FACULTY OF PERFORMING ARTS

Diploma in Music
Diploma in Music Teaching

Audition

1. Applicants are required to attend an audition of approximately 15 minutes on the intended principal study.


2. The list of principal study instruments is as follows:
   
   

   Keyboard Studies	Piano
   Strings Studies	Violin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass Harp
   Winds Studies	Flute, Oboe, Clarinet, Bassoon Horn, Trumpet, Euphonium, Tuba *Saxophone (applicants can play either two contrasting works on Alto saxophone or one on Alto and one on Tenor/Baritone) *Trombone (applicants must perform with Tenor Trombone)
   Percussion Studies	Percussion (applicants must prepare Snare Drum, Mallets, and Timpani for audition)
   Chinese Instrumental Studies	Gaohu, Erhu, Liuqin, Pipa, Ruan Guqin, Sanxian Yangqin Guzheng Dizi, Sheng, Suona, Guanzi
   Vocal Studies	Voice (Classical)
   Composition Studies	Composition (Diploma in Music ONLY)



3. The audition consists of the following:
   
   
   • Performance^*# of two contrasting works of the applicant’s choice.
     
     
     • Pieces by different composers
     
     
     • Pieces of different style, character, and technique
     
     
     • Pieces for consideration:
       
       
       • Instrumentalist - Sonata, Concerto, Etude, Solo Works
       
       
       • Vocalist – Operatic genres, Arias, well-established musical genre
     
     
     • Popular music genre will not be considered, such as Pop music, Pop songs.
   
   
   • Reviewing of composition portfolio (only for composition applicants. See Composition Portfolio)
   
   
   • Sight-reading
   
   
   • Aural awareness
   
   
   • Music theory**
   
   
   • Short interview with the audition panel about the applicant’s musical experiences, interests and ambitions for future studies and career
   
   ^# Only acoustic instruments are permitted; electric instruments are not allowed.
   
   ^* Applicants (except composition applicants) are encouraged to perform with an accompanist if the pieces include accompaniment. A list of accompanists and their details are available to applicants after application and they are required to make arrangements with the accompanists directly for practice sessions and payment. Applicants who are unable to perform with an accompanist, may perform with a background track using their own device and speaker.
   
   ^** The music theory test (approximately 60 minutes) will test applicants in various areas at a level similar to ABRSM Grade V.
   
   Applicants will be exempted from the music theory test if they present any of the following documentary evidence:
   
   
   • 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
   
   Composition Portfolio (only applicable to Diploma in Music (Composition) applicants)
   Composers should submit a portfolio of at least two, but not more than five, contrasting examples of their compositions. Portfolio submission will be two weeks in advance of the scheduled audition.
   
   The portfolio must include written scores. Recordings are optional.
   
   
   • PDF version of the written scores. Please ensure that written music is clear and legible with full information of instrumentation, scoring and performance details. Common composition software includes Sibelius, Finale, as well as other notation software in the market.
   
   
   • Recording of the works (accompanied by the PDF version of the written scores).


4. All instrumentalists except percussionists and pianists are required to bring their principal study instrument for the audition. Applicants are encouraged to provide a set of music scores of their pieces for the audition panel.


5. Applicants 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 the applicant, the accompanist and the audition panel.


6. As our programmes are taught in English, all applicants will be expected to communicate in English at the audition.


7. Applicants are not required to submit the audition programme in advance. The audition panel reserves the right to hear only part of the programme overall.

Live auditions in Singapore
Live auditions in Singapore are usually held bimonthly.

Applicants will be notified of the exact date and time via email one week before the audition.

Audition Date
8 – 10 January 2025
3 – 7 March 2025
28 April – 2 May 2025

Live auditions in China

Applicants residing overseas who wish to attend the live auditions in China are to inform Student Admissions Office via email at least two weeks prior to the audition.

Audition Date
16 – 17 November 2024
8 – 15 March 2025

Online Audition
Though live auditions are preferred, applicants residing overseas who are unable to attend a live audition may request to submit a video recording for their audition at least 2 weeks before the scheduled audition. Applicants are to inform Student Admissions Office in advance if they wish to attend an online audition. Following a video pre-screening, shortlisted candidates will be invited to an online audition via Zoom, facilitated by the Student Admissions Office. During the audition, applicants will undergo assessments of sight-reading and aural awareness as well.

Guidelines for Video Recording:

• Performance of the two contrasting pieces is to be recorded live in one single take.


• The recording should be a clear and accurate representation of the playing.


• Editing of the audio/video of the recording is strictly prohibited.


• The camera must be stationary for the performance of each work.


• The video should show the performer in full body if possible.


• The video is to be recorded no more than six months prior to the submission date.


• Concert and competition recordings are not allowed.


• Only acoustic instruments are permitted; electric instruments are not allowed.


• The video recording files must be named with the title of the piece

 

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.

Audition Date
23 October 2024
6 November 2024
22 January 2025
19 February 2025
19 March 2025
23 April 2025
21 May 2025

Applicants will be notified of the exact date and time via email one week before the audition.

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

Audition Date
4 October 2024
18 October 2024
24 January 2025
21 February 2025
21 March 2025
25 April 2025
23 May 2025

Applicants will be notified of the exact date and time via email one week before the audition.

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

Minimum Educational Qualifications Required

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

Applicants who are active in their Secondary Schools’ Co-curricular Activities (CCA) may gain up to 2 bonus points. The CCA points can be used to improve their aggregate score for admission consideration.

Types of bonus points	No. of bonus points awarded
Grades of A1–A2	2 points
Grades of B3–C6	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

Successful completion of at least 10 years of education.

Eligible international students will be able to use their mid-year examination results to apply for diploma programmes at NAFA. Applicants will be given conditional offer if they are successful in their portfolio interview/audition selection. Applicants are still required to submit their year-end examination results and meet the admission requirements of the respective programmes. Any applicant who does not meet the admission requirements will have his/her conditional offer revoked.

The minimum English Language proficiency requirement:

• Grade C6 at GCE ‘O’ Levels
• TOEFL iBT 50
• IELTS Academic Band 5
• SAT score of 480 (Evidence-Based Reading and Writing component)
• Duolingo score of 80
• Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic) score of 42
• Qualifications equivalent to any of the above

Applicants with Higher NITEC or NITEC qualifications are deemed to have met the English Language proficiency requirement.

Diploma in Theatre (Mandarin Drama):
In addition to the minimum English Language proficiency requirement, the minimum Chinese Language proficiency requirement for Diploma in Theatre (Mandarin Drama) is Grade C6 at GCE ‘O’ Level in Chinese Language or Higher Chinese or Literature in Chinese. The subject(s) will form part of the 4 ‘O’ Level subject requirements.

Recognition is accorded for prior achievements in areas relevant to intended studies.

NAFA has the Early Admissions Exercise (EAE) that allows graduating O-Level students, final-year Nitec and Higher Nitec students from the Institute of Technical Education and graduating Integrated Programme (IP)/ International Baccaularette (IB) Year 4 students to apply and receive conditional admission prior to receiving their final grades.

Early Admissions Exercise (EAE) August 2026 intake

The Diploma EAE application window for the August 2026 intake is from 16 June to 30 June 2025. Please check your application eligibility and apply online here for free.

The EAE is open to graduating GCE O-Level students, final-year Nitec and Higher Nitec students from the Institute of Technical Education and graduating Integrated Programme (IP)/International Baccaularette (IB) Year 4 students.

Applicants applying via Diploma EAE will go through the following process and timeline:

Process	Period
Application	16 June to 30 June 2025
Portfolio Submission (for School of 3D Design, Design & Media, Fashion Studies, Fine Art)	By 7 July 2025
Personal Statement Submission. Submission of a Testimonial is optional (for School of Arts Management)	By 7 July 2025
Audition (for School of Music, Dance, Theatre)	7 to 10 July 2025
Offer & Acceptance	31 July to 14 August 2025

Applicants to:

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 7 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 7 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 7 to 10 July 2025. More information on the audition will be sent to you via email a week before the audition date.

Offer and Acceptance

• 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

Withdrawal

• 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

Entry Requirements for EAE

For O-Level Students
Students who have registered to sit for the GCE O-Level examinations in the year of Early Admission Exercise (EAE).

For ITE Students

ITE students who are in their final year of study of their Nitec or Higher Nitec courses. For the August 2026 intake, ITE students who complete their Nitec course in June or December 2025 and Higher Nitec course in September 2025 or March 2026 will be eligible to apply for admission.

For Integrated Programme (IP)/ International Baccalaureate (IB) Year 4 Students
IP and IB Year 4 students may use their mid-year examination results to apply for EAE.

Confirmation of Conditional Offers for Diploma Admission
Successful applicants for the EAE will be given conditional offers and are still required to submit the following document, as applicable:

• 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)

Applicant who fails to provide documentary evidence of having met the admission requirements by the deadline stipulated by NAFA will have his/her conditional offer withdrawn.

Applicants may receive module exemptions if they have taken and passed the same or similar modules in another institution. The granting of exemption and advanced standing may be subject to applicants passing a Portfolio Interview, Audition or Admission Test.

Applicants with the following qualifications are eligible to apply for module exemption:

Full-time NITEC or Higher NITEC
School of the Arts Singapore (SOTA) Year 4 or 5 or 6
GCE A-Level
International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma/IB Career-Related Certificate (IBCC)
NAFA School of Young Talents (SYT)

Please refer to the module exemption here for details.