NUS Bulletin AY2024/25

Master of Music (MMus)

The Conservatory offers the Master of Music (MMus) degree, with particular specialisations in three main areas:

• Instrumental (orchestral instruments and piano)
• Conducting
• Composition

The MMus is a two-year full-time programme designed for those who have just completed a qualifying Bachelor of Music or appropriate university-level studies (in Singapore or overseas) and wish to advance their professional studies in music at YST.

YST’s MMus programme seeks to promote higher-level music study in the individual’s Major area, develop instrument-specific as well as group pedagogy capacities that are relevant in Singaporean and international music education communities, and facilitate professional learning that is needed for success in the music industry.

Successful completion of the Master of Music degree includes the completion of 80 Units, with a minimum Grade Point Average (GPA) of 3.00.

• Major Study (32 Units) – 4 courses x 8 Units per course; 1 course per semester
• Ensemble/Composition Activities (16 Units) – 4 courses x 4 Units per course; 1 course per semester
• Professional Development Electives (32 Units) – 8 courses x 4 Units per course; 2 courses per semester

Students are expected to maintain a minimum GPA of 3.00 during their enrolment in the MMus degree. To continue in the MMus programme, a student may not have: 1) GPA below 3.00 (but greater than or equal to 2.50) for three consecutive semesters; or 2) GPA below 2.50 for two consecutive semesters.

Students who have completed either the BMus at YST or an approved Bachelor of Music at an accredited institution of higher education; and who have completed their undergraduate degree with a GPA or equivalent of 3.50 or higher, may be credited up to 20 Units towards the first semester of the MMus degree. These students will be required to complete 60 Units in approved courses over three semesters, successfully perform all juries and recitals, and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.00 in their MMus degree.

The MMus degree will take advantage of continuing assessment in the performance, composition and pedagogical/professional development components of the curriculum. For the performance/composition component, each student will be assigned a major study teacher in their relevant performance study area and will meet on a one-on-one basis at least once weekly during the course. The major study teacher will supervise all aspects of the performance/composition portfolio for the student and provide assistance and advice with all issues related to the course.

Students will have two smaller-scale juried performance events (in the first and third semesters of enrolment) and two major recitals (in the second and fourth semesters of enrolment) for the assessment of their practical performance component.

The professional studies courses will also incorporate continuing assessment, including regular classroom projects as well as “in field” experience (i.e. student teaching rounds, internships with various professional ensembles, etc.)

Students will also be assessed in their teacher training activities, both with Conservatory students as well as those in local Singaporean high schools where the Conservatory has an ongoing relationship in the professional development of undergraduate students at YST.

For details on admission to the Master of Music degree, please visit: https://www.ystmusic.nus.edu.sg/programmes-master-of-music or contact YST Admissions Office at musadmissions@nus.edu.sg.