Fees & Scholarships 1. What is the course fee for the programmes at the Conservatory? Bachelor of Music (Hons) Degree The current annual full tuition fee for the Bachelor of Music (Hons) Degree programme is SGD100,700. At present, undergraduate education at NUS is highly subsidized by the Government of Singapore, which pays for the bulk of the operating costs besides the infrastructural costs. The substantial tuition subsidy from the Government of Singapore comes in the form of a tuition grant which is administered by the Ministry of Education (MOE) and offered to all admitted students. Students who apply and are approved for the tuition grants need only pay subsidised fees. The subsidized fees payable by students in receipt of the MOE Tuition Grant are: SGD11,950 (for Singapore citizens) SGD16,750 (for Singapore PRs) SGD23,900 (for international students) While the tuition grant is not repayable, all Singapore Permanent Residents and international students will be required to undertake a service bond under the terms of the tuition grant to work for a Singapore-registered company for three years upon completion of their degrees so as to discharge some of their obligations to the Singapore public for the high subsidy to their university education. Under the cohort-based fee system, tuition fee for an intake cohort of students will be fixed throughout the student's candidature. National Servicemen who had accepted admission to NUS earlier but plan to register and enroll as a student with the current cohort and beyond will be charged the tuition fees prevailing at the time they accepted their offer of admission. If the National Serviceman does not accept the place first offered and accepts offers to NUS in the subsequent years, he will not be able to enjoy the tuition fee effective in the year of his first offer but will have to pay the tuition fee effective in the latest year of offer which he has accepted. Master of Music Degree The current annual full tuition fees for the Master of Music Degree programme are: SGD15,650 (for Singapore citizens) SGD21,900 (for Singapore PRs) Young Artist The current annual full tuition fee for the Young Artist programme is SGD7,700 for Singapore citizens, Singapore PRs and international students.
CPE in Music Leadership Fees for the CPE Certificate in Music Leadership are $400 per modular credit (MC) for 20MCs. 2. Are scholarships available? Bachelor of Music (Hons) Degree The Conservatory currently offers full scholarships, covering the subsidized tuition fees, housing and living allowance to all students accepted into the Bachelor of Music (Hons) Degree programme, for the duration of the course of study, subject to students maintaining an acceptable level of performance throughout their candidature. Master of Music Degree Currently, there is limited financial aid available for Master of Music Degree students. Scholarships are limited and not guaranteed, and may be awarded partially on need basis. Young Artist Currently, full tuition scholarship sponsored by the National Arts Council is available to Singaporean students accepted into the Young Artist programme. CPE Certificate in Music Leadership Financial assistance and loans are not available for this programme. 3. How do I apply for a scholarship? Candidates for the Bachelor of Music (Hons) Degree programme are not required to submit a separate application for the scholarships as the award of scholarship is guaranteed for all students accepted into the undergraduate programme. Candidates offered admission to the Master of Music Degree programme may apply for financial aid after they have accepted the offer of admission. Singapore citizens accepted into the Young Artist programme are not required to submit a separate application for the NAC-Conservatory of Music Scholarship. The scholarship will be awarded to students on a case-by-case basis after a consultation with the Director as part of the consideration for acceptance into the programme. 4. What is the tuition grant? At present, undergraduate education at NUS is highly subsidized by the Government of Singapore, which pays for the bulk of the operating costs besides the infrastructural costs. The substantial tuition subsidy from the Government of Singapore comes in the form of a tuition grant which is administered by the Ministry of Education (MOE) and
offered to all admitted students. Students who apply and are approved for the tuition grants need only pay subsidised fees. While the tuition grant is not repayable, all Singapore Permanent Residents and international students will be required to undertake a service bond under the terms of the tuition grant to work for a Singapore-registered company for three years upon completion of their degrees so as to discharge some of their obligations to the Singapore public for the high subsidy to their university education. Eligibility to Apply 1. Who is eligible to apply for the Bachelor of Music (Hons) Degree programme? The Bachelor of Music (Honours) Degree programme is currently offered for majors in orchestral instruments, voice and piano performance, composition and recording arts and science. The coursework is not offered for conducting majors. Applicants are required to have completed on be in the final year of senior high school leading to one of the following qualifications in order to apply: SINGAPORE-CAMBRIDGE A LEVEL POLYTECHNIC DIPLOMA FROM SINGAPORE NUS HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE DIPLOMA (IB) A LEVEL (AQA, Cambridge, Edexcel, London, OCR) AMERICAN HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA AUSTRALIAN HIGH SCHOOL BRUNEI A LEVELS DANISH STUDENTEREKSAMEN EUROPEAN BACCALAUREATE FRENCH BACCALAUREATE GAO KAO or PRC NATIONAL COLLEGE ENTRANCE EXAMINATION GERMAN ABITUR HONG KONG DIPLOMA OF SECONDARY EDUCATION HONG KONG A LEVEL INDIAN STANDARD 12 (Central, ISCE, State and other boards) INDONESIAN SMA UAN (Ebtanas) MAURITIUS HSC NEW ZEALAND NCEA LEVEL 3 OMAN THANAWIYA AMMA ONTARIO SECONDARY SCHOOOL DIPLOMA SIJIL TINGGI PERSEKOLAHAN MALAYSIA (STPM) SWISS MATURA/SWISS FEDERAL MATURITY CERTIFICATE TURKISH HIGH SCHOOL UNIFIED EXAMINATION CERTIFICATE (UEC) VIETNAMESE HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION EXAMINATION Other senior high school qualifications
Prospective applicants currently enrolled in a Singapore school leading to one of the above qualifications in a few years time may also apply but should note that early admission on Exceptional Talent Basis is rare and subject to earning a high score at the audition, sufficient English language proficiency, strong recommendation from faculty and the Conservatory Admissions Committee, evidence of exceptional success (eg, awards in competitions) and with further approval from NUS senior management and Ministry of Education. Prospective applicants in Singapore secondary schools, junior colleges, polytechnics or other schools who demonstrate outstanding performance abilities and potential for music studies but not recommended for early admission may also be offered a place in the Young Artist Programme, subject to the recommendation of the faculty. 2. Are certificates of external examination boards accepted for admission? Certificates and gradings obtained through external examinations such as ABRSM, are not considered as equivalent to the academic requirements for admission to the University and have no bearing on admission. 3. Can diploma students from the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts and the LaSalle College of the Arts apply? Music diploma students from the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts and LaSalle College of the Arts are welcome to apply but should note that placement in advanced semesters or year of study will be subject to further consideration on a case-by-case basis depending on the academic standing in NAFA and LaSalle and the audition placement score. Applicants currently in the final year of high school or equivalent studies as above are suitable to apply if they are expecting to finish their course and obtain the necessary qualifications before 1 August 2016. Applying for Admission 1. When can I apply for admission? Application for admission to the programmes at the Conservatory for Academic Year 2016/2017 is open from 1 October 2015 to 31 December 2015. Applications with incomplete supporting documents will be rejected after the closing date. 2. What are the important dates of the Academic Year 2016/2017? Online Application is from 1 October 2015 to 31 December 2015. Live auditions will take place from December 2015 to March 2016 and will be held in Melbourne, Shanghai, Beijing, Hong Kong, Kaoshiung, Taipei, Seoul and Singapore. Offers of admission will be made from February to April 2016 with all results fully released by April 2016.
Freshmen Orientation begins from 11 July 2016. 3. When are applications due? Online application is from 1 October to 31 December 2015. Applications with incomplete supporting documents after 31 December 2015 will be rejected. 4. When are required documents due for submission? Applicants must ensure that all necessary documents are prepared for submission at the time of application. Students pending their final year results and certificate should submit all high school transcripts up to the time of application. All documents must reach the Conservatory by the closing date of application. 5. Where can I obtain a recommendation form from the Conservatory? After submitting your application online, you will receive a Recommendation Code and an Application Number. You must provide both numbers to your recommender and request them to submit their recommendations through an online form at: www.music.nus.edu.sg/03e_students_apply7.html 6. Is there an application fee? There is no application fee or other fees involved during the application phase. Foreign students are requested to consult with the Conservatory Admissions Office if they encounter agents charging them an application fee. Auditions 1. When will the auditions be held in Singapore? The audition dates in Singapore for 2016/2017 are: Violin: 13 January 2016 Viola: 2 February 2016 Cello: 20 January 2016 Double Bass: 1 February 2016 Flute: 18 January 2016 Clarinet: 18 January 2016 Oboe: 19 January 2016 Bassoon: 19 January 2016 Horn: 25 January 2016 Trumpet: 25 January 2016 Trombone: 26 January 2016 Tuba: 26 January 2016 Percussion: 20 January 2016
Harp: 17 February 2016 Piano: Voice: Recording Arts: 27 29 January (Preliminary) 30 January (Final) 13 February 2016 (TBC) 15 March 2016 (TBC) 2. Where can I audition? Candidates must note that with effect from 2014, with the exception of strings and voice majors, all applicants may only audition live in Singapore. Strings and voice majors may audition in regional centres as follows: Melbourne 5 December 2015 Uzbekistan 15 December 2015 (TBC) Beijing 4 & 5 January 2016 Shanghai 7 & 8 January 2016 Hong Kong 19 January 2016 Kaoshiung 31 January 2016 Taipei 3 & 4 February 2016 Seoul 19 February 2016 3. How do I schedule an audition? After you have submitted an online application, ensure that you submit the rest of the required documents to the Conservatory as soon as possible. Shortlisted applicants will receive an invitation to audition by email within 1 to 2 months. 4. Can I choose pieces other than those listed in the repertoire guide for my audition? The audition repertoire requirement for various programmes reflects the level of performance expected of the candidate in the programmes. Candidates who are unable to offer the repertoire required for audition may not be at the level to enrol in the coursework and should re-consider other options for undergraduate studies, or apply in the near future when they feel that they are ready to attempt the audition. 5. How long after the audition will I hear if I have been accepted? Offers of admission will be made from February to April 2016 with all results fully released by April 2016. 6. Do I need to provide the accompanist for my audition?
Applicants are recommended to perform with an accompanist at their own arrangement. Applicants auditioning in Singapore may enquire with the Conservatory Admissions Office at musadmissions@nus.edu.sg for recommendations of accompanists available in Singapore. Admission Requirements 1. How will the Conservatory select students? Application for admission to the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music is by open competition. Prospective students are assessed by a combination of the following: a) Audition & Interview Preparing for a strong audition is a key requirement for admission to the major studies in performance. Candidates must be confident in performing the audition repertoire at a very high level. Candidates applying for the major in Composition will be assessed by the quality of their works submitted in their portfolio. Candidates applying for the major in Recording Arts and Science are expected to have G.C.E A level equivalent passes in Mathematics and Physics. b) Academic Status As the modules offered in both the Bachelor of Music (Hons) and Master degree programmes are University-level subjects, it is important that you have sufficient academic maturity to manage the courses. There are no pre-requisites in terms of academic discipline for admission but only students who meet our basic academic requirements will be considered for admission. The Conservatory currently runs a Young Artist Programme for teenagers who demonstrate outstanding performance during the auditions for admission to the Bachelor of Music (Hons) Degree programme but were not offered admission based on the academic requirements of the University. These students are expected to be enrolled in Singapore schools and are normally aged between 15 and 17. c) English Proficiency As classes are conducted in the English medium at the Conservatory, candidates are assessed on their fundamental proficiency in having simple conversations in English. Candidates who are unable and unwilling to converse in English will not be considered. Please note that additional intensive support in English is provided for all successful applicants in the weeks prior to beginning the Bachelor of Music (Hons) Degree programme. d) Recommendations Comments from teachers and professors who understand your musical ability contribute
to our understanding of you as a musician and are valuable in helping us decide our offer. 2. How will my high school or diploma results affect my chances for admission? While the key admission criteria is the candidate s ability to perform or compose at a threshold acceptable for admission, the candidate s previous academic record will also be studied by the Conservatory Admissions Committee when finalising offers of admission. Candidates must demonstrate that they have the ability to manage the academic rigor in the University through their grades attained in high school. Music qualifications (music diplomas or degrees) obtained through full-time studies at a music conservatory, arts school, middle schools attached to a conservatory or colleges with a developed arts programme (example: Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts and the LaSalle College of Music) are not pre-requisites but will be an advantage for admission. Students from NAFA and LaSalle College of Music can be considered for advance placements if the Conservatory finds them suitable, based on their academic transcripts. Music certificates and diplomas obtained through external examinations (example: ABRSM certificates) are not considered for admission and will not be used as a tool to assess the performance standard of the candidate. 3. What should prospective Composition applicants submit in their portfolio? Candidates are required to submit a portfolio of 3 original scores representing the applicant s most accomplished works written for different combinations of instruments/voices (example: piano trios, string quartets, large ensembles). Submission of recordings on compact disc is greatly encouraged. Please note that music arrangements or popular genres will not be considered and application materials and scores will not be returned to applicants. 4. If I apply to major in composition, do I have to attend an audition? Candidates residing in Singapore who meet the audition requirements will be shortlisted for an interview during the audition week. At the interview, candidates will be expected to discuss on their works, their influences and musical interests in relation to the field of composition. International applicants may be contacted via telephone for the interview. 5. Is it necessary for overseas applicants to submit SAT, IELTS (English Language Testing System), or TOFEL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) scores? IELTS and TOEFL are not required for admission to the Conservatory. However, candidates presenting high school certificates as follows, are required to present SAT Reasoning and Tests scores to support their application: American High School Diploma Bangladeshi HSC Filipino High School Myanmar High School Mathayom 6 (Thai High School) Pakistani Intermediate
Sri Lanka A Level West Africa A Levels 6. Will students who are weak in English language receive help in terms of instruction? All students who are not exempted from the University s Qualifying English Test are required to sit for the test in July 2016. Based on the test, students will be placed into English classes suitable to their level of instruction accordingly. These students are also required to attend a 3-week Orientation English class in July 2016 aimed at helping them to start conversing in English. 7. Will I be given credits if I have a diploma in music? Applicants who have a diploma in music (obtained locally or abroad through full-time studies) must first meet the admission requirements to the Conservatory and the University. Advance standings may be considered on a case-by-case basis. 8. If I wish to transfer to Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music from another Bachelor of Music programme, will I enter at the same level that I am at my current school? Audition determines a candidate s studio level and ensemble requirement. Placement exams and evaluation of transcripts decide the class year and the number of semesters required to complete the programme. All transfer students must be in-residence for a minimum of two years in order to receive a degree from the University. 9. I have not completed my high school examinations. Am I eligible to apply before the audition or will have to wait till I receive my high school results and certificate? If you are currently in the final year of high school studies and expected to graduate by June 2016, you may submit an application online. An offer of admission will be subjected to your completion of your high school studies before matriculating in the University. Acceptance 1. If I cannot accept your offer of admission and/or scholarship, will you hold my acceptance and scholarship so that I can begin classes the following year? For Singapore male applicants enlisting for national service, the Conservatory is able to hold your place during the enlistment and enrol you after the completion of national service. For all other applicants, the offer of admission will lapse after the deadline to accept and the Conservatory will not hold a place for the following year.
General 1. What is the relationship between the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory and National University of Singapore (NUS)? The Conservatory is an autonomous school within the NUS. As such, students at the Conservatory are NUS students and have access to most of the opportunities and activities available to students at the University. A degree from the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory is simultaneously an NUS degree and carries with it the same assumption of excellence as any other NUS degree, in addition to the musical credentials from the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory. 2. What is the relationship between the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory and the Peabody Institute? The Conservatory s collaboration with the Peabody Institute is the first of its kind between a renowned American conservatory of music and a leading university in the Asia-Pacific region. Ranked among the top music schools in the world, Peabody is an acknowledged leader in the cultural life of the United States and has built a reputation that is truly international. The collaboration with Peabody provides for frequent student and faculty exchanges across all departments. 3. Do I get to select my studio teacher? Where there is a choice of studio teachers, you may indicate your preferred studio teacher in the application or in subsequent communication from the Conservatory. However the studio assignment will be at the discretion of the Conservatory. 4. If I apply to the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory, can I also take modules in NUS that are outside of the Conservatory? Students are allowed to take some of the modules that are offered in NUS that are outside of the Conservatory. 5. Can NUS students who are non-music majors enroll for music courses offered by the Conservatory? The Conservatory is only able to offer limited choice of modules as electives for NUS students from other faculties. Major studies is not available for enrolment. For enquiries on music electives offered each semester, contact Ms Joanne Soh (Manager, Conservatory Academic Affairs) at mussohj@nus.edu.sg 6. Can NUS students do a minor in music? Currently, the Conservatory does not offer a minor in music programme although it is possible to be offered in the near future. 7. On my Bachelor of Music Degree, what institutions will the degree represent?
Your degree will be from the National University of Singapore, Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music, in collaboration with the Peabody Institute of The Johns Hopkins University. Pre-Enrolment Procedures 1. What should students prepare for enrolment at the University after acceptance? The Conservatory Admissions will be in contact with students via email regularly regarding administration matters from early May to July. Students will receive instructions regarding on-campus housing application, Student s Pass application, photo submission for the printing of the NUS Student Card, online registration and other matters. 2. How do I apply for on-campus accommodation? Part 1: Online Application for Housing & Payment of SGD26.75 Registration Fee (early May to June) Part 2: Results of Housing Application & Payment of SGD200 Acceptance Fee (June to early July) 3. How do I apply for Student's Pass? Student s Pass is applicable to international students only and applied online via Student's Pass Online Application & Registration (SOLAR). Part 1: Online Application of eform16 & Payment of SGD30 Processing Fee (early May to June) Part 2: Approval of n-principal Approval (IPA) Letter & Payment of SGD60 Student s Pass Issuance Fee (and a further SGD30 multiple-entry visa fee for visa-required nationals where applicable) (June to early July) 4. Does the University require me to undergo a medical examination? Students are required to undergo a complete medical examination at the beginning of orientation. Students will be scheduled a date (during orientation period) to complete the medical examination at the University Health Centre which consists of 2 parts: A) Pre-Admission Medical Examination All newly admitted students are required to undergo a medical examination. B) Medical Examination for International Students for Student's Pass
All international students who plan to stay in Singapore for 6 months or more will need to undergo and pass a medical examination which must include both an HIV test and a chest x-ray for detection of Tuberculosis for the application of the Student's Pass. The original copy of both the radiologist report on the chest x-ray and the laboratory report on the HIV test must be attached to the completed medical report and submitted to the Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA) within 3 months of issue. 5. How do I apply for the NUS Student Card? Students must first submit their photo online for the printing of the NUS Student Card between early May and June. Your student card will be ready and given to you during orientation. 6. When is the NUS Registration Online Exercise? All students must be registered before commencing a course of study at the University. Registration refers to a formal process whereby a student enrols at the start of his/her period of study to become part of the NUS student community. Registration takes place from June to July and consists of two stages: In Registration (Part One), all students make specific online declarations and complete acceptance records. In Registration (Part Two), students complete the registration procedures by reporting to the Conservatory on the first day of orientation. 7. When is the Freshman Arrival & Orientation? All newly admitted students will be involved in a 3-week orientation programme from mid-july to August, specially planned with activities to help them familiarise with the Conservatory, staff and students, and living in Singapore. 8. When do I take the English Language Proficiency Test? Singaporeans, Singapore PRs and international students from native English-speaking countries are exempted from taking the English Language Proficiency Test administered by the University. Students who are required to take the English Language Proficiency Test will be tested in July during the Orientation period. The English Language Proficiency Test consists of 2 sections: a) A 15-minute speaking test an assessment of your ability to discusa topic in English and complete the task related to the topic. It requires you to converse with your partner on a scenario given to you. b) A one-hour writing test an assessment of your ability to clearly express yourself in English. It requires you to write a 250-300 word essay in response to a question.