Diploma in Music

Modules

The following programme modules are applicable to students enrolled in August 2025 and after. NAFA students enrolled in AY2024/2025 and earlier are to refer to the Diploma Programme and Module Information Booklet on the Student Portal for the programme modules in your respective years of enrolment.

Type	Title	Credits
Academy Core	Introduction to Southeast Asian Arts The Introduction to Southeast Asian Arts module introduces facets of the artistic traditions of mainland and maritime Southeast Asia from the kingdom to the present. The module approaches Southeast Asia's rich heritage thematically, encouraging interdisciplinary understanding between intersecting geographies and narratives. It offers insights departing from different perspectives and vantages - the evolving role in defining aesthetics, cultural belonging, polities, and intercultural exchanges in the ongoing multiplicities of the region.	10
School Core	Principal Study 1A In this module, students are introduced to requisite studies to build a firm technical and musical foundation in their principal study. Students will learn scales, arpeggios, etudes, and selected repertoire to develop the fundamentals of instrumental playing and strengthen the understanding of technique. Students will also attend a range of classes/rehearsals tailored specifically to students’ areas of study. These classes are designed to complement and enhance the performing experiences, technical skills, and repertoire knowledge. Besides one-to-one instrumental lessons, students will also attend performance classes to further develop skills in their principal instruments or composition study. All students will participate in ensembles and seminars that are faculty-focused, applying the knowledge through effective communication in ensemble performances, group projects and presentations. The components within this module aim to equip students with the practical skills and knowledge they need as musicians and/or music educators, as well as raising awareness of musicians’ health and well-being through curated workshops and lectures.	30
School Core	Integrated Practitioner 1A In this module, students are introduced to a range of academic musical studies to be aligned with practical skills learnt, ensuring the holistic growth of a student musician through integrated studies and application. Students will learn basic theoretical knowledge and aural skills, acquire broad and informed knowledge of selected works and composers from the Age of Common Practice. Through the skills acquired in this module, students will learn to contextualise the repertoire learnt by demonstrating historical and theoretical understanding in their analyses of the works.	20

Type	Title	Credits
Faculty Core	Professional Development Plan I In this module, students are introduced to the foundational skills and knowledge essential for a successful career in the performing arts, encompassing dance, theatre, and music. You will learn about the multifaceted nature of the performing arts industry, including historical development, career paths, and the integration of multidisciplinary collaboration. The module aims to equip you with the tools necessary for crafting a realistic and personalized career plan, enhancing your professional skills such as communication, CV writing, and interview techniques, as well as fostering an understanding of personal branding and digital literacy in the modern arts landscape.	10
School Core	Principal Study 1B In this module, students will apply the techniques acquired in Principal Studies 1A towards the learning of repertoire in their principal study. Students will learn a range of repertoire from different epochs and present them in recital at the end of the semester. Students will also attend a range of classes/rehearsals tailored specifically to students’ areas of study. These classes are designed to complement and enhance the performing experiences, technical skills, and repertoire knowledge. Besides one-to-one instrumental lessons, students will also attend performance classes to further develop skills in their principal instruments or composition study. All students will participate in ensembles and seminars that are faculty-focused, applying the knowledge through effective communication in ensemble performances, group projects and presentations. The components within this module aim to equip students with the practical skills and knowledge they need as musicians and/or music educators, as well as raising awareness of musicians’ health and well-being through curated workshops and lectures.	30
School Core	Integrated Practitioner 1B In this module, students continue to be introduced to a range of academic musical studies to be aligned with practical skills learnt, ensuring the holistic growth of a student musician through integrated studies and application. Students will build on basic theoretical knowledge and aural skills, acquire broad and informed knowledge of selected works and composers from the Age of Common Practice. Through the skills acquired in this module, students will learn to contextualise the repertoire learnt by demonstrating historical and theoretical understanding in the analyses of the works.	20

Type	Title	Credits
Academy Core	Introduction to Interdisciplinary Arts Practice (also available in Year 2 Semester 2) The Introduction to Interdisciplinary Arts Practice module introduces interdisciplinarity as an approach to learning. The module provides the opportunity to place and activate respective artistic disciplines in the context of a collaborative creation. It is a platform for appreciating different perspectives, analysing possible connections, and engaging in collective exploration to gain new insights.	10
School Core	Principal Study 2A In this module, students will build upon the skills acquired in Principal Study 1A, continuing to develop technical and musical foundation through requisite studies. Students will learn scales, arpeggios, etudes, and selected repertoire to develop the fundamentals of instrumental playing and strengthen the understanding of technique. Students will also attend a range of classes/rehearsals tailored specifically to students’ areas of study. These classes are designed to complement and enhance the performing experiences, technical skills, and repertoire knowledge. Besides one-to-one instrumental lessons, students will also attend performance classes to further develop skills in their principal instruments or composition study. All students will participate in ensembles and seminars that are faculty-focused, applying the knowledge through effective communication in ensemble performances, group projects and presentations. The components within this module aim to equip students with the practical skills and knowledge they need as musicians and/or music educators, including digital skills.	30
School Core	Integrated Practitioner 2A In this module, students continue to build on knowledge acquired in Integrated Practitioner 1A and 1B. Students will continue to be introduced to a range of academic musical studies to be aligned with practical skills learnt, ensuring the holistic growth of a student musician through integrated studies and application. Students will build on prior theoretical knowledge and aural skills, acquire broad and informed knowledge of selected works and composers from the Age of Common Practice. Through the skills acquired in this module, students will learn to contextualise the repertoire learnt by demonstrating historical and theoretical understanding in the analyses of the works.	20

Type

Title

Credits

Academy Core

Introduction to Interdisciplinary Arts Practice

(also available in Year 2 Semester 2)

The Introduction to Interdisciplinary Arts Practice module introduces interdisciplinarity as an approach to learning. The module provides the opportunity to place and activate respective artistic disciplines in the context of a collaborative creation. It is a platform for appreciating different perspectives, analysing possible connections, and engaging in collective exploration to gain new insights.

School Core

Principal Study 2A

In this module, students will build upon the skills acquired in Principal Study 1A, continuing to develop technical and musical foundation through requisite studies.

Students will learn scales, arpeggios, etudes, and selected repertoire to develop the fundamentals of instrumental playing and strengthen the understanding of technique. Students will also attend a range of classes/rehearsals tailored specifically to students’ areas of study. These classes are designed to complement and enhance the performing experiences, technical skills, and repertoire knowledge.

Besides one-to-one instrumental lessons, students will also attend performance classes to further develop skills in their principal instruments or composition study. All students will participate in ensembles and seminars that are faculty-focused, applying the knowledge through effective communication in ensemble performances, group projects and presentations.

The components within this module aim to equip students with the practical skills and knowledge they need as musicians and/or music educators, including digital skills.

School Core

Integrated Practitioner 2A

In this module, students continue to build on knowledge acquired in Integrated Practitioner 1A and 1B. Students will continue to be introduced to a range of academic musical studies to be aligned with practical skills learnt, ensuring the holistic growth of a student musician through integrated studies and application.

Students will build on prior theoretical knowledge and aural skills, acquire broad and informed knowledge of selected works and composers from the Age of Common Practice.

Through the skills acquired in this module, students will learn to contextualise the repertoire learnt by demonstrating historical and theoretical understanding in the analyses of the works.

Type	Title	Credits
Academy Core	Introduction to Interdisciplinary Arts Practice (also available in Year 2 Semester 1) The Introduction to Interdisciplinary Arts Practice module introduces interdisciplinarity as an approach to learning. The module provides the opportunity to place and activate respective artistic disciplines in the context of a collaborative creation. It is a platform for appreciating different perspectives, analysing possible connections, and engaging in collective exploration to gain new insights.	10
Faculty Core	Professional Development Plan 2 In this module, you are introduced to a comprehensive range of professional skills and digital tools essential for a successful career in the performing arts (Dance, Music, and Theatre). You will learn how to effectively showcase your talents through the creation of ePortfolios, develop compelling curriculum vitae (CV) and cover letters, and enhance your interview skills. The module is designed to expand your career opportunities beyond traditional performing roles, highlighting the transferability of your artistic skills to a variety of professional contexts. By the end of this module, you will be equipped with the knowledge and tools to present yourself effectively to potential employers and collaborators, opening doors to diverse career paths within and outside the performing arts sector.	10
School Core	Principal Study 2B In this module, students will apply the techniques acquired in Principal Study 2A towards the learning of repertoire in their principal study (instrumentalists) or applying the acquired knowledge of instrumental writing towards original compositions (composers). Students will continue to expand their range of repertoire as they study works from different epochs and present them in recital at the end of the semester. Students will also attend a range of classes/rehearsals tailored specifically to students’ areas of study. These classes are designed to complement and enhance the performing experiences, technical skills, and repertoire knowledge. Besides one-to-one instrumental lessons, students will also attend performance classes to further develop skills in their principal instruments or composition study. All students will participate in ensembles and seminars that are faculty-focused, applying the knowledge through effective communication in ensemble performances, group projects and presentations. The components within this module aim to equip students with the practical skills and knowledge they need as musicians and/or music educators, including digital skills.	30
School Core	Integrated Practitioner 2B In this module, students continue to build on knowledge acquired in Integrated Practitioner 2A. Students will continue to be introduced to a range of academic musical studies to be aligned with practical skills learnt, ensuring the holistic growth of a student musician through integrated studies and application. Students will build on prior theoretical knowledge and aural skills, acquire broad and informed knowledge of selected works and composers from the Age of Common Practice. Through the skills acquired in this module, students will learn to contextualise the repertoire learnt by demonstrating historical and theoretical understanding in the analyses of the works.	20

Type	Title	Credits
School Core	Principal Study 3A In this module, students will build upon the skills acquired in Principal Study 1A and 2A, continuing to develop technical and musical foundation through requisite studies. Students will learn etudes and selected repertoire to develop the fundamentals of instrumental playing and strengthen the understanding of technique. Students will also attend a range of classes/rehearsals tailored specifically to students’ areas of study. These classes are designed to complement and enhance the performing experiences, technical skills, and repertoire knowledge. Besides one-to-one instrumental lessons, students will also attend performance classes to further develop skills in their principal instruments or composition study. All students will participate in ensembles and seminars that are faculty-focused, applying the knowledge through effective communication in ensemble performances, group projects and presentations. The components within this module aim to equip students with the practical skills and knowledge they need as musicians and/or music educators, including digital skills.	30
School Core	Integrated Practitioner 3A In this module, students continue to build on knowledge acquired in Integrated Practitioner 2A and 2B. Students will continue to work through a range of academic musical studies to be aligned with practical skills learnt, ensuring the holistic growth of a student musician through integrated studies and application. Students will further expand on their theoretical knowledge and aural skills, acquire broad and informed knowledge of selected works and composers from the Age of Common Practice. By completing this module, students will be able to demonstrate their abilities as integrated practitioners through historical and theoretical understanding of works analysed.	10
Elective	Elective Electives are classes that students must take in addition to the core curriculum. Students may choose from a list of 40+ modules to explore personal interests, delve into specialised subjects, or in areas that align with their career goals or passions.	20

Type	Title	Credits
School Core	Principal Study 3B In this module, students will apply the techniques acquired through previous Principal Study modules towards the learning of repertoire or creating original compositions. Students will continue to learn a range of repertoire from different epochs, further expanding their repertoire and present them in recital at the end of the semester. Students will also attend a range of classes/rehearsals tailored specifically to students’ areas of study. These classes are designed to complement and enhance the performing experiences, technical skills, and repertoire knowledge. Besides one-to-one instrumental lessons, students will also attend performance classes to further develop skills in their principal instruments or composition study. All students will participate in ensembles and seminars that are faculty-focused, applying the knowledge through effective communication in ensemble performances, group projects and presentations. The components within this module aim to equip students with the practical skills and knowledge they need as musicians and/or music educators, including digital skills.	30
Faculty Core	Industry-Based Learning You will learn to immerse yourself in the dance or a related industry in an authentic setting through this module. You will be exposed to the industry/work environment and develop professional skill sets and the appropriate work etiquette. You will learn to consolidate and apply discipline-specific knowledge and skills in an authentic industry/work situation, as well as establish networks and connections with the industry partners and potential employers. Industry-based learning also provides the opportunity for industry partners to benefit from student talent, skills, knowledge, and perspectives, as well as to play a role in students’ professional development.	20
Elective	Elective Electives are classes that students must take in addition to the core curriculum. Students may choose from a list of 40+ modules to explore personal interests, delve into specialised subjects, or in areas that align with their career goals or passions.	10

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/Interview Requirements

Audition

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

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)

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).

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.

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.

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

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

Educational Qualifications - Singapore

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 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

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

Educational Qualifications - International

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.

English Language Proficiency

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.

Special Factor

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

Early Admissions Exercise

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.

The application will commence in June for the following year’s intake. Please check this page again in June.

Module Exemption

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! A promising future in music awaits.

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 [email protected] 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.

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.

Apply Now

Diploma in Music

Diploma in Music

Write a New Soundtrack of Your Life

Students' Work

Modules

entry requirements

Audition/Interview Requirements

Educational Qualifications - Singapore

Educational Qualifications - International

English Language Proficiency

Special Factor

Early Admissions Exercise

Module Exemption

How to Apply

Diploma in Music

Diploma in Music

Write a New Soundtrack of Your Life

Students' Work

Modules

Year 1 Semester 1

Year 1 Semester 2

Year 2 Semester 1

Year 2 Semester 2

Year 3 Semester 1

Year 3 Semester 2

entry requirements

Audition/Interview Requirements

Educational Qualifications - Singapore

Educational Qualifications - International

English Language Proficiency

Special Factor

Early Admissions Exercise

Module Exemption

How to Apply