MAJORS
Woodwinds
Students in the Woodwind area receive holistic training in solo, chamber and orchestral performance. In our deliberately small and highly-selective cohort, all students have opportunities to perform in concerts, masterclasses and outreach activities that take place throughout the academic year, both on campus and in the community, as well as with our global partners. They further deepen their understanding and capabilities in the areas of music studies, pedagogy, community engagement and musical leadership.
This is complemented by opportunities to hear from and work with top-notch artists and ensembles, which have recently included Alanko Petri, Dimitri Ashkenazy, Ensemble Dialoghi, Gergely Ittzés, Giorgio Versiglia, Kari Kriikku, London Sinfonietta and Paris Woodwind Quintet. Our students perform frequently within the Conservatory, in venues and community outreach platforms across Singapore, and through freelancing with professional orchestras such as the Singapore Symphony Orchestra and Metropolitan Festival Orchestra. They regularly participate in major festivals and competitions around the world, and connect with the surrounding ecosystem through platforms such as Double Reed Day, the Singapore Flute Festival.
Programme Structure
Students work individually with their Major teacher to build performance excellence, which is reinforced through weekly studio classes and online self-reflection, and supported by their community of student-colleagues. The Woodwind curriculum begins by exposing students to orchestra repertoire as well as performing within Southeast Asia, and progressively encourages participation in international music festivals such as the Verbier and Pacific Music Festivals. Orchestral pedagogy classes further expand their awareness of skills needed as 21st-century orchestral musicians. These studies are accompanied by regular performance opportunities, including junior and senior recitals, as well as involvement in the YST’s vibrant calendar of events.
All Woodwind players also perform regularly with our large ensembles – the Conservatory Orchestra, and the Conservatory’s contemporary music ensemble OpusNovus, which expose students to the music of the 18th through 21st centuries. Through chamber music class, students can proactively explore small ensemble music-making under the guidance of chamber coaches.
Elective courses allow student further avenues to develop personal interests and strengths.
Entry Requirements
At YST, our student selection criteria evaluates a range of factors in an application portfolio, including the candidate’s intellectual aptitude, curiosity, energy, artistic drive, relationship with people, linguistic proficiency and personal qualities that will contribute value to the cohort.
In addition to seeking the best emerging musical talents locally and in the region, our audition process is tailored to discover aspiring applicants with potential for developing a viable future professional and artistic identity.
Beyond evident current capacity in the applicant’s Major field, we explore how our programme resonates with them.
Click the following button for our admissions requirements.
AUDITION REQUIREMENTS
Live auditions in Singapore and some overseas locations take place from the immediately-preceding December to February period. View our admissions and academic timeline here.
Note: Candidates are to note that major and minor scales may be tested during the audition at the discretion of the audition panel. An additional short study piece will be given to the candidate on the day of audition.
Two contrasting pieces from different periods.
Note: Candidates are to note that major and minor scales may be tested during the audition at the discretion of the audition panel. An additional short study piece will be given to the candidate on the day of audition.
Note: Candidates are to note that major and minor scales may be tested during the audition at the discretion of the audition panel. An additional short study piece will be given to the candidate on the day of audition. Candidates who are in a competitive position for an offer of admission may receive a 30-minute one-to-one lesson with a major teacher or the head of area.
Note: Candidates are to note that major and minor scales may be tested during the audition at the discretion of the audition panel. An additional short study piece will be given to the candidate on the day of audition. Candidates who are in a competitive position for an offer of admission may receive a 30-minute one-to-one lesson with a major teacher or the head of area.
Gallery
YST CONSERVATORY
National University of Singapore
3 Conservatory Drive
Singapore 117376
