AY2026/27 Semester 1
Music Courses Open to Non-Music Majors
(Course offerings and schedule are subject to changes)
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
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
Tuesday, 12pm-2pm
Registration
Via CourseReg from Round 2
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
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
[NEW] MUT3211 Advanced Harmony (4 Units)
Prof Karst de Jong and Dr Tan Yuting
This course explores advanced harmonic approaches in music from the late nineteenth century to early twentieth century. Through stylistic writing and close analysis, students will develop their analytical skills and contextualise theoretical concepts including chromatic transformations, referential collections, and symmetry. Similar harmonic practices in music of other genres, such as jazz, will also be introduced in the class, encouraging students to apply class concepts in analysis of music beyond the Western classical canon. By examining the evolution of harmonic language and cross-cultural influences, students will learn to apply these advanced harmonic approaches to their own creative work and performance practice.
Schedule
Tuesday, 4pm-6pm
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, AY2026/27 will be allocated the course by YST admin upon successful passing of the test.
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
Students select one of these sessions:
L1: Tuesday, 2pm-4pm
L2: Tuesday, 4pm-6pm
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.
AY2026/27 Sem 1 – Chamber Singers
Looking to take your choral singing to the next level?
NUS Chamber Singers is a performance-based course for experienced singers who are passionate about ensemble music-making. The course offers an intensive and rewarding experience, exploring a diverse range of choral repertoire while developing vocal technique, musicianship, artistry and collaborative performance skills in a chamber choir setting.
This semester, our end-of-semester presentation takes on the theme Disney’s Villains & Sidekicks. Step beyond the familiar heroes and uncover the stories of the characters who challenge, support and shape every adventure. Through imaginative programming, rich choral repertoire and engaging performance, we’ll celebrate the complexity, humour and heart of Disney’s most memorable villains and loyal companions.
If you’re ready to be challenged, grow as a musician, and perform alongside a dedicated ensemble, we invite you to audition for NUS Chamber Singers.
Come sing with us—and discover that every great story needs more than just a hero.
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: Thursday, 12pm-1.30pm
T2: Friday, 5.30pm-7pm
Concert:
Wednesday, 4 November 2026, 7.30pm
Pre-requisite
Audition
Audition Schedule:
Week 0
• Wednesday, 5 August 2026, 7pm-9.30pm
• Thursday, 6 August 2026, 12pm-1.30pm
• Friday, 7 August 2026, 5.30pm-7pm
Week 1
• Thursday, 13 August 2026, 12pm-1.30pm
• Friday, 14 August 2026, 5.30pm-7pm
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
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
Select one of these sessions:
S1: Tuesday, 10am-12pm
S2: Tuesday, 12pm-2pm
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, AY2026/27 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, 2pm-4pm
Pre-requisite
MUA3205 Jazz Study and Performance 1
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.
Schedule
Monday & Thursday, 12pm-2pm
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
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
MUA3230 Music Cognition
Dr Kat Agres
This course 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 course will cover key topics in the field, such as memory, emotional responses, and social aspects of music listening and performance. The course will also touch upon 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.
Schedule
Tuesday, 10am-12pm and Thursday, 10am-11am
Note: Thursday sessions may not take place every week. Please refer to the instructor’s announcements and course schedule on Canvas for details.
Registration
Music or Psychology Majors:
Via CourseReg from Round 1
Psychology Minors:
Via CourseReg from Round 2
All other students:
1. Seek permission from the instructor, Dr Kat Agres (muskra@nus.edu.sg)
2. Submit an appeal of type “issues while selecting course” via CourseReg.
Note: Appeal will only be processed in CourseReg Round 3 on a first-come-first-served basis.
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 Thong Pei Qin and 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
Tuesday, 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 Performing Arts in Practice (Music) 1 (4 units, year-long)
CFA2101A Performing Arts in Practice (Music) 2 (8 units, year-long)
CFA3101A Performing Arts in Practice (Music) 3A (4 units)
CFA3102A Performing Arts in Practice (Music) 3B (4 units)
From Academic Year 2023/2024, students joining the NUS Chinese Orchestra, NUS Symphony Orchestra, and NUS Wind Symphony will be enrolled in a credit-bearing course. This structured curriculum includes targeted instruction to hone skills and deepen practice in their respective artistic disciplines.
Students may only participate in one of these arts groups at any one time. 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
NUS Symphony Orchestra (NUSSO)
Schedule
Concert Presentations
NUS Wind Symphony (NUSWS)
Schedule
Concert Presentations
Registration for new members (CFA1101A)
Refer to information on Freshmen Orientation for NUS Chinese Orchestra, Symphony Orchestra, Wind Symphony.
Registration for CFA2101A/CFA3101A/CFA3102A
Continuing students may register for the subsequent course CFA2101A, CFA3101A or CFA3102A via CourseReg from Round 1. Please select:
CFA2210/CFA2211/CFA3210/CFA3211 Collaborative Music Ensembles (4 Units)
This project-based course provides students opportunities to develop musical and collaborative skills through ensemble performance. Students form groups of 3 to 12 members with any combination of instruments and performing arts disciplines to develop and present showcase projects featuring diverse musical interpretations and innovative performance presentations. The course encourages research and experimentation with different forms, styles, and performance approaches to strengthen ensemble collaboration and artistic expression.
Pre-requisites
Registration
Please refer to the following instructions.
Students in the approved groups will be allocated the course. Selection via CourseReg is not required.
CFA3105 Leading and Directing in Student Music Groups (4 Units)
This course builds leadership skills through guided practice in leading and directing within student music groups. Students take on the role of student directors, learning to design, refine, and execute artistic plans while leading alignment across student marketing, production, and engagement workgroups within actual concert projects. A unique component of this course is the combination of skills in both verbal and non-verbal communication in order to achieve clarity of intent and command – skills required for collaborative work. This praxis-based approach develops strategic planning, collaborative leadership and facilitation, and reflective evaluation.
Schedule
Wednesday, 1pm-2pm
Co-requisite
CFA2101A Performing Arts in Practice (Music) 2, or permission from the Course Coordinator.
Registration
CFA1101B Performing Arts in Practice (Dance) 1 (4 units, year-long)
CFA2101B Performing Arts in Practice (Dance) 2 (8 units, year-long)
CFA3101B Performing Arts in Practice (Dance) 3A (4 units)
CFA3102B Performing Arts in Practice (Dance) 3B (4 units)
From Academic Year 2023/2024, students joining the NUS Chinese Dance will be enrolled in a credit-bearing course. This structured curriculum includes targeted instruction to hone skills and deepen practice in their respective artistic disciplines.
These courses not only fulfil the unrestricted elective requirements but can also count towards a second major or minor in performing arts.
Schedule
Performances
Registration for new members (CFA1101B)
Refer to information on Freshmen Orientation for NUS Chinese Dance.
Registration for CFA2101B/CFA3101B/CFA3102B
Continuing NUSCD students may register for the subsequent course CFA2101B, CFA3101B, or CFA3102B 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.
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
Register HERE. For more information on the course, please write to Dr Chew Suyin at ynccs@nus.edu.sg.
Approved students will be allocated the course, i.e. no registration via CourseReg is required.
CFA1112 Theatre and Performance in Practice (4 units, year-long)
Assoc Prof Graham Wolfe and Ms Thong Pei Qin
This course enables students who are participating in NUS theatre and performance groups to earn academic credit through their work with that group, while developing their understanding of collaborative artistic practice through reflective engagement. Rather than seeking to apply a grade to a final performance, the course opens opportunity to explore how practice in roles such as performer, director, playwright, stage manager, set or lighting designer, or another member of a production team, can be enhanced and refined through ongoing reflection. Dialogue with supervisors in Theatre and Performance Studies will encourage investigation of artistic practices as modes of learning.
Pre-requisite
Enrolment in a recognised NUS theatre or performance group.
Registration
Via CourseReg from Round 1