This two-year program supports the development of your artistic practice and research through personalised tutorials, courses, and seminars, with a focus on areas such as composition, performance, or curating music installations. Combining coursework and creative projects, the program guides you through a structured process to realise your full artistic potential.
Outcome:
The individual study program culminates in a portfolio of creative works (performance, installation, or compositions), grounded in artistic research. This is supported by accompanying reflections that document the process, intentions, and conceptual framework.
The first year is designed as a foundation, guiding you through a process of discovery and exploration. This phase allows you to delve into your interests, gradually develop your skills, and narrow down the focus of your studies as you develop a portfolio of works showcasing the direction of your artistic vision.
PHILOSOPHY, CULTURES & AESTHETICS
Through thematic presentations, listening sessions, and group discussions, we will examine the functions, techniques, and aesthetics of various forms of music-making in relation to the cultural and historical contexts that shaped them. Together, we will explore the connections between the evolution of technologies, modes of communication, and the consumption of music from ancient times to the present day.
This course is designed to equip you with an understanding of essential historical, theoretical, and critical approaches to the study of music and its associated cultures, providing a contextual framework upon which to build the foundations of your own research project
Coursework includes weekly listening, viewing, and reading assignments, along with regular written and practical creative projects that respond to the themes discussed in class.
NOTATION LITERACY
Running parallel to the inquiry provided in the Philosophy course, Notation Literacy takes you on a journey of discovery through the various notation systems used throughout history and across cultures. You will learn to interpret symbols from a wide range of musical styles as well as other time-based performance arts.
How do we notate sounds and musical gestures? How does visual form impact performance and the overall perception of musical continuums?
The primary aim of the course is to equip you with technical and practical tools to support and enhance your own musical and artistic practice. Throughout the course you will apply selected notations and concepts to your own creative projects.
MASTER MUSIC SKILLS
Through one-on-one tutorials with an expert in your field, you will develop your technical and artistic skills in your chosen specialty ( performance, creation, musicology). These tutorials combine theoretical and practical approaches, allowing you to delve deeply into your practice while connecting it to the broader context of the course.
SEMINAR I
You will participate in curated group presentations and discussions focused on artistic research and interdisciplinary studies. These sessions provide valuable insights into diverse artistic practices and research methods. By engaging with senior students, local experts, and international guests, you will broaden your perspective. Weekly reading assignments will deepen your understanding of research methods and dissemination styles, and you will be expected to submit brief summaries reflecting on the sessions and related readings.
INTERDISCIPLINARY MUSIC STUDIES
Through the study of methods, theories, and examples of creative practices that integrate music with other art forms, you will develop your own practical interdisciplinary project. This involves collaborating with a practitioner from a complementary discipline, enhancing your ability to communicate and work across fields. Mastering this skill is essential for any artist aiming to build a successful career in the 21st century.
MASTER MUSIC SKILLS II
During the continuation Of Master Skills I, you will continue developing your skills and artistry through the one on one guidance of an expert.
SEMINAR II
This series of bi-monthly seminars offers group presentations and discussions on themes in artistic research and interdisciplinary studies. You will collaborate with peers to curate two group sessions per semester, featuring invited guests. These seminars may include performances and demonstrations and are open to the public.
ELECTIVE I & 2
We offer a wide range of Electives supporting the various needs of our students.
Refer to the list below for reference
Year 2
The second year offers greater flexibility, allowing you to choose from a combination of electives alongside seminars and tutorials to develop the skills essential to your chosen artistic direction.
MASTER SKILLS III
The last of those one on one tutorial sessions during which you will have an opportunity to fully develop your techniques and artistic goals.
SEMINAR III
This course focuses on group presentations and discussions exploring key themes in artistic research and interdisciplinary studies. You will curate one individual session, highlighting a topic related to your ongoing research. These sessions are expected to include performance or demonstration elements and feature invited guests relevant to your chosen theme.
ELECTIVE 3 & 4
SEMINAR 4 ( PUBLIC PRESENTATION )
During this final round of group presentations and discussions on key themes in artistic research and interdisciplinary studies, You will curate one individual session, showcasing your research and creative practice. These sessions should include performance or demonstration elements and involve guest participation.
ELECTIVES 5 & 6
INDIVIDUAL STUDIES
We provide elective courses on a variety of topics:
212 101 Music Analysis
212 102 Performance Practice
212 103 Asian & World Music
212 104 Music Pedagogy
212 105 Music Improvisation
212 106 Music and Visual Media
212 107 Music, Interactive Designs and Sonic Arts
212 108 Music, Society and Well Being
212 109 Project Design and Curation
212 110 Selected Topic in Music
212 111 International Perspective in Music
All students are required to engage with the public through mediums relevant to their artistic expression. These may include public performances, site-specific installations, documentaries, workshops, podcasts, and online media.
Total 36 credits
|
Semester 1 |
||
|---|---|---|
| 210 101 | Notation Literacy and Interpretation | 3 credits |
| 210 102 | Philosophy, Cultures and Aesthetics | 3 credits |
| 210 201 | Seminar 1 | 0 credits |
| 211 201 | Master Music Skills 1 | 3 credits |
|
Semester 2 |
||
|---|---|---|
| 210 103 | Interdisciplinary Studies in Music | 3 credits |
| 210 202 | Seminar 2 | 0 credits |
| 211 202 | Master Music Skills 2 | 3 credits |
| 212 XXX | Elective 1 | 2 credits |
| 212 XXX | Elective 2 | 2 credits |
| 213 200 | Comprehensive Examination | 0 credits |
|
Semester 3 |
||
|---|---|---|
| 210 203 | Seminar 3 | 0 credits |
| 211 203 | Master Music Skills 3 | 3 credits |
| 212 XXX | Elective 3 | 2 credits |
| 212 XXX | Elective 4 | 2 credits |
| 213 201 | Independent Study | 3 credits |
|
Semester 4 |
||
|---|---|---|
| 210 204 | Public Presentation | 0 credits |
| 212 XXX | Elective 5 | 2 credits |
| 212 XXX | Elective 6 | 2 credits |
| 213 201 | Independent Study | 3 credits |
Entry Requirements:
- Portfolio: Showcasing your previous achievements in your proposed field.
- One Essay: Relevant to your proposed area of specialisation.
- Written Proposal: Summarising your motivation, inspiration as well as your proposed direction for your artistic exploration.