PROGRAMMES
Continuing Education & Training
The CET programme at YST offers avenues for adult learners to engage with music through courses that hone professional skillsets and build contextual understanding, thereby informing one’s practice in music, the arts or other related fields.
We offer the following CET programmes:
To stay updated on CET offerings at YST, leave us your contact details here. For queries, please contact us at musicfuture@nus.edu.sg.
Non-credit Bearing
Professional Certificate & Short Courses
A Professional Certificate (PC) comprises non-credit-bearing Short Courses to provide learners with bite-sized industry-relevant knowledge and skills in a particular subject area. You may also take each Short Course individually and add more as you go and be awarded a Professional Certificate when you complete all requisite courses within a stipulated period .
Professional Certificate in Music Production Toolkit
This PC provides an overview of the connections between the latest technology and traditional recording practices, offering more in-depth training to allow current musicians to keep abreast of latest technological and industry developments in the changing musical landscape.
Learners will be able to:
This PC will be relevant to musicians and industry professionals wishing to take advantage of new career opportunities in areas such as audio engineers, music producers, studio managers, school music activity directors, or film/game music composer.
This PC consists of the following six Short Courses:
Click on the course titles for information on course content, fees and application.
These six courses can be taken individually and learners will be be awarded the PC if they complete all 6 courses within a 3 year period.
All Short Courses are eligible for SSG funding support (including SkillsFuture Credits which have been given to all Singaporeans aged 25 and above). Learners will receive an e-certificate for completion of each Short Course (with at least 75% attendance).
All courses will be held face-to-face.
Applications for Short Courses and the Professional Certificate in Music Production Toolkit are currently closed.
Click on the course titles for information on course content, fees and application. Please note that registration for each Short Course closes one week before its respective start date.
Credit Bearing
Graduate Certificate (GC) in Music Perspectives and Practices
& Graduate-Level Courses
Conservatory graduate courses (credit-bearing) are open for CET enrollment, spanning the areas of music analysis, contextual studies, interdisciplinary studies and community engagement.
The following graduate-level courses are offered for individual CET learners:
Each graduate-level course costs SGD5,400 before GST and any eligible SSG subsidies. Candidates may be required to pay additional miscellaneous fees as decided by the University. Click on the course title for more information on course content, fees and application requirements.
Graduate Certificate (GC) in Music Perspectives and Practices
The GC is designed to support current music professionals who want to advance their skills and knowledge in key topics relevant to the rapidly evolving musical landscapes. The GC can be stacked towards the Master of Music Leadership (MMusL) degree, offering learners greater flexibility in study options.
To obtain the certificate, learners must meet the following requirements:
Learners who have completed the GC may potentially obtain the MMusL with just an additional year*. Learners with GPA of 4.00 and above will be offered direct admission to MMusL.
As the GC is a part-time programme, applications are only open to Singapore Citizens, Permanent Residents and Singapore-based international applicants (valid student or work pass required).
Applicants are expected to have completed or be in the final year of completing a qualifying degree programme. Applicants without a degree but with equivalent professional practice in Singapore or overseas who wish to advance their professional capabilities are welcome to apply.
The GC costs SGD4,860** before GST. Candidates may be required to pay additional miscellaneous fees as decided by the University.
All courses will be held face-to-face.
*Subject to MMusL admission requirements and maximum period of candidature.
**Estimated figure after eligible SSG subsidies.
Applications for Semester 2 (AY2024/25) will be open from 18 October – 1 November 2024.
MUA3105 Conducting
Assoc Prof Chan Tze Law
MUA3271 Acoustics and Sound Production for Performers
Assoc Prof Zhou Xiaodong
MUA4113 Piano Pedagogy
Ms Julie Tan
MUA4215 Vocal Pedagogy
Ms Rachel Lim
MUT1201 Introduction to Classical Music Composition
Assoc Prof Ho Chee Kong
MUT3224 Teaching Music Online
Mr Gabriel Lee
MUT3225 Teaching Music Online 2
Mr Gabriel Lee
GEH1047 Social and Cultural Studies Through Music
Assoc Prof Ty Constante
GET1019 Patrons of the Arts
Assoc Prof Greg Petersen
MUA3105 Conducting
Assoc Prof Chan Tze Law
This course introduces fundamental orchestral conducting and covers baton technique, rehearsal technique and score organisation. It provides a platform for conductors to refresh conducting fundamentals and hone these skills under guidance.
MUA3271 Acoustics and Sound Production for Performers
Assoc Prof Zhou Xiaodong
This course will help instrumentalists and teachers become more familiar with recording arts and live sound techniques. Learners will be equipped with knowledge of how to set up various technical equipment for different scenarios and editing with different softwares.
MUA4113 Piano Pedagogy
Ms Julie Tan
The course encourages innovation in problem solving related to piano pedagogy and in lesson design. It deepens knowledge in relation to piano teaching and improves effectiveness of piano lessons.
MUA4215 Vocal Pedagogy
Ms Rachel Lim
The course is designed for current vocal practitioners with some work experience to encourage innovation in problem solving related to vocal pedagogy and in lesson design. It builds upon learners’ existing vocal-specific knowledge and help improve the effectiveness of voice lessons and developing a studio.
MUT1201 Introduction to Classical Music Composition
Ms Chua Jon Lin
The course deepens learners’ knowledge in Western compositional styles and therefore improves productivity of lesson planning directly/indirectly related to the topic.
MUT3224 Teaching Music Online
Mr Gabriel Lee
The online component of teaching is an added advantage in today’s increasingly connected world. In the course, learners design online music lessons using various technological platforms and teaching methods. Overcoming the limitations of online teaching is also covered to address practicality issues.
MUT3225 Teaching Music Online 2
Mr Gabriel Lee
In the course, learners continue to practice what they have learnt through actual online teaching sessions. They will also learn to create their own online teaching platform and utilise social media to reach target audiences, especially in today’s context where social media is the dominant medium for information exchanges.
GEH1047 Social and Cultural Studies Through Music
Assoc Prof Ty Constante
The course encourages innovation in venturing into different styles of music other than classical music. It deepens learners’ knowledge about cross-cultural musical dimensions and their connections to their specific cultures and societies. Productivity is improved by means of having more materials and inspirations to work with for learners’ own job roles.
MUH5201 Histories & Cultures of Amateur Music-Making
Dr Abigail Sin
This course explores the role and impact of amateur music-making in terms of technology adoption and innovation in diverse cultural contexts, critically examining of contemporary exemplars of amateur music-making alongside historical case studies from both Western Classical and non-Western musical contexts. Topics discussed include the influence of/on technology, relationship with “professionals”, as well as conducting research on complex political, economic and social conditions and motivations that allow amateur music-making to flourish. This course will be delivered in a highly participatory seminar style, where learners will engage proactively with the weekly material in interactive lectures, case studies, group discussions and presentations.
MUA5264 Musical Engagement in the Community
Ms Miao Kaiwen & Ms Rachel Ho
Through this course, learners will critically reflect on their role as an artist in the community to be agents of change, particularly in the area of health promotion and education, while gaining theoretical insights into the relevant aspects of community music-making and its practical implications. They will further hone leadership, group dynamics facilitation, coaching and mentoring skills. With a better understanding of the applications within different contexts in community music-making, learners can be more informed when it comes to working with stakeholders across disciplines.
MUT5201 Practical Approaches to Musical Analysis
Ms Adeline Wong
This course presents a pragmatic, accessible approach to music analysis. The main objective is for learners to realise that while a work may appear complicated, there is always a simple and practical approach to it. Music analysis is therefore linked to awareness and practicality. Forming a clear link between musical awareness and music analysis will offer a more fruitful opportunity to allow music practitioners to focus on aspects such as musical coherence, structural relationships and interpretative choices. These analytical strategies can be adapted and included within instrumental and group lessons as techniques to teach phrasing, musical understanding and musical knowledge.
MUH5202 Music in Interconnection
Dr Frances Lee
This course explores music as a locus of interaction: how it is situated in and relates to the wider world outside the concert hall, both in the abstract and in the real world. Music, like any other discipline, has both intrinsic and extrinsic connections to other fields, and adopting a multidisciplinary approach to music can lead to exciting and impactful results. Through both contemporary and historical case studies, each week of this course will critically consider the interconnection between music and another field, including areas within the arts (e.g., theatre and visual art) and without (e.g., nature, gender studies, and politics) through understanding concepts of collaborative practices with stakeholders across disciplines.
MUA3209 Business for Musicians
Jeremiah Choy, Shridar Mani, Miao Kaiwen
The course is designed for musicians to gain knowledge in the legal, marketing and data gathering aspects in music related contexts. It will cover relevant aspects of company, labour and intellectual property law, impact of arts marketing strategy, quantitative and qualitative methodologies.
View the Semester 1 modules at a glance here.
MUA3105 Conducting
This course introduces fundamental orchestral conducting and covers baton technique, rehearsal technique and score organisation. It provides a platform for conductors to refresh conducting fundamentals and hone these skills under guidance.
MUA3116 Pedagogy for Orchestral Instrumentalists
The course provides foundational knowledge and introductory experience in delivering fundamental pedagogic principles to become more effective and creative instrumental music teachers. Learners will develop confidence in taking forward early stage learning in both one-to-one and small group contexts.
MUA3209 Business for Musicians
The course is designed for musicians to gain knowledge in the legal, marketing and data gathering aspects in music related contexts. It will cover relevant aspects of company, labour and intellectual property law, impact of arts marketing strategy, quantitative and qualitative methodologies.
MUT1201 Introduction to Classical Music Composition
The course deepens learners’ knowledge in Western compositional styles and therefore improves productivity of lesson planning directly/indirectly related to the topic.
MUT3224 Teaching Music Online
The online component of teaching is an added advantage in today’s increasingly connected world. In the course, learners design online music lessons using various technological platforms and teaching methods. Overcoming the limitations of online teaching is also covered to address practicality issues.
MUT3225 Teaching Music Online 2
In the course, learners continue to practice what they have learnt through actual online teaching sessions. They will also learn to create their own online teaching platform and utilise social media to reach target audiences, especially in today’s context where social media is the dominant medium for information exchanges.
GEH1047 Social and Cultural Studies Through Music
The course encourages innovation in venturing into different styles of music other than classical music. It deepens learners’ knowledge about cross-cultural musical dimensions and their connections to their specific cultures and societies. Productivity is improved by means of having more materials and inspirations to work with for learners’ own job roles.
GES1020 Western Music within a Singaporean Context
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.
GET1039 What, When and Where is Art
The course encourages innovative thinking in art practitioners/educators. Through informed debates surrounding art, the course also deepens related knowledge. Visits to Singapore locations for case studies are required as part of the course. Learners will study and apply several disparate theories, and will also write their own.
Credit Bearing
Undergraduate-Level Courses
Conservatory undergraduate courses (credit-bearing) are open for CET enrollment, spanning the areas of composition, production, conducting, pedagogy, contextual studies and community engagement.
For the upcoming semester in January 2025, we will be offering the following undergraduate-level courses for individual CET learners:
Applicants are required to have at least five years of performing/teaching experience and/or pass a selection interview. Please note that admission is subject to availability of spaces.
These courses are eligible for SSG funding support (including SkillsFuture Credits which have been given to all Singaporeans aged 25 and above). Learners must record at least 75% attendance, and pass all assessment components, to be eligible for SSG funding.
All courses will be held face-to-face.
Click on the course title for more information on course content, fees and application procedure.
Applications for Semester 2 (AY2024/25) will be open from 18 October – 1 November 2024.
MUA3105 Conducting
Assoc Prof Chan Tze Law
MUA3271 Acoustics and Sound Production for Performers
Assoc Prof Zhou Xiaodong
MUA4113 Piano Pedagogy
Ms Julie Tan
MUA4215 Vocal Pedagogy
Ms Rachel Lim
MUT1201 Introduction to Classical Music Composition
Assoc Prof Ho Chee Kong
MUT3224 Teaching Music Online
Mr Gabriel Lee
MUT3225 Teaching Music Online 2
Mr Gabriel Lee
GEH1047 Social and Cultural Studies Through Music
Assoc Prof Ty Constante
GET1019 Patrons of the Arts
Assoc Prof Greg Petersen
GEX1027 Art and Identity
Assoc Prof Greg Petersen
This course explores the relationship between Art and Identity, which lays the foundation for music educators and practitioners in understanding major identity discourses. Learners also analyse how identity discourses have affected individuals and groups past, present and future. After which they can integrate information into their own self identification and formulating others’ identities.
GESS1015 Western Music within a Singaporean Context
Ms Lin Xiangning, Mr Xavier Tan
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.
MUA2203 Keyboard Literature: Genres throughout History
Dr Frances Lee
Through this course, learners will assess the repertory and canon of keyboard works with a critical eye, and broaden their scope of vision when engaging with composers and their music. They will deepen their understanding of the development of genres, styles and forms throughout history, and independently formulate well-reasoned judgments, aesthetic and otherwise, when encountering new works. They will sharpen and hone their communication and research skills. Learners are encouraged to apply the modes of thinking exercised in this course to their own practice by making informed decisions on programming and interpretation.
MUA3105 Conducting
Mr Francis Tan, Mr Adrian Chiang, Mr Chong Wailun, Mr Moses Gay
This course equips learners with conducting techniques through laboratory experience in conducting instrumental works, score-reading and terminology.
MUA3271 Acoustics and Sound Production for Performers
Assoc Prof Zhou Xiaodong
This course will help instrumentalists and teachers become more familiar with recording arts and live sound techniques. Learners will be equipped with knowledge of how to set up various technical equipment for different scenarios and editing with different softwares.
MUA4113 Piano Pedagogy
Ms Julie Tan
The course encourages innovation in problem solving related to piano pedagogy and in lesson design. It deepens knowledge in relation to piano teaching and improves effectiveness of piano lessons.
MUA4215 Vocal Pedagogy
Ms Rachel Lim
The course is designed for current vocal practitioners with some work experience to encourage innovation in problem solving related to vocal pedagogy and in lesson design. It builds upon learners’ existing vocal-specific knowledge and help improve the effectiveness of voice lessons and developing a studio.
MUT3224 Teaching Music Online
Mr Gabriel Lee, Mr Francis Tan
Music educators will find the current methods and pedagogical approaches to teaching music over the internet discussed in this course useful as they plan to better utilise the internet in their own music programmes. Learners will practise and apply their knowledge by teaching music students around the world in a variety of settings.
GEC1014 Social and Cultural Studies Through Music
Mr Benedict Ng
This course encourages innovation in venturing into different styles of music other than classical music. It deepens learners’ knowledge about cross-cultural musical dimensions and their connections to their specific cultures and societies. Productivity is improved by means of having more materials and inspirations to work with for learners’ own job roles.
GESS1015 Western Music within a Singaporean Context
Ms Lin Xiangning
This course offers 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 encourage innovation of practitioners with the understanding of the bigger ecosystem.
MUA2204 Keyboard Literature: Sonatas in Context
Dr Frances Lee
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.
MUA3105 Conducting
Mr Francis Tan, Mr Adrian Chiang & Mr Chong Wai Lun
This course introduces fundamental orchestral conducting and covers baton technique, rehearsal technique and score organisation. It provides a platform for conductors to refresh conducting fundamentals and hone these skills under guidance.
MUT3224 Teaching Music Online
Mr Gabriel Lee & Mr Francis Tan
The online component of teaching is an added advantage in today’s increasingly connected world. In the course, learners design online music lessons using various technological platforms and teaching methods. Overcoming the limitations of online teaching is also covered to address practicality issues.
MUA3105 Conducting
Mr Adrian Chiang, Mr Francis Tan, Mr Chong Wailun
This course equips learners with conducting techniques through laboratory experience in conducting instrumental works, score-reading and terminology.
MUT3224 Teaching Music Online
Mr Gabriel Lee, Mr Francis Tan
Music educators will find the current methods and pedagogical approaches to teaching music over the internet discussed in this course useful as they plan to better utilise the internet in their own music programmes. Learners will practise and apply their knowledge by teaching music students around the world in a variety of settings.
GES1015 Western Music within a Singaporean Context
Ms Lin Xiangning, Mr Benedict Ng, Mr Xavier Tan
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.
GEC1035 Patrons of the Arts
Assoc Prof Greg Petersen
Music teachers, activists, advocates, and movers and shakers of the arts community often seek greater understanding of the motivation behind giving to the arts. The course is a conceptual and practical introduction to the complex networks that drive arts “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. Critical thinking and expression skills will be developed through written assessments, classroom discussions, and contributions to blog postings related to the course materials.
GEX1022 Communicating About the Arts
Assoc Prof Greg Petersen
The course applies to anyone in the industry since communication is an essential and important part of the Arts sector and especially in education. Learners will be exposed to discussions regarding all the different facets of Art: Painting, Sculpture, Architecture, Literature, Drama, Music, Dance and Film. With the industry seing a trend of increased cross-disciplinary collaborations, the course can support by providing the necessary background knowledge.
MUT1202 Introduction to Classical Music Composition
Dr Tan Yuting
The course helps learners build their compositional skills and contextualise various theoretical concepts through analytical exercises and style writing. With a better understanding of the basic building blocks of western compositional techniques and the stylistic features of the period, music educators can apply the skills and knowledge acquired to their own teaching practices.
MUA3209 Business for Musicians
Ms Miao Kaiwen, Mr Jeremiah Choy, Mr Shridar Mani
The course is designed for musicians to gain knowledge in the legal, marketing and data gathering aspects in music related contexts. It will cover relevant aspects of company, labour and intellectual property law, impact of arts marketing strategy, quantitative and qualitative methodologies.
MUA2204 Keyboard Literature: Sonatas in Context
Dr Frances Lee
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. Learners 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.
MUA3209 Business for Musicians
Jeremiah Choy, Shridar Mani, Miao Kaiwen
The course is designed for musicians to gain knowledge in the legal, marketing and data gathering aspects in music related contexts. It will cover relevant aspects of company, labour and intellectual property law, impact of arts marketing strategy, quantitative and qualitative methodologies.
View the Semester 1 modules at a glance here.
MUA3105 Conducting
This course introduces fundamental orchestral conducting and covers baton technique, rehearsal technique and score organisation. It provides a platform for conductors to refresh conducting fundamentals and hone these skills under guidance.
MUA3116 Pedagogy for Orchestral Instrumentalists
The course provides foundational knowledge and introductory experience in delivering fundamental pedagogic principles to become more effective and creative instrumental music teachers. Learners will develop confidence in taking forward early stage learning in both one-to-one and small group contexts.
MUA3209 Business for Musicians
The course is designed for musicians to gain knowledge in the legal, marketing and data gathering aspects in music related contexts. It will cover relevant aspects of company, labour and intellectual property law, impact of arts marketing strategy, quantitative and qualitative methodologies.
MUT1201 Introduction to Classical Music Composition
The course deepens learners’ knowledge in Western compositional styles and therefore improves productivity of lesson planning directly/indirectly related to the topic.
MUT3224 Teaching Music Online
The online component of teaching is an added advantage in today’s increasingly connected world. In the course, learners design online music lessons using various technological platforms and teaching methods. Overcoming the limitations of online teaching is also covered to address practicality issues.
MUT3225 Teaching Music Online 2
In the course, learners continue to practice what they have learnt through actual online teaching sessions. They will also learn to create their own online teaching platform and utilise social media to reach target audiences, especially in today’s context where social media is the dominant medium for information exchanges.
GEH1047 Social and Cultural Studies Through Music
The course encourages innovation in venturing into different styles of music other than classical music. It deepens learners’ knowledge about cross-cultural musical dimensions and their connections to their specific cultures and societies. Productivity is improved by means of having more materials and inspirations to work with for learners’ own job roles.
GES1020 Western Music within a Singaporean Context
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.
GET1039 What, When and Where is Art
The course encourages innovative thinking in art practitioners/educators. Through informed debates surrounding art, the course also deepens related knowledge. Visits to Singapore locations for case studies are required as part of the course. Learners will study and apply several disparate theories, and will also write their own.
Fees and Funding
Please click on the respective module titles above to find the specific fees and funding information for the module.
Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents are eligible for SkillsFuture Grant funding covering 70% of the full programme fee. They may also use their Skillsfuture Credit to fund their participation in the above courses.
Additional funding may be available for eligible participants through schemes such as the SkillsFuture Mid-Career Enhanced Subsidy (MCES) and Enhanced Training Support for SMEs (ETSS).
| Module Code | Corresponding SCN No. | Full Module Fee | **Nett Programme |
MUA2163 | CRS-N-0051014 | $4,200 | $1,260 |
| MUA3271 MUA4215 GEH1047 | CRS-N-0051296 CRS-N-0051350 CRS-N-0051351 | $4,600 | $1,380 |
| MUA3105 MUT3224 MUT3225 | CRS-N-0051354 CRS-N-0051352 CRS-N-0051353 | $2,300 | $690 |
**Applicable to Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents only.
Not including further funding through SkillsFuture Credit and additional funding through various schemes (e.g. MCES, ETSS).
| Module Code / Corresponding SCN No. | Full Module | **Nett |
MUA2163 / CRS-N-0051014 | $4,200 | $1,260 |
| MUA3271 / CRS-N-0051296 MUA4215 / CRS-N-0051350 GEH1047 / CRS-N-0051351 | $4,600 | $1,380 |
| MUA3105 / CRS-N-0051354 MUT3224 / CRS-N-0051352 MUT3225 / CRS-N-0051353 | $2,300 | $690 |
**Applicable to Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents only.
Not including further funding through SkillsFuture Credit and additional funding through various schemes (e.g. MCES, ETSS).
| Module Code | SCN No. | Full Module Fee | **Nett Programme Fee |
MUA2163 | CRS-N-0051014 | $4,200 | $1,260 |
| MUA3271 MUA4215 GEH1047 | CRS-N-0051296 CRS-N-0051350 CRS-N-0051351 | $4,600 | $1,380 |
| MUA3105 MUT3224 MUT3225 | CRS-N-0051354 CRS-N-0051352 CRS-N-0051353 | $2,300 | $690 |
**Applicable to Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents only.
Not including further funding through SkillsFuture Credit and additional funding through various schemes (e.g. MCES, ETSS).
YST CONSERVATORY
National University of Singapore
3 Conservatory Drive
Singapore 117376
