AY2023/24 Semester 2
Music Electives Open to Non-Music Majors
(Course offerings and schedule are subject to changes)
The course codes in purple are for students admitted before AY2021/2022.
GEC1014 Social and Cultural Studies through Music (4 Units)
Mr Benedict Ng and Ms Lin Xiangning
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
Students to select one of these sessions:
L1: Thursday, 12pm-2pm
L2: Thursday, 2pm-4pm
Registration
Via CourseReg from Round 2
GEC1023/GEH1060 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 revolutionised and effectuated the versatility of the piano, shaping a legacy which led to the “globalisation” 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
GEC1035/GET1019 Patrons of the Arts (4 Units)
Assoc Prof Greg Petersen
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 course materials.
Schedule
Students to select one of these sessions:
S1: Monday, 10am-12pm
S2: Monday, 12pm-2pm
Registration
Via CourseReg from Round 2
GESS1015/GES1020 Western Music within a Singaporean Context (4 MCs)
Ms Lin Xiangning, Mr Benedict Ng and 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
Students to select one of these sessions:
L1: Tuesday, 2pm-4pm
L2: Tuesday, 4pm-6pm
Registration
Via CourseReg from Round 2
GEX1022/GET1040 Communicating about the Arts
Assoc Prof Greg Petersen
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.
Schedule
Students to select one of these sessions:
S1: Friday, 10am-12pm
S2: Friday, 12pm-2pm
Registration
Via CourseReg from Round 2
MUH3203 The Evolution of Music for the Stage (4 Units)
Dr Abigail Sin
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.
Schedule
Thursday, 2pm-4pm
Registration
Via CourseReg from Round 2
Note: Non-YST students should have a working knowledge of basic music terminology. The ability to read music notation would be an advantage but is not required.
MUH3205 Chamber Music: An Interdisciplinary Approach (4 Units)
Dr Abigail Sin
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.
Schedule
Monday, 2pm-4pm
Registration
Via CourseReg from Round 2
Note: Non-YST students should have a working knowledge of basic music theory and terminology.
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, 2pm-4pm
Registration
Via CourseReg from Round 0
*MUT3113 Orchestration (4 Units)
Asst Prof Chen Zhangyi
This course begins with an overview of the different orchestral choirs: woodwinds, brass, percussion, and strings. Looking at a variety of orchestral settings, the course surveys the orchestration possibilities available across musical styles, ranging from the modest chamber orchestra to the expanded large orchestra and beyond. Students will learn to interpret and execute the craft of orchestration through score-study, in-class listening, writing assignments, and orchestration projects. This course may be beneficial for all musicians including arrangers, composers, conductors, educators, performers, and tonmeisters.
Schedule
Thursday, 10am-12pm
Pre-requisite
YST Music Theory Test
Students who have passed the placement test are eligible to register for the course via CourseReg from Round 2.
*MUT3216 Bach Suites (4 Units)
Asst Prof Chen Zhangyi
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.
Schedule
Thursday, 2pm-4pm
Pre-requisite
YST Music Theory Test
Students who have passed the placement test are eligible to register for the course via CourseReg from Round 2.
*MUT3223 Early Twentieth-Century Music (4 Units)
Ms Adeline Wong
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.
Schedule
Thursday, 2pm-4pm
Pre-requisite
YST Music Theory Test
Students who have passed the placement test are eligible to register for the course via CourseReg from Round 2.
MUA1165 Music and Machines (4 Units)
Assoc Prof Peter Edwards
This course examines the use of machines to create music in the last 70 years. It focuses on the topics of audio recording and editing, synthesis, signal processing, and computer-aided composition, and introduces important repertoire that uses technology from this period. Students will work to create sound collage compositions, develop virtual synthesizers, and even use a programming environment to create musical passages. Course projects will involve creating electro-acoustic works. The course is mandatory for all BMus students majoring in Composition at the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music. For those students, it should be taken during the second semester of study.
Schedule
Thursday, 12pm-2pm
Registration
Via CourseReg from Round 2
MUA1223 Desktop Mixing and Production (4 Units)
Mr Daniel Wong
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
Wednesday, 2pm-4pm
Registration
Via CourseReg from Round 2
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
Preclusion
GEH1040
Registration
Via CourseReg from Round 2
Advisory: Students should generally be able to play an instrument with a proficiency of ABRSM Grade 5 for theory and practical, or its equivalent.
MUA1192 Chamber Singers 1 (2 Units) /
MUA1193 Chamber Singers 2 (2 Units)
Mr Chong Wai Lun
Required for voice majors during the first 4 semesters of enrollment, 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.
Synopsis for AY2023/2024 Semester 2
Keep Calm and Carry On
A little bit of pop, a little bit of jazz and a little bit of classical – such can be said about Steve Dobrogosz’s 1500 compositions. As for Mass, one of his most widely performed choral works (well over 40 countries worldwide), perhaps one could even find a little bit of soul and gospel at play. Come join us on a journey of hope and tranquility, before we get rewarded by Argentinian composer Martin Palmeri’s Ave Maria, infused with a fiery touch of tango!
Schedule
Audition: 15 and 18 January 2024, 12-2pm
Weekly rehearsals: Monday and Thursday, 12pm-1.30pm (from Week 2)
Concert: 16 April 2024, 7.30pm
Note: there may be additional rehearsals in preparation for the concert.
Pre-requisite
Audition
Interested students should contact Mr Chong Wai Lun (muschwl@nus.edu.sg) for an audition. Successful students will be allocated the course, i.e. no registration via CourseReg is required.
MUA2204 Keyboard Literature: Sonatas in Context (4 Units)
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. 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.
Schedule
Thursday, 4pm-6pm
Preclusion
MUA3279
Registration
Via CourseReg from Round 2
Note: Non-YST 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.
MUA2230 The Psychology of Music Performance (4 Units)
Asst Prof Kat Agres
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 course, featuring a mixture of traditional lectures with group discussions, blogging with peers, and application of the ideas through individual projects centered 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.
Schedule
Tuesday & Thursday, 1pm-2pm
Pre-requisite
Active musicians (with major instrument or voice).
Registration
Non-YST students who are active musicians should first write to Dr Kat Agres (muskra@nus.edu.sg) for permission to enrol. Upon approval, please submit an appeal of type “Issues while selecting Course” via CourseReg. Allocation of the course will be subject to vacancies available after Round 2.
*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
Tuesday, 10am-12pm
Pre-requisite
3rd year and above students and Jazz Placement Test
Students who have passed the placement test are eligible to register for the course via CourseReg from Round 2.
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, 12pm-2pm
Pre-requisite
MUA3205 Jazz Study and Performance 1
Registration
Via CourseReg from Round 2
MUA3213 Music Notation and Engraving (4 Units)
Dr Tan Yuting
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 course is taught using Sibelius.
Schedule
Tuesday, 4pm-6pm
Registration
Via CourseReg from Round 2
MUA3219 World Music Ensemble (4 Units)
Ms Syafiqah ‘Adha and Ms Rosemainy
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.
Synopsis for AY2023/2024 Semester 2
The World Music Ensemble offers students a chance to play and perform music from different cultures with a focus on Southeast Asia. This semester, students will learn about the Indonesian Balinese gamelan and the Malay kompang. Students will grasp the performing techniques of the musical instruments involved, play traditional repertoire as well as contemporary compositions in the context of today’s world. This course is available to any student regardless of musical background, although some proficiency on an instrument may be beneficial.
Schedule
Monday & Thursday, 12pm-2pm
Registration
Via CourseReg from Round 2
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
Pre-requisite
Audition
Interested students should contact Dr Koo Siaw Sing (muskss@nus.edu.sg) for an audition. Successful students will be allocated the course, i.e. no registration via CourseReg is required.
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
Registration
Via CourseReg from Round 2.
Interested students who have not taken MUA3224 should contact Dr Koo Siaw Sing (muskss@nus.edu.sg) for an audition. Successful students will be allocated the course, i.e. no registration via CourseReg is required.
MUT3224 Teaching Music Online (2 Units)
Mr Gabriel Lee & Mr Francis Tan
Students will develop and hone their pedagogical practices in teaching music over the Internet both synchronously and asynchronously across different age groups and settings. They will learn the best practices to incorporate online tools into their teaching curriculum and performance practice, including developing their own online platforms.
Schedule
Thursday, 9am-11am
Registration
Via CourseReg from Round 2
Note: Non-Music majors enrolled are expected to be proficient at playing at least one instrument.
MUL2108 French for Musicians 2 (4 Units)
(Instructor from Alliance Française)
This course 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.
Schedule
Tuesday and Friday, 11am-12.30pm
Preclusion
MUL1107, MUL1108, all LAF-coded modules
Registration
Via CourseReg from Round 2
MUL2110 German for Musicians 1 (4 Units)
Ms Christine Sentosa (Goethe Institut)
This course 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.
Schedule
Tuesday and Friday, 11am-12.30pm
Preclusion
MUL1109, MUL1110, all LAG-coded modules
Registration
Via CourseReg from Round 2
YST CONSERVATORY
National University of Singapore
3 Conservatory Drive
Singapore 117376
