FACULTY OF PERFORMING ARTS

Diploma in Music
Diploma in Music Teaching

1. Pre-Screening
2. Final Audition

1. Pre-Screening
   Applicants will be pre-screened through (A) video submission (for instrumentalists and vocalists) or (B) composition portfolio submission for composers, to be shortlisted for a final audition. Only shortlisted applicants will be invited to a final audition.
   
   You are also required to submit the following documents to the Student Admissions Office at least ONE (1) day before the scheduled audition:
   
   
   • ABRSM/Trinity Practical and Theory Certificates and Transcripts
   • Form 5B: Background and References
   
   (A) Video (for instrumentalists and vocalists)
   You are to submit a video fulfilling the following requirements for Pre-Screening:
   
   
   • Duration: total performance duration of at least 12 minutes
   • Pieces: 2 contrasting works
   • Pieces must be written by different composers
   • Pieces must demonstrate contrast in style, character, and technical command
   • Suggested repertoire include:
     
     
     • Instrumentalists: sonata, concerto, étude, or solo works
     • Vocalists: operatic repertoire, art songs, or works from other established classical genres
   
   Note:
   
   
   • Works from popular music genres (e.g. pop songs or contemporary commercial music) will not be accepted.
   • Only acoustic instruments are permitted. Electric instruments are not allowed.
   
   Accompaniment Requirements
   • You are encouraged to perform with an accompanist if the chosen works require accompaniment.
   • If a live accompanist is not available, you may use a backing track with your own device and speaker.
   
   Guidelines for video recording:
   • Performance of the two contrasting pieces must be recorded in a single take without edits.
   • The camera must be stationary for the entire performance.
   • The video should show the performer in full body if possible.
   • The video is to be recorded no more than three months prior to the submission date.
   • Concert and competition recordings are not allowed.
   • You are required to come to the front of the camera (where your face can be seen clearly) and state your name and the titles of the pieces before the performance.
   
   (B) Composition Portfolio (for composition applicants only)
   You are to submit a composition portfolio fulfilling the following requirements for Pre-Screening:
   
   
   • Portfolio to include 2 – 5 contrasting compositions
   • Compositions must be written scores using composition software such as Sibelius, Finale, MuseScore, etc.
   • Compositions must be submitted in PDF format. Recording of compositions (live or midi) is optional.
   • The written music must be clear and legible with full information of instrumentation, scoring and performance details.



2. Final Audition
   Following the pre-screening, shortlisted applicants will be invited to:
   (A) an in-person audition
   OR
   (B) an online audition (for applicants unable to attend the in-person audition in Singapore and other locations)
   
   (A) In-person audition in Singapore
   If you are residing in Singapore, you are required to attend an in-person audition if you pass the pre-screening. You will be notified of the exact date and time via email one week before the audition.
   
   The in-person audition will consist of the following:
   
   
   • Live performance of all pieces in the video recording (for instrumentalists and vocalists)
   • Reviewing of composition portfolio (for composition applicants)
   • Sight-reading
   • Aural awareness
   • Music theory*
   • Short interview with the audition panel about your musical experiences, interests and ambitions for future studies and career
   
   Important notes on preparing for your in-person audition
   
   • All instrumentalists except percussionists and pianists are required to bring their principal study instrument for the audition. You are required to provide a set of music scores of the pieces for the audition panel.
   
   
   • You are encouraged to perform with an accompanist if the chosen works require accompaniment. If a live accompanist is not available, you may use a backing track with your own device and speaker.
   
   
   • You are not allowed to bring a page-turner, a teacher or a translator to the audition. The only people in the audition room will be you, the accompanist and the audition panel.
   
   
   • As our programmes are taught in English, you will be expected to communicate in English at the audition.
   
   
   • The audition panel reserves the right to hear only part of the programme overall.
   
   
   • The audition will be recorded for evaluation purposes and used solely for the selection process.
   
   In-person audition dates
   
   Singapore
   
   

   Audition Date
   9 January 2026
   2 – 6 March 2026
   27 – 30 Apr 2026

   
   China
   
   

   Audition Date
   15 – 16 November 2025 (Beijing)
   7 – 14 March 2026 (Beijing, Guangzhou, Shanghai)
   16 – 17 May 2026 (Beijing)

   
   Note:
   • You will be notified of the exact date and time via email one week before the audition, if you pass the pre-screening.
   • Audition dates are accurate at the time of publishing and will be subject to changes.
   • Applicants who wish to attend the audition in China will be notified of more information by Student Admissions Office closer to date.
   
   
   (B) Online audition
   Though in-person auditions are preferred, you may request to attend an online audition via Zoom if you reside overseas.
   
   You will be required to record a new video of the same repertoire and submit it within TWO (2) weeks of our notification of your shortlisting.
   
   The online audition will consist of the following:
   • Sight-reading
   • Aural awareness
   • Music theory*
   • Reviewing of composition portfolio (for composition applicants)
   • Short interview with the audition panel about your musical experiences, interests and ambitions for future studies and career
   
   Important notes on preparing for your online audition
   • You must be alone in a quiet room.
   
   
   • Instrumentalists are required to have their principal study instrument ready during the audition.
   
   
   • You are to join the Zoom meeting with a large screen device (e.g. Tablet/Laptop) to read the music score for the segment on sight-reading. You are to prepare an earpiece to facilitate the segment on aural awareness.
   
   
   • As our programmes are taught in English, you will be expected to communicate in English at the audition.
   
   *Music Theory Test
   During the music theory test (approximately 60 minutes), you will be tested on various areas at a level comparable to ABRSM Grade V.
   
   You will be exempted from the music theory test if you submit any of the following documentary evidence before the audition:
   
   
   • ABRSM Grade V Music Theory or its equivalent
   • Pass in GCE ‘O’ Level or GCE ‘A’ Level Music
   • Pass in SOTA Music Year 4 and above
   • Pass in Music Theory subject in a specialist music school

DIPLOMA IN DANCE

Audition Instructions – Diploma in Dance

You will receive a confirmation email containing the audition details nearer to your assigned audition date.

You will be required to attend an audition.

• The audition consists of two sections - Practical Assessment and Interview.
• You are required to report to the audition venue 30 minutes earlier to register, warm up and change into appropriate attire for dancing. You must bring your own attire.
• The audition may take up to 2 hours.

Note: You will be notified of the outcome of your application 4 to 6 weeks after your portfolio interview or audition. Some application outcomes may take longer than expected.

Practical Assessment
You are expected to prepare and perform two contrasting solos of any dance genre/style (e.g. Ballet and Cultural Dance; Chinese classical dance and Chinese folk dance).

• Each dance should not exceed 90 seconds. The solo dance can be choreographed by yourself or by someone else (e.g. your dance teacher).
• You are required to bring your own music which can played from your own media device (e.g. phone, tablet, or other audio device).
• A costume (e.g. tutu for female ballet classical solo) may be worn.
• Through your performance, assessors will evaluate your:
  • Technique - coordination, control and alignment
  • Artistry - spatial awareness, musicality, dynamic range and performance quality
  • Fitness - strength, control, flexibility, coordination, speed, stamina and stretch

Interview
You are expected to discuss why you want to study dance during the interview. You will be evaluated based on your:

• Existing knowledge of and experience in dance performance
• Dance-related interests and career aspirations
• Dance proclivity and learning attitude
• Any medical or health concerns

Applicants who are unable to attend a live audition may request for an online audition. Both options will be followed by an online interview with the applicant alone and without the assistance of any other person.

Guidelines for the pre-recorded solos are as follows:

• You cannot perform/ dance with any make up in the audition videos, although you can tie your hair according to what's necessary.
• You have to come to the front of the camera (where your face can be seen clearly) and do a brief introduction of yourself. You will then proceed to move into the space and start dancing your solos after the introduction. * Please note that the video has to be shot in one take and not being edited in any way. Otherwise, the audition videos will not be considered.
• This applies to both male and female applicants.
• The photo that you send in should be the one that resembles how you look like now.
• For the online interview, no interpreter should be around, or the interview could be disqualified.

DIPLOMA IN THEATRE (ENGLISH DRAMA)
DIPLOMA IN THEATRE (MANDARIN DRAMA)

You are required to attend an audition. The audition consists of three sections — Workshop, Audition Monologue and Interview.

• You will be given three audition monologues at least one week prior to the audition and you will need to choose one. You are expected to memorise or be very prepared with your chosen piece
• You are required to report to the audition venue 30 minutes earlier to register
• The audition may take up to three hours
• Wear comfortable clothing that allows for ease of movement

Note: You will be notified of the outcome of your application 4 to 6 weeks after your portfolio interview or audition. Some application outcomes may take longer than expected.

Workshop

You are expected to participate enthusiastically in the improvisation exercises and theatre games during the workshop. Through your participation in the workshop, you will be evaluated based on your:

• Openness to improvisation and willingness to work with others
• Vocal response in an improvisation – projection, range, tone and clarity
• Physical response in an improvisation – expressiveness, spontaneity and range

Audition Monologue

During the audition, you will be asked to perform one of the three pieces of dramatic texts. You are expected to arrive with your chosen monologue memorised. Through your performance of the monologue, assessors will evaluate your:

• Ability to perform a dramatic text – comprehension, characterisation and creativity
• Physical skills – presence on stage, spatial awareness, physical range, movement vocabulary and physical portrayal of character
• Vocal skills – projection, clarity, range and tone

Interview

You are expected to discuss why you want to study theatre during the interview. You will be reviewed based on your:

• Existing knowledge of and experience in theatre and/or performance
• Personality traits
• Innovation and creativity

• Singapore-Cambridge GCE O-Level: An aggregate score of 25 points or better in 4 GCE ‘O’ Level subjects, excluding English.


• Singapore-Cambridge Secondary Education Certificate (SEC): An aggregate score of 21 points or better in 4 subjects (3 subjects at G3 and 1 subject at G2), excluding English.
  
  If you have all four subjects at G3, the subject with the lowest grade will be mapped from G3 to G2*.
  
  *Grade Mapping Table
  
  

  G3	G2
  A1, A2, B3	1
  B4, C5, C6	2
  D7	3
  E8	4
  9	5
  -	6

  
  Bonus points for admission
  
  The bonus points are subtracted from your aggregate scores to obtain the net aggregate scores for application:
  
  You can get a maximum of 2 bonus points from CCA grade.
  
  

  Types of bonus points	No. of bonus points awarded
  Grades of A1–A2/Excellent	2 points
  Grades of B3–C6/Good	1 point



• Singapore Integrated Programme: Successful completion of Year 4 or higher.
• School of The Arts (SOTA): Successful completion of Year 4 or higher.
• Institute of Technical Education (ITE):
  • Full-time Higher Nitec or Nitec
  • Part-time ITE certificate, with a minimum GPA of ≥ 2.0 for Higher NITEC holders or ≥ 3.5 for NITEC holders

• Qualifications equivalent to any of the above
• Applicants with Higher NITEC or NITEC qualifications are deemed to have met the English Language proficiency requirement.
• Applicants from countries where English is not the first language, or whose qualifications are obtained from institutions where English is not the medium of instruction, NAFA will consider the English Language proficiency attained through the above-mentioned English Language qualifications.

1. Apply online here from 16 June to 30 June 2025 for free. Submit the required documents for verification within 5 working days from the application date or by 7 July 2025, whichever is earlier.


2. Submit Portfolio for programmes under the Faculty of Art & Design by 14 July 2025 online here (3D Design/Design & Media/ Fashion Studies/Fine Art). There is no Admission Test for EAE.


3. Submit Personal Statement for Diploma in Arts Management by 14 July 2025 online here. Submission of a Testimonial is optional.


4. Attend Audition for programmes under the Faculty of Performing Arts (Dance/Music/Theatre). Audition dates are from 14 to 18 July 2025. More information on the audition will be sent to you via email a week before the audition date.

• Applicants will receive notification of the application outcome via email from 31 July to 14 August 2025. Successful applicants should confirm acceptance of their offers by the deadline stipulated
• Applicants who accept their offers at this stage will be guaranteed a place, as long as they meet the criteria stated under Entry Requirement for each programme

• Should applicants wish to withdraw their acceptance, they must submit their withdrawal notice to [email protected]
• Applicants who had accepted their EAE offer but fail to make the required payment by the stipulated deadline will have their offers withdrawn
• Applicants who fail to meet the admission criteria will have their offers withdrawn

• GCE O-Level results with an aggregate of not more than 25 points for 4 subjects excluding English
• Certificate and Academic Transcript for Nitec or Higher Nitec
• Completion of IP Year 4 (End-Year Examination Results)
• Completion of IB Year 4 (End-Year Examination Results)