Overview of All YST Modules for Non-Music Majors

Overview of YST Courses for Non-Music Majors

Courses marked with an asterisk (*) will require a placement test or other pre-requisite.

General Education

The course codes in blue are for students admitted from AY2021/2022.

GEH1047/GEC1014 Social and Cultural Studies through Music (4 MCs)
Usually offered in both Semester 1 and 2
This course 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 course 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.

GEH1060/GEC1023 Social History of the Piano (4 MCs)
Usually offered both in Semester 1 and 2
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.

GES1020/GESS1015 Western Music within a Singaporean Context (4 MCs)
Usually offered in both Semester 1 and 2
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.

GES1043/GESS1031 State of the Art: A Current View of Music in Singapore (4 MCs)
Usually offered in both Semester 1 and 2
This course allows students to explore current musical activities across the spectrum of categories. By the end of the course, students should have an understanding of the current state of music in society, ranging from how and where it is taking place, the musical education and government systems involved, influences and trends across the industry, activities in pop and traditional music, and more. In addition to regular lectures and student-led discussions on relevant topics, students will have hands-on music making tutorials that relate to musical activities in Singapore, as well as preparing student group presentations on current affairs in music.

GET1019/GEC1035 Patrons of the Arts (4 MCs)
Usually offered in both Semester 1 and 2
This course is a conceptual and practical introduction to the complex networks that drive “patronage,” including multifarious kinds of patronage. Issues raised and debated include exploring money, religion, politics, social classes, and many other social constructs that influence what art people support, and why they, especially you, support different kinds of art. Students will need to grasp and evaluate critically each set of issues that drive and affect patronage of the arts, and demonstrate their critical understanding of the interplay of these factors through written assessments, classroom discussions, and contributions to blog postings related to the module materials.

GET1039/GEX1021 What, When and Where is Art? (4 MCs)
Offered on rotational basis in either Semester 1 or 2
This course explores the arts through three different, but overlapping, questions: What is art? (including the polemics associated with this question), When is art? (i.e. creations that are interpreted as art, or not art, at different times), and Where is art? (i.e. why something is perceived as art when it is in one setting, but is generally otherwise unnoticed). Visits to Singapore locations for case studies are required. Students will study and apply several disparate theories, and will also write their own.

GET1040/GEX1022 Communicating about the Arts (4 MCs)
Offered on rotational basis in either Semester 1 or 2
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.

GET1047/GEX1027 Art and Identity (4 MCs)
Offered on rotational basis in either Semester 1 or 2
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 emphasis 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.

Contextual Studies

MUH2201 Classical Styles and Romantic Spirits (4 MCs)
Usually offered in Semester 1 on rotational basis
Today’s most widely-known, international concert repertoire is primarily made up of 18th-, 19th-, and early 20th-century European and North American composers and their music. This course presents a look, listen, and study of their music and legacy focusing on two parallel movements in the European tradition: the classical, rococo, galante, emfindsamer stil, and neo-classical; and sturm und drang, romantic, and neo-romantic. The focus of learning in this course is through primary source materials. (Non- conservatory students that can read music are invited to enrol in this course as free elective.)

MUH2202 What Was, and Is, Popular Music (4 MCs)
Usually offered in Semester 1 on rotational basis
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.

MUH3203 The Evolution of Music for the Stage (4 MCs)
Usually offered in Semester 2
This course traces the history of opera and musical theatre, and their socio-cultural contexts, from the creation of the Western opera tradition in the late 16th century to popular stage and movie musicals, and the current scene in Singapore today. From a celebration of mythical heroes and ancient greek ideals, to biting commentary on contemporary issues, to exploring the lives and loves of ordinary people, the course examines how opera and musical theatre have been vehicles for powerful ideas and social change. Through selected works, students will consider topics including performance practice, catalytic cultural and political ideas, and depictions of race and gender.

MUH3205 Chamber Music: An Interdisciplinary Approach (4 MCs)
Usually offered in Semester 2
This course explores significant genres, styles, and representative chamber works from the common practice period to the present day. Also considered are: relationships between chamber music and its socio-political and cultural contexts; the changing social function of chamber music and musicians; various performance contexts; trends in musical aesthetics; and the evolution of chamber music’s languages and styles. Students undertake individual research projects on selected chamber works, and lead discussions on their chosen work in weekly seminars. Students acquire skills, knowledge, and confidence necessary to conduct independent research and critically engage with the repertoire they play.

Analysis and Composition

MUT1201 Introduction to Classical Music Composition (4 MCs)
Usually offered in both Semester 1 and 2
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.

*MUT3113 Orchestration (4 MCs)
Pre-requisite: YST Music Placement Test
Usually offered in Semester 1
The terms orchestration and instrumentation go hand-in-hand. While instrumentation refers to the study of individual instruments, orchestration deals with the technique and process of writing for a group of instruments. This course will introduce students to the characteristics and abilities of the instruments in the symphonic orchestra and how they work together through in-class listening and writing assignments, orchestration projects, and performance. The course will also address many of the problems faced by composers, conductors, teachers, and performers. The technique of orchestration is an important part in every musician’s education.

*MUT3213 Romantic Styles (4 MCs)
Pre-requisite: YST Music Placement Test
Offered on rotational basis in either Semester 1 or 2

This course begins with an overview of Beethoven’s music and his influence on contemporaneous and later 19th century composers.

The heart of this course explores the divide between absolute and programme music. ‘Leipzigerisch’ composers (Mendelssohn, Schumann, Brahms) versus the ‘New German School’ (Berlioz, Liszt). Nationalism is included.

The final weeks are devoted to the Opera genre by examining the works of Wagner, Verdi and Puccini. It extends to Strauss and Mahler, who represent the final flowering of musical Romanticism. With the model of a Romantic composer/performer, Romantic Styles is designed to bridge compositional work with performance, supported by interpretative analysis.

*MUT3214 Concerto and Cadenza (4 MCs)
Pre-requisite: YST Music Placement Test
Offered on rotational basis in either Semester 1 or 2

This course provides a focused study of the concerto as a genre and how the cadenza evolved from improvisation to being an integral part of a concerto. The chronological setting reinforces the historically-informed approach that encourages musicians to be sensitive to the stylistic differences of each era and composer.

The course aims to bridge compositional thinking with performance and interpretative analysis. Hence, analysis, composition and performance are equally 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.

*MUT3215 Composition for Non-Majors (4 MCs)
Pre-requisite: YST Music Placement Test
Offered offered in Semester 1

This course 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 are not majoring in music composition. It encourages individual creative writing while exploring contemporary techniques of music from 1920 to 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.

*MUT3216 Bach Suites (4 MCs)
Pre-requisite: YST Music Placement Test
Offered on rotational basis in either Semester 1 or 2

This course 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 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.

*MUT3222 Choral Composition (4 MCs)
Pre-requisite: YST Music Placement Test
Offered on rotational basis in either Semester 1 or 2

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.

*MUT3223 Early Twentieth-Century Music (4 MCs)
Pre-requisite: YST Music Placement Test
Usually offered in Semester 2

This course introduces students to the compositional ideas developed in the early twentieth century (1900-1945). It provides students the skills and techniques for analysing this repertoire and composing music in this style. Perspectives will include not only the musical materials of these works but also some insights into their cultural context and historical placement.

Class meetings will include a combination of lectures and group tutorials. The first half of the semester focuses on organizations of pitch, rhythm, form, texture and orchestration in the early twentieth century while the second half focuses on pitch-class set theory and twelve-tone theory.

Sound and Music Computing

MUA1165 Music and Machines (2 MCs)
Usually offered in Semester 1
The course examines the use of machines to create music in the last 100 years. It focuses on the topics of instrument creation, technological repurposing, electrification, synthesis techniques, sound processing, and computer-assisted composition. Important composers, inventors, and instruments are surveyed; and important repertoire that uses technology from this time period is introduced. Students learn strategies for analyzing electronic music so that they may participate in class discussions.

MUA1166 Introduction to Computing Media in Max (2 MCs)
Usually offered in both Semester 1 and 2
The course offers an introduction to programming of music and image within Max, a popular graphical programming environment for sound, music, and visual computing. Aside from general familiarity with the Max workflow, students learn computing basics such as iteration, list processing, working with data structures, data collection, and probability, and how these are applied to drawing, image manipulation, and sound playback.

MUA1223 Desktop Mixing Production (4 MCs)
Usually offered in both Semester 1 and 2
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.

MUA1270 Interdisciplinary Electronic Arts Survey (2 MCs)
Usually offered in Semester 1
Interdisciplinary collaboration involving electronics is common in today’s art world. This course 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.

MUA2251 Live Interactivity (4 MCs)
Usually offered in Semester 1
This course 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 course 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.

MUA2270 Synthesis and Signal Processing (4 MCs)
Usually offered in Semester 2
The course explores the techniques of digital synthesis and signal processing within the Max programming environment. In-class activities and project-based assignments address simple synthesizer and effects unit creation utilizing both time-domain and frequency-domain techniques.

MUA2271 Virtual Instrument Sound Design (4 MCs)
Usually offered in Semester 1
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 course 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 course uses entry-level graphical synthesis environments. No experience with coding is required.

MUA3274 Sonic Environments (4 MCs)
Usually offered in Semester 2
This course will investigate the changing relationships between humans and their surrounding sonic environments. Students will gain an understanding of the effects of the sonic environment on the human species, as individuals and as larger societies, and the ways in which humans are in turn responsible for drastic changes in the sonic environment, primarily since the advent of electronic and electroacoustic media technology. Another component of the course will be individual and group creative and research projects documenting the local sonic environment, accompanied by analytical essays. The semester will culminate in public presentations of all projects.

MUA3275 Sonic Circuits (4 MCs)
Usually offered in Semester 2

This course is a hands-on project-based introduction to electronic audio circuits for artistic purposes. Through hardware hacking, circuit bending, and circuit building, students will gain an understanding of basic electronics theory as well as develop valuable hands-on experience with battery-powered sound-making and sound- processing projects. From repurposing games, toys, and radios to building oscillators, filters, mixers, and amplifiers, and finally interfacing between the physical world and computers via microcontrollers, students will explore the artistic potential of electronic circuits.

An introduction to the history and current practice of electronic sound art will be integral to the course. The course will culminate in a group installation/performance.

No prior experience in electronics or music is assumed, though either would be helpful.

Applied Studies

MUA1192 Chamber Singers 1 (2 MCs) /
MUA1193 Chamber Singers 2 (2 MCs)
Pre-requisite: Audition
Usually offered in both Semester 1 and 2
Required for voice majors during the first 4 semesters of enrolment, these courses allow students to develop their skills 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. Open to Non-Voice majors as an elective.

MUA2203 Keyboard Literature: Genres throughout History (4 MCs)
Preclusion: MUA3278
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.
Usually offered in Semester 1
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.

MUA2204 Keyboard Literature: Sonatas in Context (4 MCs)
Preclusion: MUA3279
Note: Non-YST NUS students should be able to read Western Classical music notation fluently (particularly in bass and treble clefs) and have fundamental knowledge of music theory (minimum of approximately ABRSM Grade 5 in Music Theory or equivalent, including basic understanding of keys, triads in root position and in inversion, and cadences). 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.
Usually offered in Semester 2
The genre of the sonata has a rich history and comprises a significant portion of the repertoire available to pianists. This course explores various meanings and incarnations of the keyboard sonata, approaching works from historical, sociological, and theoretical perspectives, and including both works that traditionally appear in the repertory and those that do not. Students will think critically about the genre and the larger conceptual issues surrounding it, acquire and apply analytic tools to understand and reflect upon the works studied, and emerge with a fuller picture of keyboard sonatas and a curiosity to continue discovering and rediscovering this repertoire.

MUA2230 The Psychology of Music Performance (4 MCs)
Note: Non-Music performance majors who are active musicians (with major instrument or voice) require special permission from instructor (muskra@nus.edu.sg).
Usually offered in Semester 2
The course is tailored for musicians, presenting findings from the Psychology of Music, and Cognitive Science more generally, that can be used to enhance one’s practice and performance of music. Topics include efficient practicing, learning and memory, mental rehearsal strategies, performance anxiety, and more. It is a hands-on, project-based learning module, featuring a mixture of traditional lectures with group discussions, blogging with peers, and application of the ideas through individual projects centred around practice and/or performance techniques. The course is meant to foster critical enquiry and reflection, giving students relevant knowledge and hands-on experience to help them become better musicians.

MUA3177 Music Programming & Production
Pre-requisite: Passed any level-2000 or above courses offered in YST Conservatory
Usually offered in Semester 1
The course is designed to provide students with leadership skillsets in curating and producing musical events and productions. Through this course, students will understand the process of content creation and its relationship to other forms of cross-genre productions within the arts ecosystem.

*MUA3205 Jazz Study and Performance 1 (4 MCs)
Pre-requisite: 3rd year and above students and YST Music Placement Test
Usually offered in both Semester 1 and 2
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.

MUA3206 Jazz Study and Performance 2 (4 MCs)
Pre-requisite: MUA3205 Jazz Study and Performance 1
Usually offered in both Semester 1 and 2
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.

MUA3213 Music Notation and Engraving (4 MCs)
Usually offered in Semester 1
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 module is taught using Sibelius.

MUA3219 World Music Ensemble (4 MCs)
MUA3220 World Music Ensemble (4 MCs)
Usually offered in both Semester 1 and 2
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 music in different terms. Students can see what music is covered each term by checking the LumiNUS. Most semesters are available to any student regardless of musical background, some may require proficiency on an instrument.

MUA3224 Intermediate Keyboard Studies (4 MCs)
Pre-requisite: Audition
Usually offered in both Semester 1 and 2
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.

MUA3225 Early Advanced Keyboard Studies (4 MCs)
Pre-requisite: MUA3224 Intermediate Keyboard Studies, or Audition
Usually offered in Semester 2
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.

MUA3228 Re-imagining Pianism through Analysis (2 MCs)
Usually offered in Semester 1
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.

MUA3230 Music Cognition (4 MCs)
Pre-requisite: 2nd year and above Music or Psychology majors. Other majors must seek permission from the instructor (muskra@nus.edu.sg).
Usually offered in Semester 1
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.

Languages

MUL1105 Italian for Musicians 1 (4 MCs)
Usually offered in Semester 1
This module serves as the first semester of Italian language studies for music majors. Basic grammar, morphology, syntax and, especially, conversation will be emphasized. Required for all voice majors. Open to all NUS students.

MUL1106 Italian for Musicians 2 (4 MCs)
Pre-requisite: MUL1105 Italian for Musicians 1
Usually offered in Semester 2
This module serves as the second semester of Italian language studies for music majors. Basic grammar, morphology, syntax and, especially, conversation will be emphasized. Required for all voice majors. Open to all NUS students.

MUL2107 French for Musicians 1 (4 MCs)
Preclusion: MUL1107, MUL1108, all LAF-coded modules
Usually offered in Semester 1
This module 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.

MUL2108 French for Musicians 2 (4 MCs)
Pre-requisite: MUL2107 French for Musicians 1
Usually offered in Semester 2
This module will serve as the second 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 encounter will be emphasized. Open to NUS students.

MUL2109 German for Musicians 1 (4 MCs)
Preclusion: MUL1109, MUL1110, all LAG-coded modules
Usually offered in Semester 1
This module 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.

MUL2110 German for Musicians 2 (4 MCs)
Pre-requisite: MUL2109 German for Musicians 1
Usually offered in Semester 2
This module will serve as the second 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.