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Course Overview Modules Entry Requirements Fees How to Apply
Course Overview Modules Entry Requirements Fees How to Apply

The RCM-NAFA Master of Composition course is designed to allow composers to develop their skills to a professional level. The course offers intensive training in practical skills, complemented by a range of targeted options which reflect current vocational and professional needs. Such skills are aimed at composers who aspire to enter the profession as practitioners at the highest level.

Learning Outcomes:

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

  • compose at a level expected of a professional musician in terms of technique, musical insight, imagination, interpretation and communication
  • apply personal research, analysis, reflection, listening and the application of theory to practice in the process of forming original new work
  • demonstrate a strong grasp of musical traditions, while embracing or seeking new innovations in musical styles, media, performance and practice
  • execute projects requiring written and/or verbal presentation, as well as for musical composition, in a confident and independent manner
  • work effectively as part of a team, often in a leadership role, taking spontaneous decisions and responding to the decisions of others
  • be self-motivated and disciplined, and promote projects/performances with critical self-awareness
  • demonstrate in-depth understanding of professional environments and protocols
Duration of Programme:

Students may enroll in the Master of Performance programme either full-time or part-time*.
  • Full-time: 2 years
  • Part-time: 3 years
* To apply for a Student’s Pass, international applicants must enroll into an approved full-time course in Singapore. Part time programme is not eligible.

 


The unique partnership between NAFA and RCM

With the seven-week International Placement at RCM, you will have the unique opportunity to experience living and studying in another environment for a period of time. You will gain exposure to artistic and cultural practices in a new environment and acquire valuable learning experiences, which will widen your perspectives towards your own musical practice and learning.

NAFA’s artistic and cultural diversity

For the first time, Chinese instrumentalists will have the option of undertaking a performance degree course at the Master’s level in Singapore. For our Western and Chinese instrumentalists and composers, you will co-exist in a synergetic relationship, experiencing and reflecting on your cultural practices in the arts as you relate to performance and research. For our composers, this provides a rich cultural environment and collaborative opportunities.

Opportunities for interdisciplinary collaborations

NAFA’s position as a multidisciplinary arts institution gives our music students the opportunities for interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary collaborations with other artistic disciplines within the academy and the new University of the Arts.

Course Modules

Check out the range of modules to build your technical skills, enhance your exposure and boost your employability.

Code Title Semester Credits
MU5719

Principal Study (Composition) Level 7 (I)

This module offers an advanced exploration and development of the musical and technical skills necessary to equip you as an independently creative practitioner able to exercise your chosen principal study field at a professional level. Additionally, the module introduces you to a portfolio of associated skills, including repertoire studies; genre-specific contextual knowledge; effective presentation.
1 & 2 80
MU5730

Advanced Schenkerian Analysis Level 7*

This module focuses on applied musical analysis in performance. The course aims to deepen students’ understanding of analytical principles from a practitioner-led perspective, by asking questions about analysis in performance, discovering alternative expressive possibilities, and exploring how Schenkerian concepts can be used across a wider range of musical contexts. This module will comprise of 6 research seminars, and an extended analysis project that lends a close study on how Schenkerian theories could shape the art of performance and interpretation. Students would be required to have a mastery in Schenkerian Analysis at Level 6.
1 & 2 20
MU5734

Orchestration Level 7*

This module explores relevant models of orchestral/instrumental transcription, other orchestral repertoire, as well as how to write imaginatively and effectively for orchestra and other ensembles. Students learn to use instrumentation to define and articulate compositional ideas. Topics will include:
  • balance and audibility
  • assignment of individual instrumental lines
  • doublings; creation of integrated gestures
  • translation of pedal effects
  • transcribing tutti chords and unisons
  • creation of dynamic rises and falls
  • transcription of virtuosic originals
1 & 2 20
MU5735

Orchestration for Chinese Orchestra Level 7*

This module explores relevant models of Chinese orchestral/instrumental transcription, other Chinese orchestral repertoire, as well as how to write effectively for Chinese orchestra and other ensembles. Students learn to use Chinese instrumentation to define and articulate compositional ideas.
1 & 2 20
MU5736

Teaching Music Level 7*

This module explores reflective practice in music teaching, where students discuss inclusive practices, child protection and safeguarding, teaching as a developing practice, and the process of self-reflection to provide a scaffold and framework for self-critique. Additionally, students participate in baseline self-assessment of teaching and needs analysis prior to a group seminar to discuss current teaching activities with a mentor and compare needs analysis with peers and set initial teaching targets.
1 & 2 20
MU5740

International Placement (Masters)

This module provides the opportunity to study in a foreign environment, both as a musical and personal experience. Students will receive Principal Study tuition and attend Faculty and Performance Classes at the partner institution. Students may have the opportunity to take part in the orchestra and/or ensembles at the partner institution, on the premise of audition, and the availability of positions in diverse ensembles.
1 & 2 -
MU5743

Conducting Level 7*

In this module, students develop conducting skills through the following:
  • Score-preparation through historical context, analysis, listening, and score-reading (including tempi, bowing, phrasing, articulation, tone production, instrumental balance and intonation)
  • Practical classes on key works, including attention to directing ensemble, rehearsal techniques, comparative interpretations, decision-making etc.
  • Practical conducting sessions on assessment repertoire with emphasis on fine-tuning technical matters and attention to gestural details
  • Techniques for developing personal interpretations and the ways of communicating this through rehearsal
1 & 2 20
MU5754

Music, Culture, and Society Level 7*

This module explores the interdisciplinary nature of ethnomusicology, particularly its relationship with anthropology, diaspora, gender, language, politics, race, and religion. The module introduces the key texts and various approaches to ethnomusicology. Through selected readings and discussion sessions, students will learn about the relationship between music and society.
1 & 2 20
MU5763

Professional Musician Level 7*

This module prepares you for a healthy, proactive, and sustainable career in music through individual career coaching, cross-faculty group workshops, and industry knowledge and insights. Through these activities, you will explore a range of ideas and practices in the classical music profession today. On the completion of this module, you will have a deeper understanding of your artistic identity and areas for professional growth. 
1 & 2 20
MU5764

Professional Project Level 7*

In this module, you will develop and deliver a self-directed project with a professional focus. Your project must include an external-facing element. Examples could include: curating and presenting a concert in an external venue or festival; collaborating with an external artist to develop a new work; developing and pitching a business proposal; or undertaking a research project based on an extended work placement. With the support of a supervisor, you will develop an innovative project that builds on your musical strengths, interests, and professional aspirations. 
1 & 2 20
MU6719

Principal Study (Composition) Level 7 (II)

This module offers an advanced exploration and development of the musical and technical skills necessary to equip you as an independently creative practitioner able to exercise your chosen principal study field at a professional level. Additionally, the module introduces you to a portfolio of associated skills, including repertoire studies; genre-specific contextual knowledge; effective presentation.
1 & 2 80

*Electives

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entry requirements

In order to be considered for enrolment into the Master of Composition programme, all prospective students should meet both the educational and audition requirements.

Audition: Portfolio Submission and Interview

Audition date for AY2023/24 (August) intake is scheduled for Saturday, 29 April 2023 at NAFA, Singapore.

  • All applicants are to submit a portfolio of at least two, but no more than five, contrasting examples of their compositions.

  • All applicants are required to submit their portfolio to the Students Admissions Office at least 3 weeks in advance of their 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.

  • Additionally, all applicants will be required to submit a personal statement (250 – 350 words) to support their application for the Master of Composition programme. The personal statement should be based on the following questions:
    • Why are you applying for the Master of Composition programme, based on your ambitions and interests?
    • What skills do you possess that make you suitable for the rigorous demands of the course?

  • Applicants will require two professional references emailed directly to NAFA Admissions.

  • Applicants whose portfolios demonstrate potential will be invited to an admission interview. The interview will include a series of simple aural tests.

  • All applicants will be asked about their intentions and expectations of the programme, as well as how the Master of Composition programme will be useful to their future plans.

  • 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?

  • The panel will be looking for evidence of both a talent for composition and the ability to realise effectively your ideas in a variety of forms and media.

  • Though live auditions are preferred, an online interview may be arranged by the Student Admissions Office for applicants who are unable to attend a live audition.

Applicants are required to have at least:

  • A relevant undergraduate degree from RCM-NAFA or a recognised institution, usually in Music
  • Degree transcripts must indicate passing grades in equivalent RCM-NAFA Bachelor of Music modules
Applicants whose qualifications do not conform to the above requirements (such as those with relevant experience or prior learning) may be considered on a case-by-case basis. In such cases, approval by the Royal College of Music will be required prior to final acceptance into the programme.

 

Applicants whose qualifications do not conform to the above requirements (such as those with relevant experience or prior learning) may be considered on a case-by-case basis. In such cases, approval by the Royal College of Music will be required prior to final acceptance into the programme.

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 Bachelor of Music. 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.

Applicants should be 20 years of age or older in the year of admission to the Master of Composition programme.

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.

NAFA hopes to attract applicants with the potential to become excellent arts practitioners. Applicants are selected by merit, based on the following criteria:

  • Potential in Artistic Talent and Creativity
  • Educational Qualifications
  • Accreditation of Prior (Experiential) Learning (APEL)
  • English Language Proficiency
  • Age Requirement
  • Applicants with Special Educational Needs

Selection is competitive and is subject to the availability of places. However, the Academy may give consideration to talented applicants who excel in Artistic Talent and Creativity, but have not fully met the education qualification stated.



How to Apply

Take the leap! Begin the journey to becoming a world-class musician.

Apply online

Apply online here.

Keep the Application Acknowledgement for your reference and submit copies* of the following documents

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 5 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. If you are currently in your final year with NAFA, no document submission is required. An application fee is still applicable.

  • NRIC for Singapore Citizens (SC) or Singapore Permanent Residents (SPR), passport and valid Student’s Pass card (if applicable) for international students

  • English proficiency qualifications (e.g. IELTS/TOEFL iBT), if applicable

  • Academic certificates and transcripts:
    • If you are currently in your final semester, please submit all your academic transcripts up to the latest available semester result. Subsequently, please submit your Educational certificate and full academic transcript (all semesters) within 5 working days from the official release date

Make payment of the Application Fee at the cashier counter in NAFA or online

Make a payment of the Application Fee at the cashier counter at the NAFA Campus or online at https://payment.nafa.edu.sg/Students. Applicants who are paying online will be required to upload the above documents to the application portal or email them to [email protected].

Receive a letter by email

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

Receive the outcome of your application via email within 4 – 6 weeks after your Interview or Audition.