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Overview Modules Entry Requirements Fees How to Apply
Overview Students' Work Modules Entry Requirements Fees How to Apply
Duration: 3 Years
Mode: Full-time

Step Up and Train the Next Generation of Musicians

Teaching music to vastly diverse learners is both the sharing of knowledge and a performance in itself. The NAFA Diploma in Music Teaching supports aspiring music educators in achieving this with an all-rounded curriculum focusing on both music and education.

Emphasis on developing technical competence, stylistic awareness and creativity in performance or composition, is met with an equal focus on acquiring pedagogical skills and strategies to teach.

You can expect a rigorous broad-based and practice-led curriculum with an abundance of exposure to industry projects, teaching practice and industrial attachments.

If you wish to further your career as a Ministry of Education (MOE) teacher, you may apply to the MOE when you are in Year 1 of your diploma programme. Find out more about the Art and Music Teacher Training Sponsorship here. Upon completion of your diploma programme at NAFA, you will continue with a 2-year Diploma in Education at the National Institute of Education (NIE) at Nanyang Technological University to acquire further skills in classroom management and teaching strategies. 


Learn about Both Music and Teaching

Learn what it means to be both a musician and an educator with a curriculum focused on building strong foundational skills in performing, as well as the pedagogical skills and strategies to teach.

Understand the Mind of a Musician

Gain insights to what musicians need—from ways to protect their health and well-being, to the range of digital and job search skills required to thrive in their careers—through a range of carefully curated modules and activities offered both at NAFA and at the National Institute of Education (NIE).

Future-proof Your Skills

Core units in contextual studies, as well as aural and musicianship classes will add depth to your understanding of music, and equip you with skills in communication, collaboration, problem solving and more, to enhance your overall employability.







More Information
Graduation Requirements
Diploma Programmes (AY2025 Intake and After)
In order to graduate from a diploma programme, you are required to attain at least 360 credits (including exempted credits and credits for non-graded modules, but excluding credits associated with repeated attempts), and pass all prescribed core and elective requirements with a minimum Grade D for all modules.
Mode of Instruction
Lessons may be delivered face-to-face on campus or facilitated online. Lecturers employ a variety of teaching strategies and methods according to the needs of each module. Students are expected to attend every lesson as scheduled, either in the form of lectures, tutorials, discussions, demonstrations, case studies, practical exercises, field activities, classroom practice or e-learning.
Assessment Methods
Each module is assessed by either class participation, written assignments, practical performances, portfolio presentations, projects, examinations, or any of these combinations. Assessment methods may vary according to individual module requirements.
Career Pathways

Upon the completion of this programme, dynamic careers in the creative industries await:

  • Administrator for Music School
  • Band Director
  • Choral Director
  • Collaborative Musician
  • Composer/Arranger
  • Conductor
  • Music Reviewer
  • Music Teacher
  • Music Workshop Facilitator
  • Music Producer/Presenter
  • Orchestral Player
  • Solo or Ensemble Performer

Modules

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entry requirements

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

  • Audition/Interview Requirements
  • Educational Qualification
  • English Language Proficiency
  • Special Factor

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.


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 StudiesViolin, Viola, Cello, Double Bass
    Harp
    Winds StudiesFlute, 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 StudiesPercussion
    (applicants must prepare Snare Drum, Mallets, and Timpani for audition)
    Chinese Instrumental StudiesGaohu, Erhu,
    Liuqin, Pipa, Ruan
    Guqin, Sanxian
    Yangqin
    Guzheng
    Dizi, Sheng, Suona, Guanzi
    Vocal StudiesVoice (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

  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
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 CCA points. The CCA points can be used to improve their EQ aggregate score for admission consideration.
    Types of bonus pointsNo. of bonus points awarded
    Grades of A1–A22 points
    Grades of B3–C61 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.
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:


ProcessPeriod
Application16 June to 30 June 2025
Portfolio Submission
(for School of 3D Design, Design & Media, Fashion Studies, Fine Art)
By 14 July 2025
Personal Statement Submission. Submission of a Testimonial is optional
(for School of Arts Management)
By 14 July 2025
Audition
(for School of Music, Dance, Theatre)
14 to 18 July 2025
Offer & Acceptance31 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 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.

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 admissions@nafa.edu.sg
  • 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.


How to Apply

Take the leap! Your career as a music educator begins here.

Apply online
Apply online here along with your application fees. Applications are open from October each year for the following year’s August intake.

For all programmes except Diploma in Arts Management ^, select either Portfolio Submission or Admission Test in the application portal.

Applicants may be asked to attend an interview in person or online.
Keep the Application Acknowledgement for your reference and submit the required documents
Send documents listed in the checklist to applications@nafa.edu.sg for verification within five working days from the application date.

Make payment of the Application Fee (non-refundable) online
Make payment of the Application Fee (non-refundable) online at https://payment.nafa.edu.sg/Students.

Singapore Citizens & Singapore Permanent ResidentsInternational Students
Application feeS$75.00S$105.00

Application fee is inclusive of prevailing GST.

Attend the audition at NAFA
Attend the audition at NAFA with the required materials as indicated in the test advisory.
Application outcome
Receive the outcome of your application via email within 4 – 6 weeks after your Portfolio Submission/Interview/Audition or Admission Test.