Objectives
Music educators will benefit from this overview 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. Learners will be introduced to the principal figures in Singapore’s musical development. The course 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.

Content
This course offers to learners a better understanding of Singaporean attitudes to western music. It is customary to regard Western Classical Music as an international culture, yet national attitudes, cultures and characteristics significantly influence both its presentation and reception. The course deepens knowledge of classical music in the local context and in turn encourages innovation of practitioners with the understanding of the bigger ecosystem.