AY2025/26 Semester 1
Music Courses Open to Non-Music Majors
(Course offerings and schedule are subject to changes)
The course codes in grey are for students admitted before AY2021/2022.
GEC1014 Social and Cultural Studies through Music (4 Units)
Mr Benedict Ng
This course introduces music not only as a sonic matter, but more pertinently as a human, socio-cultural phenomenon. Through lectures, reading and listening assignments, and interactive music-making experience, students will learn how music works, why people listen to and make music, what its roles are in a society, and how these considerations vary across different cultures. The course introduces a variety of musical styles (e.g. folk, art, and popular music) 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.
Schedule
Students to select one of these sessions:
L1: Thursday, 12pm-2pm
L2: Thursday, 2pm-4pm
Registration
Via CourseReg from Round 2
GEC1023 Social History of the Piano (4 Units)
Dr Koo Siaw Sing
An interdisciplinary study of how societies and different generations responded to the invention of the piano. This course 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 revolutionized and effectuated the versatility of the piano, shaping a legacy which led to the “globalization” of the piano, including China. Students will learn through lectures, readings, discussions, listening, playing, and attending piano recitals and masterclasses.
Schedule
Students to select one of these sessions:
L1: Monday, 9am-10am & Thursday, 10am-11am
L2: Monday, 10am-11am & Thursday, 10am-11am
L3: Monday, 11am-12pm & Thursday, 11am-12pm
L4: Monday, 12pm-1pm & Thursday, 11am-12pm
*Note: Monday sessions start from Week 2.
Registration
Via CourseReg from Round 2
GESS1015/GES1020 Western Music within a Singaporean Context (4 Units)
Mr Xavier Tan
This course explores Singapore’s historical and present-day relationship with Western music, examining its influences on and integration into our culture and society, and its role in our self-identification. Students will adopt socio-historical and contemporary perspectives through looking at various case studies. They will critically consider how Singapore and Singaporeans have shaped and been shaped by music from the West, and be empowered to make decisions in negotiating this cultural correspondence moving forward. Topics covered include historical overview of the arrival of Western music in Singapore and the various functions that music plays and has played in society.
Schedule
Students to select one of these sessions:
L1: Tuesday, 10am-12pm
L2: Tuesday, 12pm-2pm
Registration
Via CourseReg from Round 2
GEX1027/GET1047 Art and Identity (4 Units)
Assoc Prof Greg Petersen
From what sources do we engender our individual and group identities, and to what extent do the arts stimulate this process? This course begins with an introduction to identity theory, and then explores identity issues – such as male and female, self, national, racial, and social identities – with an emphasise on their manifestations in various performance, visual, and literary art forms. Students will analyse and evaluate their own identities in relation to the course materials and the arts in their lives, requiring critical self-reflection and self-assessment.
Schedule
Students to select one of these sessions:
S1: Thursday, 10am-12pm
S2: Thursday, 12pm-2pm
Registration
Via CourseReg from Round 2
MUH2202 What Was, And Is, Popular Music? (4 Units)
Assoc Prof Greg Petersen
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 the global as well as Singapore and Asia. Students will analyse common patterns, discriminate differences, and make inferences from these case studies.
Schedule
Students to select one of these sessions:
S1: Monday, 10am-12pm
S2: Monday, 12pm-2pm
Registration
Via CourseReg from Round 1 (for Second Majors in Music and Minor in Music & Society students only)
Via CourseReg from Round 2 (for all students)
MUH2204 Music after World War II (4 Units)
Dr Frances Lee
This course explores music after the Second World War through examining the variety of approaches adopted by music creators and performers, and drawing connections between their music and the surrounding socio-cultural contexts. Students will critically consider various issues that continue to be relevant to music today, including artistic responses to historical events, indeterminacy, cultural appropriation, and the ramifications of technology. While the course content will primarily focus on Western classical music, students are encouraged and given opportunities to apply course concepts to other genres as well.
Schedule
Thursday, 10am-12pm
Registration
Via CourseReg from Round 1 (for Second Majors in Music and Minor in Music & Society students only)
Via CourseReg from Round 2 (for all students)
MUT1201 Introduction to Classical Music Composition (4 Units)
Dr Tan Yuting
The course introduces students to style writing of the Classical period of European composers like Mozart. Topics on harmonic progression, voice leading, and texture are addressed as are relevant compositional concepts like repetition, variation, and elaboration. Class time is dedicated to lectures and demonstrations as well as hands-on practice in class. Simple compositions in the style of common practice European music form the bulk of the assessment. While prior experience with music composition is not required, a familiarity with music theory rudiments is highly recommended.
Schedule
Thursday, 4pm-6pm
Registration
Via CourseReg from Round 1
*MUT3215 Composition for Non-Majors (4 Units)
Ms Adeline Wong
This course introduces recent approaches to form, melody, harmony, rhythm, and texture, while exploring the integration of music with other art forms. Aimed at non-majors with an interest in composition, it combines lectures, individual lessons, and group tutorials to support students’ creative development.
AY2025/26 Sem 1 – Composition for Non-Majors
A key project for the upcoming academic year is Risk Resonance, a collaboration with the Institute for the Public Understanding of Risk (IPUR) at NUS.
Students will explore major global challenges—such as climate change, pandemics, extreme heat, flooding, and AI—before composing a solo or chamber work in response to one of these themes. The project invites students to engage with the intersection of expert perspectives and public perceptions of risk. Final music compositions will be presented at a public concert to promote awareness and understanding of risk.
Schedule
Thursday, 10am-12pm
Pre-requisite
Theory Placement Test
Registration
Students who have previously passed the Theory Placement Test may register for the course via CourseReg from Round 2.
New students sitting for the Theory Placement Test for enrolment in Sem 1, AY2025/26 will be allocated the course by YST admin upon successful passing of the test.
MUT3222 Choral Composition (4 Units)
Assoc Prof Chen Zhangyi
This course provides an overview of various compositional approaches to choral music. Styles surveyed range from English madrigals to popular ‘a cappella’ styles, and diverse modern composers such as Ligeti and Whitacre. Assignments will feature creative choral composition, arrangement, paying attention to details of idiomatic voicing, practical voice leading, text setting, and accompaniment.
The course aims to bridge compositional thinking with performance and interpretative analysis. Thus, analysis, composition, and performance are represented as modes of learning. Major assessment is in the form of analytical work and music compositions that are performed in class and/or public concerts.
Schedule
Thursday, 10am-12pm
Pre-requisite
MUT1201 Introduction to Classical Music Composition (minimum grade: B)
Registration
Via CourseReg from Round 2
MUA1223 Desktop Mixing and Production (4 Units)
The course 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.
Schedule
Tuesday, 2pm-4pm
Registration
Via CourseReg from Round 2
MUA1192/MUA1193/MUA2192/MUA2193 Chamber Singers (2 units)
Mr Chong Wai Lun
This course is designed for choral music appreciation and musical skills development through participation in a vocal performance ensemble. Students will participate in regular rehearsals, and will learn and perform choral music from the Renaissance period to modern day. Through these courses students will gain knowledge of diverse repertoire, composers, genres, styles, and period performance practices. Students will also learn fundamentals of vocal production and choral technique and will experience working together ensemble situations. Ensemble situations include cross-genre and cross art from collaboration involving but not limited to Dance, Theatre, Instrumental music, Vocal music, Literature, Lighting and Paintings.
AY2025/26 Sem 1 – Chamber Singers
YST Chamber Singers present: Soul, R&B, and Jazz
What do Soul, R&B and Jazz have in common?
They share the same origin in Blues and Gospel, where the music, especially vocals, is driven by the urge to tell deeply emotional, moving stories. Embedded in these genres, freedom of expression is achieved through improvisation, syncopated rhythms and complex harmonies. Put all three together in a concert programme? What you’ll get are sick beats, lush harmonies, and above all, smooth vocals.
For the semester, the Chamber Singers will take a casual, laid-back stroll through some Boys2men, Stevie Wonder, the king of pop himself, and even some mandarin pop influenced by R&B and Jazz. To top it all off, we will leave you with one of Jacob Collier’s greatest hits, ‘Little Blue’.
Schedule
(Excluding any additional dress rehearsals)
Combined Rehearsal (from Week 2):
Wednesday, 7pm-9.30pm
Tutorials/Sectionals (from Week 2):
Students to choose one of these sessions:
T1: Monday, 5.30pm-7pm
T2: Thursday, 12pm-1.30pm
Concert:
Monday, 3 November 2025, 12.15pm
Pre-requisite
Audition
Audition Schedule (Week 1):
• Monday, 11 August 2025, 5.30pm-7pm
• Wednesday, 13 August 2025, 7pm-9.30pm
• Thursday, 14 August 2025, 12pm-1.30pm
Interested students should contact Mr Chong Wai Lun (muschwl@nus.edu.sg) to sign up for an audition. Successful students will be allocated the course, i.e. no registration via CourseReg is required.
MUA1240 Exploration in Musical Production (4 Units)
Assoc Prof Ho Chee Kong, Dr Jonathan Shin
This course engages students to think and express themselves through the production process of a musical. By introducing the various aspects of mounting a musical production, it empowers the students to transmit this understanding into an actual display of intrinsic ideas. The course will be executed through classroom seminars and an experiential component culminating in the form of a micro-musical. The content coverage embodies a survey and appreciation of Singapore musicals; and to expound on the hardware and software requirements in mounting a musical. This include individual elements like acting, singing, writing, composing, music-making and dancing which are interwoven in the creation of this art form; as well as the financial and budget planning, safety measures and basic aspects of stage management.
Schedule
Tuesday, 2pm-4pm
Registration
Via CourseReg from Round 2
MUA2203 Keyboard Literature: Genres throughout History (4 Units)
Dr. Frances Lee
Pianists have a wealth of repertoire available to them, including both works within the musical canon and those without. This course explores the various genres of keyboard music throughout history, acknowledging the composers who have gained widespread popularity, while simultaneously delving into the works of those who have received less attention. Topics covered include variation sets, preludes, fugues, suites, studies, and single-movement works. Students will think critically about the significance and evolution of each genre over time, and emerge with a fuller picture of music written for the keyboard and a curiosity to continue discovering and rediscovering this repertoire.
Schedule
Thursday, 2pm-4pm
Preclusion
MUA3278
Registration
Via CourseReg from Round 2
Note: Students should be able to read Western Classical music notation fluently (particularly in bass and treble clefs). Students are welcome to contact the instructor (franceslee@nus.edu.sg) and state their prior experience with music to ascertain if this course will be feasible for them.
*MUA3205 Jazz Study and Performance 1 (4 Units)
Dr Tony Makarome
An introduction to the performance of jazz or popular music as practiced in the USA from the 1920s to the early 1950s. This course 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 reharmonization 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.
Schedule
Tuesday, 10am-12pm
Pre-requisite
3rd year and above students and YST Music Placement Test
Registration
Students who have previously passed the Jazz Placement Test may register for the course via CourseReg from Round 2.
New students sitting for the Jazz Placement Test for enrolment in Sem 1, AY2025/26 will be allocated the course by YST admin upon successful passing of the test.
MUA3206 Jazz Study and Performance 2 (4 Units)
Dr Tony Makarome
This course focuses on the performance and study of more contemporary jazz approaches including modal interchange, scale derivations, pentatonic scales, additional forms and stylistic considerations pertaining to jazz music as practiced in the USA from the 1950s to the present day. There will be some exploration into latin- music influenced jazz as well as blues, rock, and funk music. Creative projects include leadsheet style compositions and arrangements of jazz standards or popular music. There will be a listening list of about 80 well-known jazz pieces.
Schedule
Tuesday, 12pm-2pm
Pre-requisite
MUA3205 Jazz Study and Performance 1
Registration
Via CourseReg from Round 2
MUA3213 Music Notation and Engraving (4 Units)
Dr Tan Yuting
The course teaches skills for professional music notation. Genre-specific skills for vocal music, jazz, pop, and classical music as well as general issues related to layout and parts generation are addressed. Assessment is carried out through engraving projects in various styles. The course presumes students already have basic facility with a music notation program. The course is taught using Sibelius.
Schedule
Tuesday, 4pm-6pm
Registration
Via CourseReg from Round 2
MUA3219/MUA3220 World Music Ensemble (4 Units)
Ms Syafiqah ‘Adha & Ms Rosemainy Buang
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.
AY2025/26 Sem 1 – World Music Ensemble
This semester, students will learn about the Indonesian Balinese gamelan and the Malay kompang.
Students will grasp the performing techniques of the musical instruments involved, play traditional repertoire as well as contemporary compositions in the context of today’s world. Students are introduced to new pieces every semester, so returning students in MUA3220 will take on fresh perspectives of the music and engage in different instrumental roles previously not explored.
This semester, students will learn and perform the processional kompang Melayu and a contemporary kompang music composition called “Sound the Rebana!” with movement choreography. Students will also learn and perform a traditional gong kebyar Balinese gamelan piece called “Tabuh Kompyang” as well as a procession piece called “Beleganjur”, arranged by Rosemainy Buang.
Schedule
Monday & Thursday, 10am-12pm
Registration
Via CourseReg from Round 2
Note: This course is available to any student regardless of musical background, although some proficiency on an instrument may be beneficial.
MUA3224 Intermediate Keyboard Studies (4 Units)
Dr Koo Siaw Sing
This course 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 harmonization, transposition, figured bass, improvisation, piano techniques, score reading, musical interpretation, solo and ensemble playing.
Schedule
Students to select one of these sessions:
S1: Monday, 2pm-4pm
S2: Thursday, 2pm-4pm
Registration
Via CourseReg from Round 2
Note: Students should typically have approximately four years of piano studying with sight-reading skills.
MUA3225 Early Advanced Keyboard Studies (4 Units)
Dr Koo Siaw Sing
This course is a continuation of MUA3224 Intermediate Keyboard Studies. It presents the study of early advanced piano repertoire and application of more advanced harmony at the keyboard. Students continue to develop various important keyboard skills and techniques that enhance their understanding of and experience in making music. Such skills include harmonization, transposition, figured bass, improvisation, piano techniques, score reading, musical interpretation, solo and ensemble playing.
Schedule
Thursday, 1pm-3pm
Pre-requisite
MUA3224 Intermediate Keyboard Studies
Registration
Via CourseReg from Round 2
MUA3228 Re-imagining Pianism through Analysis (2 Units)
Dr Abigail Sin & Dr Khoo Hui Ling
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 internalizing and interpreting works for the piano.
Schedule
Monday, 2pm-4pm
Registration
Via CourseReg from Round 2
MUL1105 Italian for Musicians 1 (4 Units)
Ms Patrizia Faccin
This course serves as the first semester of Italian language studies for music majors. Basic grammar, morphology, syntax and, especially, conversation will be emphasised. Required for all voice majors. Open to all NUS students.
Schedule
Tuesday and Friday, 11am-12.30pm
Registration
Via CourseReg from Round 2
MUL2107 French for Musicians 1 (4 Units)
Instructor from Alliance Française
This course will serve as the first semester of French language studies required for Voice Majors in the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music. Basic grammar, morphology, syntax and conversation with emphasis on situations which a musician in France will be emphasized. Open to NUS students.
Schedule
Tuesday and Friday, 11am-12.30pm
Preclusion
MUL1107, MUL1108, all LAF-coded courses
Registration
Via CourseReg from Round 2
MUL2109 German for Musicians 1 (4 Units)
Ms Christine Sentosa
This course will serve as the first semester of German language studies required for Voice Majors in the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music. Basic grammar, morphology, syntax and conversation with emphasis on situations which a musician in Germany will encounter will be emphasized. Open to NUS students.
Schedule
Tuesday and Friday, 11am-12.30pm
Preclusion
MUL1109, MUL1110, all LAG-coded courses
Registration
Via CourseReg from Round 2
Performing Arts Courses
CFA3160 Artistic Identities and Pathways (4 units)
Ms Miao Kaiwen, Ms Thong Pei Qin, Dr Chew Suyin
Through interactive seminars, students will gain more insights about the performing arts industry and the necessary transferrable skills to navigate artistic projects. They will critically reflect on the relevance to their own artistic identities while exploring potential career pathways. There will also be a chance to collaborate with peers from different artistic backgrounds towards a creative output at the end of the course.
Additional Info:
Schedule
Monday, 9.30am-12pm
Registration
Students with the following academic plans can register via CourseReg from Round 1:
Students who are not in the above academic plans but wish to take this course may submit an appeal after CourseReg Round 3 under the appeal type: Unable to secure a course.
In your appeal, include:
Successful appeals will be processed based on course availability.
CFA1101A/CFA2101A/CFA3101A Performing Arts in Practice (Music) 1/2/3
From Academic Year 2023/2024, students joining the NUS Chinese Orchestra, NUS Symphony Orchestra, and NUS Wind Symphony will be enrolled in a year-long credit-bearing course (4 units). This structured curriculum includes targeted instruction to hone skills and deepen practice in their respective artistic disciplines. Students will have opportunities to collaborate in artistic programming and group operations, as well as connect with the community through organising and participating in outreach events and recruitment drives.
Students may only participate in one of these arts groups for this year-long course. Those who play instruments available in more than one music group may apply to switch groups between semesters, subject to audition requirements specific to the group.
These courses not only fulfil the unrestricted elective requirements but can also count towards a second major or minor in performing arts.
NUS Chinese Orchestra (NUSCO)
Schedule
Concert Presentations
Pre-requisite and registration for new members (CFA1101A)
Registration for CFA2101A/CFA3101A
Continuing NUSCO students may register for the subsequent course CFA2101A or CFA3101A via CourseReg from Round 1. Please select section L1.
NUS Symphony Orchestra (NUSSO)
Schedule
Concert Presentations
Pre-requisite and registration for new members (CFA1101A)
Registration for CFA2101A/CFA3101A
Continuing NUSSO students may register for the subsequent course CFA2101A or CFA3101A via CourseReg from Round 1. Please select section L2.
NUS Wind Symphony (NUSWS)
Schedule
Concert Presentations
Pre-requisite and registration for new members (CFA1101A)
Registration for CFA2101A/CFA3101A
Continuing NUSWS students may register for the subsequent course CFA2101A or CFA3101A via CourseReg from Round 1. Please select section L3.
CFA2210/CFA2211 Collaborative Music Ensembles (2 Units)
This course focuses on small group musical ensemble performance, allowing students to form groups with any combination of instruments they propose. Each group will curate and prepare their own repertoire for a final showcase, demonstrating diverse musical interpretations and innovative presentations. The course encourages experimentation with various forms and styles to enhance ensemble synergy and artistic expression. This course is ideal for students eager to explore ensemble dynamics and expand their artistic capabilities in music performance.
Pre-requisites
Registration
Please refer to the following instructions.
Preparation:
Completing the Form:
Students in the approved groups will be allocated the course. Selection via CourseReg is not required. All approved groups will be required to arrange a meeting with the Course Coordinator in Week 1 to finalise the project proposal.
CFA1101B/CFA2101B/CFA3101B Performing Arts in Practice (Dance) 1/2/3
From Academic Year 2023/2024, students joining the NUS Chinese Dance will be enrolled in a year-long credit-bearing course (4 units). This structured curriculum includes targeted instruction to hone skills and deepen practice in their respective artistic disciplines. Students will have opportunities to collaborate in artistic programming and group operations, as well as connect with the community through organising and participating in outreach events and recruitment drives.
These courses not only fulfil the unrestricted elective requirements but can also count towards a second major or minor in performing arts.
Schedule
Concert Presentations
Registration
New members (CFA1101B Performing Arts in Practice (Dance) 1)
Join NUS Chinese Dance Freshman Orientation Programme on 19 July 2025 for an immersive experience that also serves as an advanced audition for enrolment into NUS Chinese Dance
Students who are unable to attend the Freshman Orientation Programme will be required to attend an audition on 14 August 2025. Sign-up for the audition here.
Note: Applications to join NUS Chinese Dance after 19 July 2025 are subject to availability and are not guaranteed.
CFA2101B Performing Arts in Practice (Dance) 2
Students who have passed CFA1101B can register for CFA2101B via CourseReg from Round 1.
CFA3101B Performing Arts in Practice (Dance) 3
Students who have passed CFA2101B can register for CFA3101B via CourseReg from Round 1.
CFA3220 Intercultural Choreography Lab (4 Units, year-long)
Dr Chew Suyin (Course Coordinator)
This practice-based year-long choreography lab provides students with the space to experience the cultural dance heritage of Singapore and to encourage exploration, and innovation on what would constitute a Singapore dance. Students will learn Malay, Indian and Chinese dance forms, and contemporary approaches to choreography in Semester 1. They will question the impact of these influences on their cultural and artistic identities as they create unique dances that are representative of this nation in the 21st century. Unlike homogenous cultures, Singapore is prime for this experiment. Sitting at the crossroads of a diversity of cultures, this is an opportunity to lead in the discovery, development, and refinement of a fusion and creative integration of cultures through dance. Thereby, cultivating a new Asian choreographic aesthetic. Student choreographers in this course will be mentored to present their work in a showcase in Semester 2. They will also experience the practical management and production aspects of staging a NUS Dance Ensemble show.
Click here for more information.
Requisite
NHT2204 Dance Narratives, an introductory course in dance composition where students will create an autobiographical work, must be taken as a pre-requisite or co-requisite by all students enrolling into Intercultural Choreography Lab. Students may request for waivers if they have prior choreography experience.
Schedule
Semester 1: Wednesday, 7pm-10pm
Semester 2: Choreographers determine the rehearsal schedule
Registration
NUS Dance Ensemble (DE) students may register for the course via CourseReg from Round 1.
All other students must prepare the following before registering for the course:
Put all the items into one folder in a shareable online drive (e.g. Google Drive, Dropbox, etc) and email the link to Dr Chew Suyin at ynccs@nus.edu.sg.
Successful students after the pre-screening will be informed to register for the course via CourseReg in Round 3, subject to available spaces.
YST CONSERVATORY
National University of Singapore
3 Conservatory Drive
Singapore 117376
