Instrument (6 MCs) – Year 3, Semester 2
- MUA4161 Advanced Studies on Principal Instrument (6 MCs) – Year 4, Semester 1
- MUA4162 Senior Recital – Instrumental Performance Capstone (10 MCs) – Year 4, Semester 2
Piano Ensemble/Collaborative Piano (6 MCs)
- MUA1111 Piano Ensemble 1A (2 MCs) – Year 1, Semester 1
- MUA2240/2241/2242/2243 Collaborative Piano Studies (4 MCs)
Accompanying (2 MCs)
- MUA1115 Foundations of Vocal Accompaniment (2 MCs) – Year 1, Semester 1
Keyboard Skills (4 MCs)
- MUA3115 Orchestral Studies for Pianists (4 MCs) – Year 3, Semester 2
Contemporary Music (4 MCs)
- MUA3117 Contemporary Music Performance (4 MCs) – Year 3, Semester 1/2
Pedagogy (4 MCs)
- MUA4113 Piano Pedagogy (4 MCs) – Year 4, Semester 1
Recommended Unrestricted Elective Modules in Piano-related Area:
- MUA1112 Piano Ensemble 1B (2 MCs) – Year 1, Semester 2
- MUA1116 Foundations of Instrumental Accompaniment (2 MCs) – Year 1, Semester 2
- MUA2201 Keyboard Literature 1 (4 MCs) – Semester 1
- MUA2202 Keyboard Literature 2 (4 MCs) – Semester 2
- MUA3113 Keyboard Skills for Piano Majors (2 MCs) – Year 3, Semester 1
- MUA3228 Re-imagining Pianism through Analysis (2 MCs) – Semester 1
- GEH1060 Social History of the Piano (4 MCs)
- Collaborative Piano Studies modules (2-4 MCs)
Major Requirements: Voice
Module Requirements
Applied Major Studies (40 MCs)
- MUA1190 Applied Voice Major Study 1A (4 MCs) – Year 1, Semester 1
- MUA1191 Applied Voice Major Study 1B (4 MCs) – Year 1, Semester 2
- MUA2190 Applied Voice Major Study 2A (4 MCs) – Year 2, Semester 1
- MUA2191 Applied Voice Major Study 2B (4 MCs) – Year 2, Semester 2
- MUA3191 Junior Recital in Voice (6 MCs) – Year 3, Semester 1
- MUA3190 Applied Voice Major Study 3B (4 MCs) – Year 3, Semester 2
- MUA4190 Applied Voice Major Study 4A (4 MCs) – Year 4, Semester 1
- MUA4191 Senior Recital in Voice (10 MCs) – Year 4, Semester 2
Chamber Singers (8 MCs)
- MUA1192 Chamber Singers 1 (2 MCs) – Year 1, Semester 1
- MUA1193 Chamber Singers 2 (2 MCs) – Year 1, Semester 2
- MUA2192 Chamber Singers 3 (2 MCs) – Year 2, Semester 1
- MUA2193 Chamber Singers 4 (2 MCs) – Year 2, Semester 2
Diction (4 MCs)
- MUA1196 Diction for Singers 1 (2 MCs) – Year 1, Semester 1
- MUA2196 Diction for Singers 2 (2 MCs) – Year 1, Semester 2
Voice Literature (4 MCs)
- MUA3194 Voice Literature 1 – Year 3, Semester 1
- MUA3195 Voice Literature 2 – Year 3, Semester 2
Languages (12 MCs)
- MUL1105 Italian for Musicians 1 (4 MCs) – Year 1, Semester 1
- MUL2107 French for Musicians 1 (4 MCs) – Year 2/3, Semester 1
- MUL2109 German for Musicians 1 (4 MCs) – Year 2/3, Semester 1
Pedagogy (4 MCs)
- MUA4215 Vocal Pedagogy – Year 4, Semester 1
Recommended Unrestricted Elective Modules in Voice-related Area:
- MUL1106 Italian for Musicians 2 (4 MCs) – Year 1, Semester 2
- MUL2108 French for Musicians 2 (4 MCs) – Year 2/3, Semester 2
- MUL2110 German for Musicians 2 (4 MCs) – Year 2/3, Semester 2
Major Requirements: Composition
Module Requirements
Major Studies (48 MCs)
- MUA1101 Composition Major Study 1A (4 MCs) – Year 1, Semester 1
- MUA1102 Composition Major Study 1B (6 MCs) – Year 1, Semester 2
- MUA2101 Composition Major Study 2A (6 MCs) – Year 2, Semester 1
- MUA2102 Composition Major Study 2B (6 MCs) – Year 2, Semester 2
- MUA3101 Composition Major Study 3A (6 MCs) – Year 3, Semester 1
- MUA3102 Composition Major Study 3B (6 MCs) – Year 3, Semester 2
- MUA4101 Composition Major Study 4A (6 MCs) – Year 4, Semester 1
- MUA4102 Composition Major Study 4B (8 MCs) – Year 4, Semester 2
Composition Compulsory Modules (16 MCs)
- MUA1165 Music and Machines (2 MCs) – Year 1, Semester 1
- MUA1166 Introduction to Computing Media in Max (2 MCs) – Year 1, Semester 2
- MUA3133 Compositional Discourse (4 MCs) – Year 2, Semester 2
- MUT3113 Orchestration (4 MCs) – Year 3, Semester 1
- MUT3201 Modern Music (4 MCs) – Year 3, Semester 2
Composition Area Elective (4 MCs)
Any 1 of the following composition-focused, electronic/computer music modules:
- MUA2251 Live Interactivity (4 MCs)
- MUA2270 Synthesis and Signal Processing (4 MCs)
- MUA2271 Virtual Instrument Sound Design (4 MCs)
- MUA3274 Sonic Environments (4 MCs)
- MUA3275 Sonic Circuits (4 MCs)
- MUT3220 Wind Ensemble Arranging/Composition
- MUT3221 Writing for Chinese Ensembles
- MUT3222 Choral Composition
Performance Electives (4 MCs)
2 performance elective modules (2 MCs each) such as Applied Secondary, Contemporary Music Performance, Chamber Singers, Conservatory Orchestra, Collaboratory, and etc.
Major Requirements: Audio Arts and Sciences
Module Requirements
Major Studies (72 MCs)
Year 1, Semester 1
- MUA1170 Fundamentals of Music Production and Recording 1 (4 MCs)
- MUA1172 Critical Listening 1 (4 MCs)
Year 1, Semester 2
- MUA1171 Fundamentals of Music Production and Recording 2 (4 MCs)
- MUA1173 Critical Listening 2 (4 MCs)
Year 2, Semester 1
- MUA2170 Multitrack Recording 1 (4 MCs)
- MUA2172 Room Acoustics (4 MCs)
Year 2, Semester 2
- MUA2171 Multitrack Recording 2 (4 MCs)
- MUA2177 Audio Networks (4 MCs) (effective from AY2021/22 Sem 2. Previously students read MUA3173 Electroacoustics)
Year 3, Semester 1
- MUA3170 Audio Postproduction 1 (4 MCs)
- MUA3188 Live Sound Reinforcement (4 MCs)
- MUA4176 Music Production and Marketing (4 MCs)
- MUA4173 Audio for Media 1 (2 MCs)
Year 3, Semester 2
- MUA3172 Audio Postproduction 2 (4 MCs)
- MUA3189 Live Sound Reinforcement Project (4 MCs)
- MUA4174 Audio for Media 2 (2 MCs)
Year 4, Semester 1
- MUA4172 Internship in Audio Arts and Sciences 1 (4 MCs)
Year 4, Semester 2
- MUA4180 Internship in Audio Arts and Sciences 2 (4 MCs)
- MUA4179 Final Project (8 MCs)
Recommended Unrestricted Elective Modules in Audio Arts and Sciences
- MUA4177 Music Production and Marketing 2 (4 MCs) – Year 3, Semester 2
- MUA4271 Advanced Live Sound Reinforcement (4 MCs) – Year 4, Semester 1
- MUA4272 Advanced Live Sound Reinforcement (4 MCs) – Year 4, Semester 2
Major Requirements: Music and Society
Module Requirements
Fundamental Studies Related to Instrument/Voice/Composition/Audio Arts (24 MCs)
First 4 semesters of instrumental/voice/composition/audio arts area study and related modules (24 MCs)
Compulsory Requirements (28 MCs)
- MUA3177 Music Programming and Production (4 MCs) – Year 3, Semester 1
- MUA3209 Business for Musicians (4 MCs) – Year 3, Semester 2
- MUA3260 Internship in Music Related Pathways (4 MCs) – Year 3/4, Semester 1/2
- MUA3178 MS/MCP 3rd-Year Project (6 MCs) – Year 3 (year-long)
- MUA4178 MS/MCP Capstone Project (10 MCs) – Year 4 (year-long)
Major Area Specialisation Basket (16 MCs)
Choose 4 modules from the basket below, with at least 2 modules at level 3000 or above
- Southeast Asian Studies
- SE1101E Southeast Asia: A Changing Region
- SE2210 Popular Culture in Southeast Asia
- SE2214 Arts of Southeast Asia
- SE2221 Old and New Music in Southeast Asia
- SE2224 Unmasked! An Introduction to Traditional Dance in SEA
- SE3210 Studies in Southeast Asian Arts
- SE3214 Heritage and Heritagescapes in Southeast Asia
- SE3219 Country Studies: Island Southeast Asia
- SE3221 Traditional Music in a SE Asian Country
- SE3230 Seen and Unseen: Explorations in Balinese Theatre
- Communications and New Media
- NM1101E Communications, New Media and Society
- NM2101 Theories of Communications and New Media
- NM2103 Quantitative Research Methods
- NM2104 Qualitative Communication Research Methods
- NM2213 Introduction to Human – Computer Interaction Design
- NM3216 Game Design
- NM3222 Interactive Storytelling
- NM3226 Location-based Interactive Experiences
- NM4226 Interactive Media Design Capstone Project
- Additional NUS Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS) as well as Music modules may also be applicable. For queries, please contact Assoc Prof Ho Chee Kong, Academic Coordinator for Music and Society at mushock@nus.edu.sg.
Level 3000 Professional Integration Module (4 MCs)
Choose 1 module from the list below
- MUA3222 SEAsian Regional Creative Project (4 MCs) – Year 3/4, Semester 1/2
- MUA3223 Cultural Encounters – Bali Excursion & Study Tour – Special Term 1
- MUA3261 Career Development Group Project – Year 3/4, Semester 1/2
- MUA3264 Career Development Independent Project – Year 3/4, Semester 1/2
Major Requirements: Music, Collaboration and Production
Module Requirements
Fundamental Studies Related to Instrument/Voice/Composition/Audio Arts (24 MCs)
First 4 semesters of instrumental/voice/composition/audio arts area study and related modules (24 MCs)
Compulsory Requirements (28 MCs)
- MUA3177 Music Programming and Production (4 MCs) – Year 3, Semester 1
- MUA3260 Internship in Music Related Pathways (4 MCs) – Year 3/4, Semester 1/2
- MUA3271 Acoustics and Sound Production for Performers (4 MCs) – Year 3, Semester 1 (MCP students with AAS as their area study are exempted from this module)
- MUA3178 MS/MCP 3rd-Year Project (6 MCs) – Year 3, Semester 2
- MUA4178 MS/MCP Capstone Project (10 MCs) – Year 4, Semester 2
Major Area Specialisation Basket (16 MCs)
- MUA3209 Business for Musicians (4 MCs) - Year 3, Semester 2
- Fulfil 12 MCs through reading modules from the list below, with at least 1 module at level 3000 or above
- MUA1192 Chamber Singers 1 (2 MCs)
- MUA1193 Chamber Singers 2 (2 MCs)
- MUA2192 Chamber Singers 3 (2 MCs)
- MUA2193 Chamber Singers 4 (2 MCs)
- MUA2109 Chamber Music (4 MCs)
- MUA3109 Chamber Music (2 MCs)
- MUA4109 Chamber Music (2 MCs)
- MUA2110 Chamber Music in Mixed Ensemble (4 MCs)
- MUA3110 Chamber Music in Mixed Ensemble (2 MCs)
- MUA4110 Chamber Music in Mixed Ensemble (2 MCs)
- MUA2240 Collaborative Piano-Piano Ensemble (4 MCs)
- MUA3240 Collaborative Piano-Piano Ensemble (2 MCs)
- MUA4240 Collaborative Piano-Piano Ensemble (2 MCs)
- MUA2241 Collaborative Piano-Vocal Accompaniment (4 MCs)
- MUA3241 Collaborative Piano-Vocal Accompaniment (2 MCs)
- MUA4241 Collaborative Piano-Vocal Accompaniment (2 MCs)
- MUA2242 Collaborative Piano-Instrumental Accompaniment (4 MCs)
- MUA3242 Collaborative Piano-Instrumental Accompaniment (2 MCs)
- MUA4242 Collaborative Piano-Instrumental Accompaniment (2 MCs)
- MUA2243 Collaborative Piano-Chamber Music (4 MCs)
- MUA3243 Collaborative Piano-Chamber Music (2 MCs)
- MUA4243 Collaborative Piano-Chamber Music (2 MCs)
- MUA3116 Pedagogy for Orchestral Instrumentalists (4 MCs)
- MUA3216 Performance and Interaction (4 MCs)
- MUA3226 Collaboratory A (2 MCs)
- MUA3227 Collaboratory B (2 MCs)
- MUA4226 Collaboratory C (2 MCs)
- MUA4227 Collaboratory D (2 MCs)
- MUA4203 Advanced Conducting I (4 MCs)
- MUA4205 Advanced Conducting II (4 MCs)
- MUA4113 Piano Pedagogy (4 MCs)
- MUA4215 Vocal Pedagogy (4 MCs)
- MUT3224 Teaching Music Online 1 (2 MCs)
- MUT3225 Teaching Music Online 2 (2 MCs)
Additional Music as well as cross-faculty modules may also be applicable. For queries, please contact Assoc Prof Chan Tze Law, Academic Coordinator for Music, Collaboration and Production at musctl@nus.edu.sg.
Level 3000 Professional Integration Module (4 MCs)
Choose 1 module from the list below
- MUA3222 SEAsian Regional Creative Project (4 MCs) – Year 3/4, Semester 1/2
- MUA3223 Cultural Encounters – Bali Excursion & Study Tour – Special Term 1
- MUA3261 Career Development Group Project – Year 3/4, Semester 1/2
- MUA3264 Career Development Independent Project – Year 3/4, Semester 1/2
Other Information
Admission Requirements
For information on how to apply, please visit:
https://www.ystmusic.nus.edu.sg/admissions-how-to-apply/
Transfer of Courses
Transfer from other NUS Courses to Bachelor of Music (Honours)
NUS students who wish to transfer to the Bachelor of Music (Honours) course must apply at the same time as all other prospective BMus students during the Conservatory application period (September to December for the following academic year). Shortlisted applicants will have to go through an audition and interview.
For more information on how to apply, please visit:
https://www.ystmusic.nus.edu.sg/admissions-how-to-apply/
Transfer from Bachelor of Music (Honours) to other NUS Courses
YST students who wish to transfer to another NUS course must submit an application via the NUS Office of Admissions during the stipulated application period. For more information on transfer application, please visit: http://www.nus.edu.sg/oam/apply-to-nus/transfer-applicants
Successful transfer students must declare if they wish to start the new course on a clean slate or with a full credit transfer. Students who opt for a full credit transfer may be eligible to do a second major in their previous music major. Students may consult the YST Academic Affairs Office (musha@nus.edu.sg) for the Second Major requirements.
For more information on declaration of transfer option, please visit:
http://www.nus.edu.sg/registrar/academic-activities/registration/administrative-matters
Transfer of Majors within YST Conservatory
Students requesting for a change of majors within YST should discuss the intention with the major study teacher and the respective Head of Area first before writing to the new Head of Area and the YST Student Life Office. The request will then be forwarded to the Dean for approval. Students must qualify through auditions with the appropriate faculty before the transfer is finalised.
Head of Area
Audio Arts and Sciences: Assoc Prof Zhou Xiaodong
Brass and Percussion: Assoc Prof Brett Stemple
Music, Collaboration and Production: Assoc Prof Chan Tze Law
Music and Society: Assoc Prof Ho Chee Kong
Piano: Prof Thomas Hecht
Voice: Prof Alan Bennett
Woodwinds: Assoc Prof Zhang Jin Min
Strings: Prof Qian Zhou
Successful transfer students must declare if they wish to start the new course on a clean slate or with a full credit transfer. Students who opt for a full credit transfer may be eligible to do a second major in their previous music major. Students may consult the YST Academic Affairs Office (musha@nus.edu.sg) for the Second Major requirements.
Change of Major Teacher
If a student has compelling reasons to change to another major study teacher during the course of study, the student should discuss the intention with the major study teacher and the respective Head of Area first before seeking permission from the Dean, through the YST Student Life Office.
Continuation Requirements
Workload
Students admitted to the Bachelor of Music (Honours) programme must carry a minimum workload of 18 modular credits per semester, except during the final semester before completion of all graduation requirements for the degree.
In addition, first-year students in the first semester of study are not allowed to increase the workload beyond 23 MCs.
CAP for Continuation and Graduation
Please visit http://www.nus.edu.sg/registrar/academic-information-policies/undergraduate-students/continuation-and-graduation-requirements#CapContinuationGraduation for the details.
Scholarship Probation
A Conservatory student who has failed a required module in any semester will be placed on scholarship probation. Should the student fail another required module in the following semester, his/her scholarship may be discontinued.
Grading
Graduating students must attain a minimum C grade for their capstone modules to pass. Students who fail to attain the minimum grade must reschedule the recital/project.
Graduation Requirements
Degree Classification
Students must read and pass a minimum of 160 modular credits before they can be awarded the Bachelor of Music (Honours) degree. Upon completing all necessary course requirements, students will be awarded a BMus degree classified as follows:
|
HONOURS DEGREE CLASSIFICATION |
CRITERIA |
|
Honours (Highest Distinction) |
CAP 4.50 and above; AND minimum A- grade for one of the following modules:
|
|
Honours (Distinction) |
CAP 4.00 – 4.49 |
|
Honours (Merit) |
CAP 3.50 – 3.99 |
|
Honours |
CAP 3.00 – 3.49 |
|
Pass |
CAP 2.00 – 2.99 |
Period of Candidature
The normal candidature period for Bachelor of Music (Honours) degree programme is 8 consecutive semesters, or 4 years; and the maximum candidature period is 10 consecutive semesters, or 5 years. The candidature period exclude all approved Leave of Absence periods. Students who fail to complete the degree within the maximum candidature period will have their candidature terminated.
Satisfactory/Unsatisfactory Option
Please visit http://www.nus.edu.sg/registrar/academic-activities/satisfactory-unsatisfactory-(s-u)-option for the details.
For the BMus degree, the S/U option will apply to all level 1000 modules (with or without pre-requisites, except for the modules listed below) and level 2000 modules without other NUS modules as pre-requisites:
- MUA1161, MUA1162
- MUA1190, MUA1191
- MUA1101, MUA1102
- MUA1168, MUA1169
For more details, please visit the S/U option home page in the Student Portal: https://myportal.nus.edu.sg/studentportal/academics/ug/su-homepage.html
Performance
The YST Conservatory offers numerous performance opportunities which form an important element of the Conservatory’s curriculum. Students present (or have their works presented) in solo performances, large and chamber ensembles, as well as masterclasses conducted by distinguished visiting artists.
All events are scheduled by the YST Programming and Productions Office, in consultation with faculty members and the Dean. There are no concerts, recitals or masterclasses scheduled during University vacations, national holidays, reading week or examination periods.
The Conservatory Orchestra and the OpusNovus (contemporary music ensemble) are the largest student ensembles at the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music.
Participation in the Conservatory Orchestra provides comprehensive orchestral training and performance experience exposing students to a wide range of musical compositions. Each season, the Conservatory Orchestra performs a minimum of four public concerts at the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music with a programme that includes a cross-section of the standard orchestral repertoire and contemporary orchestral literature. The orchestra also rehearses and performs with visiting guest conductors as well as orchestral readings on orchestral works by Conservatory composition students.
OpusNovus focuses on works written during the last 40 years. Each season, the OpusNovus performs a minimum of two concerts. The group’s repertoire will include iconic works of international significance, new works by international and Singaporean-based composers as well as first performances of pieces by student composers.
The Conservatory organises a Concerto Competition each year where Second and Third Year students may apply. The Orchestral Final (held in the second semester) is preceded by four Section Finals (Strings, Piano, Wind/Brass/Percussion/Harp, and Voice). Dates for the preliminary rounds and the finals are announced at the beginning of the academic year.
The student and performance of chamber music is an essential feature of the Conservatory’s curriculum. A semester’s work should lead to a public performance by each ensemble. Chamber music masterclasses by visiting artists also take place during the semester.
Students perform in a wide range of ensemble groups from piano trios, wind quartets and brass quintets to percussion ensembles.
Chamber music groups have various opportunities to perform at the Conservatory, most commonly in the regular chamber music concerts and in the weekly Wednesday Noon Recital series.
The weekly Noon Recital Series presents a platform for Conservatory students to perform before their peers and the general public. These campus recitals feature a variety of solo and ensemble performances.
Attendance for Noon Recitals every Wednesday is compulsory for all Year 1 to Year 3 students throughout the course of the four-year undergraduate programme.
SoundBites on Mondays offers Year 3 and 4 students and ensembles an additional opportunity to play for slightly longer than in the Wednesday Noon Recital Series.
Financial Assistance and Awards
Student Artistic Development Fund
The Conservatory has established a Student Artistic Development Fund through donations from sponsors. This fund will be used to sponsor outstanding Conservatory students to participate in self-initiated projects and opportunities, including but not limited to international festivals/competitions, conferences, community outreach, and self-initiated projects. The Fund can be used for expenses such as competition/festival fees, airfare, accommodation, ground transport and other incidental expenses. Students can now submit their applications online. For any clarification, they can contact Ms Jenny Lee (muslsh@nus.edu.sg)
- For more details on faculty-administered scholarships, please visit https://www.ystmusic.nus.edu.sg/our-supporters-benefactors/
- For faculty-administered financial aid, please visit https://www.ystmusic.nus.edu.sg/admissions-tuition-financial-support/
- For university-wide financial assistance, please visit http://www.nus.edu.sg/oam/financial-aid
- For university-level medals and prizes, please visit: