AY2024/25 Semester 2
Music Courses Open to Non-Music Majors
(Course offerings and schedule are subject to changes)
The course codes in grey are for students admitted before AY2021/2022.
GEC1014 Social and Cultural Studies through Music (4 Units)
Mr Benedict Ng
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 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.
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 Units)
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
Thursday, 12pm-2pm
Registration
Via CourseReg from Round 2
*NEW*
GESS1038 The Arts in Singapore Today (4 Units)
Assoc Prof Greg Petersen
Why does Singapore host many different arts festivals and performers? How many different art and performance venues are there in Singapore and why do they exist? To what extent do these serve the local, regional, and global arts audiences? This course is a study of Singapore-based arts in the present, arranged in relation to its past and its relationship with the global arts community and other global arts cities. Students are required to attend multiple indoor and outdoor art events, including the street as the stage, and envision artistic business opportunities development to strengthen Singapore’s stature as a global arts city.
Schedule
Students to select one of these sessions:
S1: Thursday, 10am-12pm
S2: Thursday, 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
Tuesday, 4pm-6pm
Registration
Via CourseReg from Round 2
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, 1pm-3pm
Registration
via CourseReg from Round 2
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, 4pm-6pm
Registration
Via CourseReg from Round 1
*MUT3113 Orchestration (4 Units)
Assoc 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
Theory Placement Test
*MUT3215 Composition for Non-Majors (4 Units)
Ms Adeline Wong
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.
Schedule
Thursday, 10am-12pm
Pre-requisite
Theory Placement Test
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
Tuesday, 2pm-4pm
Registration
Via CourseReg from Round 2
MUA1192/MUA1193/MUA2192/MUA2193 Chamber Singers (2 units)
Mr Chong Wai Lun
This course is designed for choral music appreciation and musical skills development 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. Ensemble situations include cross-genre and cross art from collaboration involving but not limited to Dance, Theatre, Instrumental music, Vocal music, Literature, Lighting and Paintings.
AY24/25 Sem 2 – Chamber Singers
Chamber Singers present: Saiko no Anime
Once a window to look into Japanese culture, Anime used to be associated with subcultures of the teens and Otaku/geeks. Now, it is a global pop culture influencing many in not just cosplaying but also in arts and music. We choristers appreciate all the best music and stories found in the anime—probably many of which hold a special place for the nerds in our hearts. Beyond the fan favourites classics from Studio Ghibli, let us dive into music from Weathering With You, Your Name, Demon Slayer, Attack on Titan, Unicorn Gundam, and Evangelion to name a few. We might even throw in a couple tunes by J-pop dynamic duo, YOASOBI for good measure. What’s YOUR favourite anime/anime music? Come and explore with us this semester!
Schedule
(Excluding any additional dress rehearsal and concert)
Combined Workshop (from Week 2):
Wednesday, 7pm-9.30pm
Tutorials/Sectionals (from Week 2):
Students to choose one of these sessions:
T1: Monday, 5.30pm-7pm
T2: Thursday, 12pm-1.30pm
Pre-requisite
Audition
Interested students should contact Mr Chong Wai Lun (muschwl@nus.edu.sg) to sign up for an audition. Successful students will be allocated the course, i.e. no registration via CourseReg is required.
MUA1240 Exploration in Musical Production (4 Units)
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
Registration
Via CourseReg from Round 2
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
Tuesday, 10am-12pm
Registration
Via CourseReg from Round 2
Advisory pre-requisite: Students who are 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 to them.
*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 YST Music 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
*NEW*
MUA3217 Music Markets in Western, Korean, and Singaporean Contexts: A Storytelling Approach (4 Units)
Dr Park Sun Min
The course examines the purposes and trends of classical music consumption throughout history from a storytelling strategy perspective, and explores the concepts and models of storynomics. It seeks successful storytelling approaches through examples of classical music used in mass culture content. Particularly, it investigates storytelling strategies applied in Korean mass culture and classical music, exploring various methods and success factors of storytelling. Additionally, it analyzes the role of planning and storytelling strategies within the structure of classical music and mass culture (music) production to identify elements that can be benchmarked for the next-generation production model of classical music. Finally, it explores storytelling marketing methods applicable to classical music content development and artist branding, aiming to create a unique storytelling-based branding and marketing model.
Schedule
Friday, 4pm-6pm
Registration
Via CourseReg from Round 2
MUA3219 World Music Ensemble (4 Units)
Ms Syafiqah ‘Adha & 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.
This semester, students will learn about the Indonesian Balinese gamelan and the Malay kompang.
Schedule
Monday & Thursday, 10am-12pm
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, 3pm-5pm
Registration
Via CourseReg from Round 2
Advisory pre-requisite: Students should typically have approximately four years of piano studying with sight-reading skills.
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 Intermediate Keyboard Studies
Registration
Via CourseReg from Round 2
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
Advisory pre-requisite: Non-Music majors enrolled are expected to be proficient at playing at least one instrument.
MUL1106 Italian for Musicians 2 (4 Units)
Ms Patrizia Faccin
This course serves as the second semester of Italian language studies for music majors. Basic grammar, morphology, syntax and, especially, conversation will be emphasised. Required for all voice majors. Open to all NUS students.
Schedule
Tuesday and Friday, 11am-12.30pm
Pre-requisite
MUL1105 Italian for Musicians 1
Registration
Via CourseReg from Round 2
MUL2110 German for Musicians 2 (4 Units)
Ms Christine Sentosa
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
Pre-requisite
MUL2109 German for Musicians 1
Preclusion
MUL1109, MUL1110, all LAG-coded courses
Registration
Via CourseReg from Round 2
Performing Arts Courses
CFA3160 Artistic Identities and Pathways (4 units)
Ms Miao Kaiwen, Ms Thong Pei Qin
Through interactive seminars, students will gain more insights about the performing arts industry and the necessary transferrable skills to navigate artistic projects. They will critically reflect on the relevance to their own artistic identities while exploring potential career pathways. There will also be a chance to collaborate with peers from different artistic backgrounds towards a creative output at the end of the course.
Additional Info:
Schedule
Monday, 10am-12pm
Registration
Students with the following academic plans can register via CourseReg from Round 1:
Students who are not in the above academic plans but wish to take this course may submit an appeal after CourseReg Round 3 under the appeal type: Unable to secure a course.
In your appeal, include:
Successful appeals will be processed based on course availability.
CFA2210 Collaborative Music Ensembles (2 Units)
This course focuses on small group musical ensemble performance, allowing students to form groups with any combination of instruments they propose. Each group will curate and prepare their own repertoire for a final showcase, demonstrating diverse musical interpretations and innovative presentations. The course encourages experimentation with various forms and styles to enhance ensemble synergy and artistic expression. This course is ideal for students eager to explore ensemble dynamics and expand their artistic capabilities in music performance.
Pre-requisite
At least one year of active membership in a CFA or RC music arts group. Where the pre-requisite cannot be fulfilled, an audition via video submission is required.
Registration
Please refer to the following instructions.
Preparation:
Completing the Form:
Students in the approved groups will be allocated the course. Selection via CourseReg is not required. All approved groups will be required to arrange a meeting with the Course Coordinator in Week 1 to finalise the project proposal.
CFA1101B/CFA2101B/CFA3101B Performing Arts in Practice (Dance) 1/2/3
From Academic Year 2023/2024, students joining the NUS Chinese Dance will be enrolled in a year-long credit-bearing course (4 units). This structured curriculum includes targeted instruction to hone skills and deepen practice in their respective artistic disciplines. Students will have opportunities to collaborate in artistic programming and group operations, as well as connect with the community through organising and participating in outreach events and recruitment drives. For students enrolling in CFA2101, leadership roles within the arts groups will also be available.
Click on the respective course below for more information:
CFA1101B Performing Arts in Practice (Dance) 1 (4 Units, year-long)
CFA2101B Performing Arts in Practice (Dance) 2 (4 Units, year-long)
CFA3101B Performing Arts in Practice (Dance) 3 (4 Units, year-long)
Registration
New members (CFA1101B Performing Arts in Practice (Dance) 1)
Join “Rhythm and Flow” on 19-20 July (sign-up HERE) to experience NUS Chinese Dance and register your intent to enrol in the course.
Students who are unable to attend “Rhythm and Flow” will be required to attend a ‘live’ audition on 6 August 2024. Sign up for the audition HERE.
Successful students will be allocated the course, i.e. course selection via CourseReg is not required.
CFA2101B Performing Arts in Practice (Dance) 2
Students who have passed CFA1101B can register for CFA2101B HERE for direct course allocation. Selection via CourseReg is not required.
CFA3101B Performing Arts in Practice (Dance) 3
Students who have passed CFA2101B can register for CFA3101B HERE for direct course allocation. Selection via CourseReg is not required.
CFA3220 Intercultural Choreography Lab (4 Units, year-long)
This practice-based year-long choreography lab provides students with the space to experience the cultural dance heritage of Singapore and to encourage exploration, and innovation on what would constitute a Singapore dance. Students will learn Malay, Indian and Chinese dance forms, and contemporary approaches to choreography in Semester 1. They will question the impact of these influences on their cultural and artistic identities as they create unique dances that are representative of this nation in the 21stcentury. Unlike homogenous cultures, Singapore is prime for this experiment. Sitting at the crossroads of a diversity of cultures, this is an opportunity to lead in the discovery, development, and refinement of a fusion and creative integration of cultures through dance. Thereby, cultivating a new Asian choreographic aesthetic. Student choreographers in this course will be mentored to present their work in a showcase in Semester 2. They will also experience the practical management and production aspects of staging a NUS Dance Ensemble show.
Click here for more information.
Requisite
NHT2204 Dance Narratives is an introductory course in dance composition where students will create a autobiographical solo work. NHT2204 must be taken as a pre-requisite or co-requisite by all students enrolling into Intercultural Choreography Lab.
Schedule
Wednesday, 7pm-10pm
Registration
Except for Dance Ensemble (DE) students, all other students must prepare the following before registering for the course:
Put all the items into one folder in a shareable online drive (e.g. Google Drive, Dropbox, etc), copy the link to the folder and paste it in the specified field in the registration form.
Register for CFA3220 HERE by 4 August 2024.
Enrolment Priority
DE students will be given priority in course registration. The remaining available places in the course will then be open to all NUS undergraduates.
CFA1220 Intercultural Dance Praxis (2 units)
Dr Chew Suyin (Co-ordinator)
This practice-based dance performance course provides students with the opportunity to experience the cultural dance heritage of Singapore. Students will learn Malay, Indian, Chinese, and contemporary dance forms, and styles from student choreographers from CFA3220 Intercultural Choreography Lab and they will perform in original works created by these emerging student choreographers. In addition, students will also perform in works by established guest choreographers.
Note:
This course can be counted toward the elective requirements of the Minor/Second Major in Performing Arts
Click on the link below for more information about the course.
CFA1220 Intercultural Dance Praxis (2 units)
Schedule
Choreographers will arrange for their own rehearsals to accommodate the dancers’ schedule. Some practices and assessment will take place on Wed 7-10pm.
Attendance is required for the following:
Students will need to attend 13 sessions of rehearsals/practices (arranged by their choreographers) and have their choreographers sign their attendance sheet. The attendance sheet is to be submitted on Canvas in Week 13. Students who fail to complete this attendance requirement should drop the course or they will receive a CU grade.
Registration
Enrolment is by invitation or through an audition conducted and organised by the choreographers. Students who are interested to enrol into CFA1220 will need to submit their names to the choreographers by 20 January 2025.
If you have any questions, please email Dr Chew Suyin at suyin.chew@yale-nus.edu.sg.
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