At YST, we seek to open up platforms and pathways for people to pursue their musical aspirations. For Semester 1 of the 2019/20 academic year, we are pleased to announce that 20 Conservatory modules are available to NUS students. Current NUS undergraduate students may select these modules through ModReg@EduRec.
In addition, YST offers a Minor in Music & Society that is open to NUS students. The minor specifically focuses on music’s societal dimension, with broad disciplinary outreach that encompasses the study of music in potential social, political, economic and aesthetic contexts.
Read more about the available modules below, and we hope to see you at the YST Conservatory!
*For modules marked with an asterisk, a theory placement test is required. Selection on ModReg is not required for these modules – they will be pre-allocated once you meet the placement test requirements.
The placement test will be scheduled in July 2019. More information can be found here, and you will be able to sign up here.
COMPOSITIONAL ENGAGEMENT
1. *MUT3216 BACH SUITES, 4 MCS
Dr Chen Zhangyi
Thursdays 9.00-11.00am, SR5
This module focuses on J.S. Bach’s solo instrumental works, with an emphasis on the dance suite. Selected works include the unaccompanied Sonata and Partitas for Violin, Cello Suites, and the Keyboard Suites. The contextual use of dance rhythms and forms in other Bach works, and neo-Baroque trends in the 20th century will also be topics of discussion. The module aims to bridge compositional thinking with performance and interpretative analysis; thus, analysis, composition, and performance are represented as modes of learning. Major assessment takes the form of analytical work and music compositions that are performed in class and/or public concerts.
2) *MUT3215 FUNDAMENTALS OF COMPOSITION, 4 MCS
Ms Adeline Wong
Thursdays 2.00-4.00pm Lecture, SR8
This module looks at recent approaches to form, melody, harmony, rhythm, and texture. It is appropriate for students who are interested in exploring music composition in more depth, but not majoring in it. It encourages individual creative writing while exploring contemporary techniques of music from 1920 to the present. Class meetings will include a combination of lectures, private composition lessons and group tutorials. The first half of the semester focuses on solo writing, while the second half focuses on chamber writing. Students will look into some models for composition in preparation for their two projects.
3) MUT1201 INTRODUCTION TO CLASSICAL MUSIC COMPOSITION, 4 MCS
Assoc Prof Ho Chee Kong
Tuesdays 2.00-4.00pm Lecture, SR3
The module uses the online course Write Like Mozart available on the Coursera platform as the basis of its content. It introduces students to strategies for style writing in European art music. Issues of harmonic progression, voice leading, and texture are addressed, as are relevant compositional concepts like repetition, variation, and elaboration. A blended learning module with video lectures and demonstrations, class time is dedicated to hands-on workshops. Simple compositions in the style of common practice European music form the bulk of the assessment. A familiarity with musical rudiments is highly recommended. Prior experience with composition is not required.
CONTEXTUAL ENGAGEMENT
1) MUH2203 MUSIC OF THE CHURCH AND STATE, 4 MCS
Dr Marc Rochester
Mondays 9.00-10.00am Tutorial, SR8
Thursdays 9.00-11.00am Lecture, SR8
This module studies music produced in and for religious and political environments from the earliest Greek and Chinese civilisations through to the present day. The course explores the origins of music as a symbol of both the church and the state, looking at both in their wider meanings as bodies of people with common beliefs and purposes. It covers religioso and ceremonial music from the ancient civilisations of Greece and China, looks at the patronage of the European courts and the Catholic and Protestant churches, and investigates the purpose and value of music in contemporary religious and political ideologies especially those affecting Southeast Asia. No previous knowledge of music theory or history is required as the module is primarily focused on religious, political and social elements.
2) MUH2202 WHAT WAS, AND IS, POPULAR MUSIC?, 4 MCS
Assoc Prof Greg Petersen
Choose one of the following:
What musicians, singers, and composers have (and had) the most (and least) followers, and why? This course is a detailed study of the dynamics among music, music makers, and audiences in history. Central to this course is a critical comparison of historical and present case studies. Historical case studies draw from the Western music legacy, and contemporary case studies will draw from global sources as well as Singapore and Asia. Students will analyse common patterns, discriminate differences, and make inferences from these case studies.
3) MUA3228 RE-IMAGINING PIANISM THROUGH ANALYSIS, 2 MCS
Dr Khoo Hui Ling
Fridays 4.00-6.00pm, SR3
This elective offers an in-depth analysis of a diverse selection of piano repertoire. Students will study elements of music such as form, harmony and texture as part of a process of internalising and interpreting works for the piano.
GENERAL EDUCATION MODULES
1) GEH1047 SOCIAL AND CULTURAL STUDIES THROUGH MUSIC, 4 MCS
Assoc Prof Ty Constante
Tuesdays 12.00-2.00pm Tutorial, Tutorial Room/SR8/RS/Workshop and Fridays 12.00-2.00pm Lecture, SR8
This module provides a cross-cultural introduction to music both as an art and as a human, socio-cultural phenomenon. Through lectures, reading and listening assignments, and actually playing different styles of music, students will learn how music works, why people listen to and make music, what its roles are in a society, and how these things vary in different cultures. The module introduces a variety of musical styles and cultures that represent an enormous wealth of human experience. At the end of the course the students will have access to a much wider variety of music to listen to, participate in, enjoy, and understand.
2) GEH1060 SOCIAL HISTORY OF THE PIANO, 4 MCS
Dr Koo Siaw Sing
Choose one of the following (all held at the Music Tech Lab):
An interdisciplinary study of how societies and different generations responded to the invention of the piano. This module focuses on the social history of the piano throughout the past three centuries, canvassing a wide array of performers, composers, supporters, manufacturers, “heroes”, politicians, teachers and students. Various expressions of ideologies from differing periods eventually revolutionised and effectuated the versatility of the piano, shaping a legacy which led to the “globalisation” of the piano, including in China. Students will learn through lectures, readings, discussions, listening, playing, and attending piano recitals and masterclasses.
3) GET1040 COMMUNICATING ABOUT THE ARTS, 4 MCS
Assoc Prof Greg Petersen
Choose one of the following:
We talk and write about the arts on a daily basis, especially in social media, but what makes talking and writing about the arts unique, challenging, and why should it be exciting? This course helps students further develop the basic concepts and expressive language needed to communicate more effectively about different art mediums and forms, and different ways to communicate about the arts, from opinions and evaluations, to formal reviews, to critical and theoretical responses. Students will do multiple oral and written assessments in this course.
4) GES1020 WESTERN MUSIC WITHIN A SINGAPOREAN CONTEXT, 4 MCS
Dr Marc Rochester
Choose one lecture (both held at SR8): Tuesdays 2.00-4.00pm or Fridays 2.00-4.00pm
Choose one tutorial (all held at SR8):
This module will look at the place of the Western classical music tradition within the cultural life of Singapore. It will assess the impact of majority cultures (particularly from the Chinese, Malay and Indian communities) on the general reception of Western music, as well as on music written by Singapore-based composers. Students will be introduced to the principal figures in Singapore’s musical development. The module will also chart the growth of music education in Singapore, both in the national schooling system as well as in private institutions and tertiary academies. A prior knowledge of music is helpful but not required.
APPLIED / PERFORMANCE
1) MUA1165 MUSIC AND MACHINES, 2 MCS
Assoc Prof Peter Edwards
Thursdays 2.00-4.00pm, SR4
The module introduces ways in which basic programming tools – iteration, randomisation, conditions, amongst others – can be used to create music. It also includes an introduction to sample manipulation, sound synthesis tools, usage of common audio effects, and importation of MusicXML into music notation software. Students create two short compositions – an electronic collage composition and a scored composition created from algorithmically-generated components.
2) MUA1166 INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTING MEDIA IN MAX, 2 MCS
Assoc Prof Peter Edwards
Thursdays 12.00-2.00pm, SR4
The module introduces ways in which basic programming tools – iteration, randomisation, conditions, amongst others – can be used to create music. It also includes an introduction to sample manipulation, sound synthesis tools, usage of common audio effects, and importation of MusicXML into music notation software. Students create two short compositions – an electronic collage composition and a scored composition created from algorithmically-generated components.
3) MUA2251 LIVE INTERACTIVITY, 4 MCS
Dr Chow Jun Yan
Tuesdays 9.00-11.00am, SR8
This module develops skills for creating interactive artistic computer systems. In an interactive system, sensors are used by the artist to incorporate touch, gesture, motion, sound, and light to influence the work, common in live interactive music and installation art. The module will introduce simple sensors and systems for beginners, but allow for more advanced students to work with other tools – Arduino, Max, Processing, etc. It is, therefore, appropriate for students of different experiences and backgrounds with programming. Students will create an artistic work that involves live interactivity. Students may work with image/video, audio, or both.
4) MUA2271 VIRTUAL INSTRUMENT SOUND DESIGN, 4 MCS
Dr Chow Jun Yan
Mondays 2.00-4.00pm, SR8
An introduction to instrument sound design using different forms of synthesis and signal processing with computers. Students develop skills in creating sounds they imagine. The module offers aural training in identifying synthesis types, filtering, and other common techniques used in instrument design as well as support in practical implementation of these techniques in software. Projects will include designing a sample-based instrument and developing a sound library with different forms of synthesis. The module uses entry-level graphical synthesis environments. No experience with coding is required.
5) MUA1270 INTERDISCIPLINARY ELECTRONIC ARTS SURVEY, 2 MCS
Mr Bani Haykal
Wednesdays 4.00-6.00pm, SR3
Interdisciplinary collaboration involving electronics is common in today’s art world. This module offers an introduction to some of the artistic issues in this field as well as some of its practitioners. In addition to readings and class discussion, professional artists from different disciplines (music, dance, visual art, multimedia, theatre) visit to share their knowledge, experiences, and aesthetic approaches in their works.
6) MUA1223 DESKTOP MIXING AND PRODUCTION, 4 MCS
Mr Christopher Johann Clarke
Wednesdays 6.00-8.00pm, SR4
The module introduces the mixing of different styles of music in a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW). Topics include audio routing, effective use of volume, pan, filtering, reverb, dynamic and other creative FXs. Projects start simply with the enhancement of a stereo recording and move up to mixing a 4-6 channel session, mixing a multi-mic’d drum kit, and mixing a large project of 10 or more channels.
7) MUA1192/MUA1193 CHAMBER SINGERS 1/2, 2 MCS
Mr Chong Wai Lun
Mondays and Thursdays 12.00-1.30pm, ER2
A wide variety of styles and genres are explored in a large vocal ensemble.
Not available on ModReg. Interested students to enrol via audition here.
8) MUA3224 INTERMEDIATE KEYBOARD STUDIES, 4 MCS
Dr Koo Siaw Sing
Choose one:
Not available on ModReg. Interested students to enrol via audition here.
This module presents the study of intermediate piano repertoire and application of harmony at the keyboard. Students learn various important keyboard skills and techniques that enhance their understanding of and experience in making music. Such skills include harmonisation, transposition, figured bass, improvisation, piano techniques, score reading, musical interpretation, solo and ensemble playing.
9) MUA2201 KEYBOARD LITERATURE, 4 MCS
Mr Frank Demeglio
Mondays 10.00am-12.00pm, SR3
Keyboard Literature explores the great composers and their greatest works for keyboard instruments. The keyboard music that forms the core repertory of contemporary conservatory curriculums and concert programs will be the primary focus. The module slightly emphasises music from the Baroque through Classical period, but works from all periods will be covered. Works for harpsichord, clavichord, organ and fortepiano will also be examined, and practical experience performing on period instruments (especially the harpsichord and fortepiano) will allow the students to experience the sound world of the composer.
10) *MUA3205 JAZZ STUDY AND PERFORMANCE 1, 4 MCS
Assoc Prof Tony Makarome
Choose one:
An introduction to the performance of jazz or popular music as practiced in the USA from the 1920s to the early 1950s. This module shows you how to perform and improvise jazz music as an instrumentalist or vocalist through the study and practice of class materials and listening. Theoretical materials will include chord scale theory, basic jazz musical forms, chord extensions, basic reharmonisation techniques, and Roman numeral analysis in jazz. The improvisational concepts taught are based on jazz theory and practice. There will be a listening list of about 80 well-known jazz pieces.
11) MUA3230 MUSIC COGNITION, 4 MCS
Dr Kathleen Agres
Tuesdays 6.00-8.00pm Lecture, SR1
Wednesdays 6.00-7.00pm Tutorial, SR1
This module provides a general introduction to the cognitive science of music. It is intended for students in Psychology or Music, although students from other departments may enrol with permission from the instructor. The module will cover key topics in the field, such as memory, emotional responses, and social aspects of music listening and performance. The module will also touch on recent computational approaches and neuroscientific findings that have clarified how music works in the mind and brain. Students will be encouraged to work in interdisciplinary teams to draw connections between their personal music experiences and findings from the literature.
12) MUA3219/MUA3220 WORLD MUSIC ENSEMBLE, 2 MCS
Assoc Prof Ty Constante
Tuesdays 2.00-4.00pm, Workshop
The World Music Ensemble offers students a chance to play and perform music from different cultures. The focus of the course will change from semester to semester allowing students a chance to participate in different traditional musics in different terms. Students can see what music is covered each term by checking the NUS and YST websites. Most semesters are available to any student regardless of musical background, some may require proficiency on an instrument.
The course this term will focus on the music of the Shona people of Zimbabwe, Africa, specifically the mbira dzavadzimu. You will be given an instrument to use for the semester and will learn to play traditional music throughout the term culminating in some public performances. There will be additional listening and reading assignments on the cultural importance of the music to the Shona people. The course is entirely hands-on, so your attendance and participation in the class meetings is crucial. You will also be expected to practice between meetings.
Information is correct as of 22 May 2019, and subject to further changes/updates.
View Stories by Themes
YST CONSERVATORY
National University of Singapore
3 Conservatory Drive
Singapore 117376
