Specialist Diploma in Orchestral Conducting

• Principles of Conducting 1
  The Principles of Conducting focuses on fundamental conducting techniques including baton techniques and gestural awareness, score preparation, rehearsal strategies, and various approaches to conducting. All participants will have the opportunity to participate or observe the NAFA orchestra rehearsals where they will acquire first-hand experience working with a standard orchestra and the conductor. Students will be granted podium time in orchestra rehearsals during the course of study in which conducting an orchestra is part of the assessment process.
  
  
• Orchestral Repertoire and Analysis 1
  This module provides an overview of the development of standard orchestral repertoire. Relevant performance practice and stylistic issues will be discussed.
  
  
• Orchestral Score Reading and Musicianship 1
  Students will develop score reading skills and musicianship skills on the keyboard, topics will include transposition, sight-reading, harmonic analysis, meter changes, figure bass, and instrumental balance in standard orchestral scores.
  
  
• Instrumentation 1
  All students will attend a semester of instrumentation classes to enhance their understanding of standard orchestral instruments and various orchestration techniques.
  
  

• Principles of Conducting 2
  The Principles of Conducting focuses on advanced conducting techniques, rehearsal strategies, and various approaches to conducting. All participants will have the opportunity to participate or observe the NAFA orchestra rehearsals where they will acquire first-hand experience working with a standard orchestra and the conductor. Students will be granted podium time in orchestra rehearsals during the course of study in which conducting an orchestra is part of the assessment process.
  
  
• Orchestral Repertoire and Analysis 2
  This module continues to survey the standard orchestral repertoire. Relevant issues in performance practice and stylistic interpretation will be discussed.
  
  
• Orchestral Score Reading and Musicianship 2
  Students will continue to develop score reading skills and musicianship skills on the keyboard, topics will include transposition, sight-reading, harmonic analysis, meter changes, figure bass, and instrumental balance in standard orchestral scores.
  
  
• Instrumentation 2
  Students will continue to study the standard orchestral instruments and orchestration techniques.
  
  

• Academic Requirement
  Relevant Diploma or Degree from recognised institution in Music, or equivalent qualification. Individuals with 3 years of relevant working experience in the music industry but possessing other diploma/degree qualifications shall be considered on case-by-case basis.
  
  
• Language Proficiency
  Minimum of GCE ‘O’ Level Grade D7 in English Language, or TOEFL iBT 40, or TOEFL 400, or IELTS Band 4, or SAT score of 450 (Evidence-Based Reading and Writing component) or Duolingo score of 55.
  
  
• Audition (15-20 mins)
  The audition comprises the following:
  • Sight-sing
  • Aural test
  • Short interview with the audition panel about your knowledge of repertoire and how this course will be of value to you.

Course fees for students entering NAFA in the academic year of 2023 is available at here.

Application period for AY2022/2023 commences from 2 January to 31 May 2022. 

1. Apply online
2. Print out the Application Acknowledgement and submit all necessary documents as listed below to the Student Admissions Office, NAFA Campus 1, for verification within five working days from the date of your online application:
   1. Certified true copies of academic certificates and transcripts from relevant Diploma or Degree from recognised institution in Music, or equivalent qualifications.
      Individuals with 3 years of relevant working experience in the music industry but possessed other diploma or degree qualifications shall be considered on a case-by-case basis.
   2. English qualification (minimum Grade D7 at GCE ‘O’ Level/TOEFL 400/TOEFL iBT 40/IELTS Academic Band 4, or SAT score of 450 (Evidence-Based Reading and Writing component), other equivalent qualifications)
   3. NRIC for Singapore Citizens or Singapore Permanent Residents (SPR) and a valid pass for international applicants to stay in Singapore
   4. Curriculum Vitae
   5. After verification of documents, proceed to make payment of the Application Fee at the cashier counter in NAFA. If you choose to pay the Application Fee via online payment, you will be required to upload the above document during application.
3. You will receive a test advisory on the details of the audition from the Student Admissions Office upon verification of the submitted documents and payment of the Application Fee.
4. You will need to attend the audition at NAFA with the required materials as indicated on the test advisory.
5. You will receive a letter via post on the outcome of your application within 4-6 weeks following your audition.

Below is the list of teaching faculty for this course

• Dr. Zechariah Goh Toh Chai
• Goh Ting Wei Americ
• Lim Yau
• Terrence Wong Fei Yang

Upon completion of this course, you may look forward to the following career options: