Faculty of Performing Arts

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Bachelor of Education (Hons) in Instrumental & Vocal Teaching

Potential in Artistic Talent and Creativity

Through an audition that consists of two components – (1) Performance and (2) Interview, we look for:

A passion for music performance and instrumental/vocal teaching
A commitment and motivation to strive for excellence in the BEd programme
An aptitude for critical thinking and evaluation of ideas
A strong technical and musical foundation on the instrument/voice
An aptitude for self-directed learning and reflective practice
The ability to communicate ideas musically, verbally and in writing
An aptitude for creative thinking and problem-solving

We understand that auditions are a significant milestone on every applicant’s journey towards a career as a professional instrumental/vocal teacher or musician-educator. The guidance below will help you prepare to the best of your abilities and make you aware of what will happen at your audition.

Audition

Performance
- Your audition will be recorded and will be reviewed by the appropriate faculty members from the RCM.
- You should prepare a programme between 10 to 12 minutes and show a variety of styles, periods and characters. You do not need to submit your audition programme in advance. The audition panel reserves the right to hear only part of the programme overall.
- Singers should prepare a programme in at least two of the following languages: English, Italian, French, and German.
- Non-pianists are advised to bring along their accompanists if their chosen pieces require accompaniment. A list of NAFA's Official Accompanists would be made available to applicants along with their audition details. There will be a fee payable directly to the Accompanist.
- You cannot bring a page-turner, your teacher or a translator into your audition. The only people in your audition room will be you, your accompanist and the audition panel. As our courses are taught in English we expect you to be able to communicate in English at your audition.
- Quick Study test will be required of all applicants.
Interview
1. Personal Statement
  At least one week before your audition, you are required to upload a personal statement (250-300 words) on the following questions:
  - Why are you applying for the BEd course?
  - What skills do you possess that make you suitable for the rigorous demands of the course?
2. Interview
  You are expected to discuss why you want to study instrumental/vocal teaching during the interview and share any relevant experience.
  
  Typical questions you may be asked during your interview include:
  - Why do you want to study at NAFA?
  - What are your musical interests?
  - What do you think you need to do most to improve your performance?
  - What is your teaching philosophy?

Online Audition

Though live auditions are preferred, applicants who are unable to attend a live audition may submit a video recording for their audition. If you pass this round, an online interview will be arranged by the Student Admissions Office.

Guidelines for Video Recording:

The recording should be a clear and accurate representation of your playing. Do not edit the audio/video of your recording.
The camera should be stationary for the performance of each work.
The video should show the performer in full body if possible.

Educational Qualifications

A relevant diploma in Music or Music Teaching from NAFA or for students from other musical institutions, full transcript(s) from current university or college to demonstrate successful progression through a course of study, equivalent to 2 years of undergraduate musical training.

Accreditation of Prior (Experiential) Learning (APEL)

Applicants who do not meet these course entry requirements may still be considered in exceptional cases.

The course team will consider each application that demonstrates additional strengths and alternative evidence. This might, for example, be demonstrated by:

Related academic or work experience
The quality of the personal statement
A strong academic or other professional references
A combination of these factors

Each application will be considered on its own merit, though we cannot guarantee an offer in each case. In such cases, approval by the Royal College of Music will be required prior to final acceptance into the programme.

Language Proficiency

The minimum entry requirement for English language proficiency is IELTS Academic Band 5.5 or equivalent.*

*Waived for NAFA applicants who have successfully completed NAFA’s Diploma in Music or Diploma in Music Teaching. Non-NAFA applicants who have successfully completed a recognised and approved Diploma qualification or higher, where the language of instruction was English, may be given a waiver on a case-by-case basis.

Age Requirement

Applicants should be 19 years of age or above in the year of admission of the degree course.

Applicants with Special Educational Needs

At NAFA, we are committed to providing full and equal educational opportunities to all students. The Academy firmly believes that every individual deserves a supportive learning environment. Applicants are invited to inform us in advance of any specific needs, and/or type of physical facilities or support you might require. Please include this information in your application form, supplemented with the relevant medical reports. This will allow us to plan the appropriate learning support for you.

Bachelor of Music (Hons)

Potential in Artistic Talent and Creativity

Through an audition that consists of – (A) Performance and Interview (for Instrumentalists/Singers), or (B) Portfolio Submission and Interview (for Composers), we look for:

A passion for music and performance/composition
A commitment and motivation to strive for excellence in the BMus programme
A demonstrable security in technical and musical skills on the instrument/voice, or in composition
An aptitude for critical thinking and evaluation of ideas
An aptitude for self-directed learning and evaluation of work
The ability to communicate ideas musically, verbally and in writing
An aptitude for creative thinking and problem-solving

We understand that auditions are a significant milestone on every applicant’s journey towards a career as a conservatoire musician. The guidance below will help you prepare to the best of your abilities and make you aware of what will happen at your audition.

Audition

(A) Performance and Interview (Instrumentalist/Singers); OR

Your audition will be recorded and may be reviewed by the appropriate Head of Faculty from the RCM.
You should prepare a programme of at least 15 minutes and show a variety of styles, periods and characters. You do not need to submit your audition programme in advance. The audition panel reserves the right to hear only two pieces overall.
Pianists should prepare from memory a programme of at least three works of their own choice. This should last at least 15 minutes and show a variety of style, period and character.
Singers should prepare three contrasting pieces in at least three of the following languages: English, Italian, French, and German. One-piece must be an operatic or oratorio aria (with recitative if possible). Pieces selected from popular music repertoire would not be considered for the purposes of this audition.
Non-pianists are advised to bring along their accompanists if their chosen pieces require accompaniment. A list of NAFA's Official Accompanists would be made available to applicants along with their audition details. There will be a fee payable directly to the Accompanist.
You cannot bring a page-turner, your teacher or a translator into your audition. The only people in your audition room will be you, your accompanist and the audition panel. As our are taught in English we expect you to be able to communicate in English at your audition.
Technical work (scales, arpeggios etc) may be required of some instrumentalists.
Quick Study test will be required of all performers.
Typical questions you may be asked during your interview include:
- Why do you want to study at NAFA?
- What are your musical interests?
- What do you think you need to do most to improve your performance?

(B) Portfolio Submission and Interview (Composers)

Composers should submit a portfolio of at least two, but not more than five, contrasting examples of your compositions. You are required to submit your portfolio to the Students Admissions Office at least 3 weeks in advance of your scheduled audition.
Written scores may be submitted as PDF files. Do not send Sibelius files unless they are accompanied by PDF files of the same material. Recordings should be in a file format that can be read in VLC or Windows Media Player.
Individual works should be clearly indexed on the accompanying documentation. All recordings should be clearly labelled with your name and the title of the piece.
On the day of the audition, you may submit your work as written scores, recordings or a combination of the two. Please ensure that written music is clear and legible with full information of instrumentation, scoring and performance details.
We are looking for evidence of both a talent for composition and the ability to realise effectively, or to start to realise, your ideas in a variety of forms and media.
The interview will include a series of simple aural tests.
Typical questions you may be asked during your interview include:
- Why do you want to study at NAFA?
- What are your musical interests?
- What do you think you need to do most to improve your writing?

Though live auditions are preferred, performers who are unable to attend a live audition may submit a video recording for their audition. If you pass this round, an online interview will be arranged by the Student Admissions Office.

Guidelines for Video Recording:

The recording should be a clear and accurate representation of your playing. Do not edit the audio/video of your recording.
The camera should be stationary for the performance of each work.
The video should show the performer in full body if possible.

Educational Qualifications

A relevant diploma in Music or Music Teaching from NAFA or for students from other musical institutions, full transcript(s) from current university or college to demonstrate successful progression through a course of study, equivalent to 2 years of undergraduate musical training.

Accreditation of Prior (Experiential) Learning (APEL)

Related academic or work experience
The quality of the personal statement
A strong academic or other professional references
A combination of these factors

Each application will be considered on its own merit though we cannot guarantee an offer in each case. In such cases, approval by the Royal College of Music will be required prior to final acceptance into the programme.

Language Proficiency

Age Requirement

Applicants should be 19 years of age or above in the year of admission of the degree course.

Applicants with Special Educational Needs

HOW TO APPLY

The application period for the August 2023 commences from 3 January to 31 March 2023.

Apply online here from 3 January 2023.
Keep the Application Acknowledgement for your reference and submit copies* of the following documents to the Student Admissions Office, NAFA Campus 1, for verification within five working days from the date of your online application.
*You will need to bring the original NRIC/Passport and academic documents for authenticity check during submission.
1. NRIC for Singapore Citizens (SC) or Singapore Permanent Residents (SPR), passport and valid Student’s Pass card (if applicable) for international students
2. English qualifications (e.g. IELTS/TOEFL iBT), if applicable
3. NRIC for Singapore Citizens or Singapore Permanent Residents (SPR) and a valid pass for international applicants to stay in Singapore
4. Certified true copies of academic certificates and transcripts:
Make a payment of the Application Fee at the cashier counter in NAFA or online at https://payment.nafa.edu.sg/Students. Applicants who are paying online will be required to upload the above documents during the application.
Upload your portfolio at https://pss.nafa.edu.sg/
You will receive an email from the Student Admissions Office on the details of your portfolio interview upon receipt of all required documents and portfolio.
Receive the outcome of your application via email within 4 – 6 weeks after your portfolio interview.

FINANCIAL MATTERS

To know more about the details related to the degree fees, please click the links below:

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT GUIDE

NAFA-appointed overseas education counsellors provide course advice and application services to international students. Countries and regions with NAFA overseas education counsellors include China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, India, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam. Overseas admissions tests start from August 2022 to March 2023 (test dates vary between countries). International students residing overseas are encouraged to apply for admission to NAFA through the appointed education counsellors, where applicable. For full list of NAFA appointed overseas education counsellors, click here.

Equivalent Qualifications

All international applicants must meet the admission requirements. You may use your school examination or trial examination results for application with a letter from your school to certify that these results are true and correct.

Overseas Education Counsellors (Agents)

International students residing overseas are encouraged to apply for admission to NAFA through the appointed education counsellors, where applicable. Applications made through non-NAFA appointed education counsellors will not be accepted. These appointed counsellors may charge up to S$4,000* in service fees per student. NAFA does not receive service fees on behalf of the counsellors. The payment schedule of these service fees are as follows:

Phase 1 - One week before Admission Test/Audition

All fees paid in this phase are non-refundable.
Your application fee, test fees, and administrative costs of document verification and translation will be collected once you sign the agency contract.

Phase 2 - Collection of student contracts

Collection of 50% of the total service fees specified in the signed agency contract with the applicant before completing Phase 2 of the NAFA online registration.

Phase 3 - Upon collection of SOLAR+ code from ICA

Collection of the 50% balance in service fees specified in the signed agency contract (ICA processing fees and Issuance fees shall be borne by students).

*Graduating international NAFA diploma students may wish to contact the appointed education counsellors to get assistance for their degree application and/or Student’s Pass matters. No additional service fees should be collected by the counsellors.

View the list of overseas education counsellors

Living In Singapore

All international applicants are required to apply for a Student’s Pass through the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) of Singapore after acceptance by an educational institute to pursue full-time studies in Singapore.

View more details for living in Singapore

FAQ

How many intakes are there each year?

There is one intake commencing in August each year. Click here for the NAFA academic calendar.

When is the application period? How do I apply for admission?

Applications typically open in October for the following August intake. Click here for more information about the application procedures and deadline.

International Applicants residing overseas are advised to contact NAFA’s authorised overseas education counsellors based in their home countries to submit applications from September for the August intake the following year. Click here for more information.

For more information about the application procedures and application deadline, click here.

What is the duration of a Degree course? Are there part-time Degree courses?

Degree courses validated by the University of the Arts London (UAL) are 3-year, full-time courses. Applicants with relevant full-time diplomas may apply for direct entry into Year 2 of the respective courses.

Degree courses validated by the Royal College of Music (RCM) are 2-year, full-time top-up courses.

There are no part-time Degree courses available. If you are interested in part-time Certificate courses, you may email the Centre for Lifelong Education at [email protected] for more information.

When would the application results be released?

Application results will be sent to the correspondence address by email/post within 4 weeks after the audition or interview.

How much time does a NAFA student spend on campus?

A student typically has about 20 hours of lessons per week. A performing arts student is often expected to attend additional hours of rehearsals after lessons as well. Classes are usually scheduled between Mondays and Fridays, 9.00am to 6.00pm; evening or Saturday classes may occasionally be scheduled for some courses.

However, students may have to remain on campus after classes for assignments, projects or rehearsals.

Will the degrees be conferred by NAFA or the partner universities?

Upon successful completion of the degree courses, students will be awarded degrees by the partner university, University of the Arts London or Royal College of Music.

Am I eligible for the Tuition Grant, and what kind of criteria is needed?

Your eligibility for the Tuition Grant very much depends on your status. Please refer here for more information on your tuition grant eligibility. For further clarifications, please contact the Student Admissions Office.

I am an International Applicant. Is Tuition Grant (TG) available for Degree courses?

Tuition grants are not available for international students for the publicly funded degree courses. However, NAFA will provide a small number of scholarship and bursary awards for outstanding applicants each year.

I am an International student (Diploma holder who is holding a Tuition Grant). May I apply for the Degree courses?

International TG graduates may apply for deferment of the service obligation for further studies at https://tgonline.moe.gov.sg. Application for deferment is subject to MOE’s approval on a case-by-case basis. They are required to provide a Banker’s Guarantee.

Are scholarships and other financial aids available?

Yes, please click here for more information. For enquiries, please email the Office of Student Care at [email protected] (Financial Aids & Awards Scheme)

Is it possible to further my studies at the partner universities after graduating from NAFA?

Yes, but it will be subject to UAL or RCM’s prevailing admission requirements. Please refer to their universities’ websites for more information.

What is the employment rate and average starting salary for NAFA graduates?

Please click here for the latest results from the Graduate Employment Survey. The survey results do not reflect responses from UAL’s students as the pioneer batch is due to graduate only in 2023.

I have applied for a course in another institution and I am waiting for my application result. May I still enrol in NAFA?

You may still enrol in NAFA and pay the full tuition fees to reserve a place in the course that you are accepted to. If you are successful in your application to the other institution, you may withdraw from NAFA. By doing so, you are omitting the possibility of ending up with no course to study, should your application to other institutions be unsuccessful.

Refer here for the refund policy.

I am offered a place of study in NAFA, but I am waiting for the result of my application to another institution. Can I not pay the full tuition fees on the due date but pay at a later date?

You are not allowed to pay at a later date as there are limited vacancies for all the courses. Full payment of the tuition fees will guarantee you a place of study in NAFA.

I have enrolled with NAFA and I am now joining another institution. How can I withdraw from NAFA and will I be entitled to a refund?

You will have to submit a withdrawal letter to NAFA. Photocopies of documents submitted to NAFA during enrolment are not returnable.

As for the refund of fees, please refer to the refund policy.

NOTE:
The Application Fee and Administrative Fee are non-refundable.

Please note that after you have submitted the official withdrawal form, our Finance Office will arrange for the refund of your paid tuition fees if you are entitled to a refund. The refund will only be ready in a month from the date of withdrawal, as the Finance Office requires some time for processing.

Can males serving Singapore National Service apply? Will places be reserved for NSmen?

Yes, males currently serving National Service, are welcome to apply. We will reserve a place for male students who accepted our offers, for the immediate intake year after your ORD.

May I defer my studies after course commencement?

Application for deferment will only be considered for reasons due to extenuating circumstances such as prolonged health problems. You will have to submit a Deferment Form with relevant supporting documents to the Office of Student Affairs. As the application for deferment is subject to approval by a Deferment Panel, you must continue to attend classes until the outcome of your application is known.

May I apply for a course transfer?

Course Transfer is not applicable to degree courses.

What are your lecturers' qualifications?

Our lecturers and artists-in-residence include the "Who's Who" in the arts arena. Most of them have received training in Europe, the US and Asia. Collectively, they have qualifications and teaching experiences that span many decades and continents. Our website lists the qualifications and provides a short biography of all of our teachers.

How are disputes and grievances resolved at NAFA?

Should the student be unable to resolve any dispute and/or grievance with their respective department, they may surface the issue to the Office of Student Affairs (for academic matters) or the Office of Student Care (for non-academic matters).

In the event that the student is not satisfied with the explanation or solution offered by the Office of Student Affairs or the Office of Student Care, the student may lodge an appeal to the President's Office.

In the event the student is still not satisfied with the explanation or recommendation offered by NAFA, the student may refer the matter to the Committee for Private Education. For more information, please call 6512 1140.

What is the Committee for Private Education?

The Committee for Private Education (CPE) was appointed by the SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG) Board in October 2016 to carry out its functions and powers relating to private education under the Private Education Act. The CPE is supported by a team of dedicated staff from SSG to regulate the sector, provide student services, consumer education and facilitate capability development efforts to uplift standards in the local private education industry.

For more information, please contact:

Committee for Private Education
Tel: +65 6785 5785
Feedback Portal: https://service-portal.skillsfuture.gov.sg
Website: https://www.skillsfuture.gov.sg/

Faculty of Performing Arts

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Audition

Guidelines for Video Recording:

Audition

Guidelines for Video Recording:

HOW TO APPLY

FINANCIAL MATTERS

INTERNATIONAL STUDENT GUIDE

Equivalent Qualifications

Overseas Education Counsellors (Agents)

Living In Singapore

FAQ

Admission Information