Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts
| Established in 1938, the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) is Singapore’s pioneer arts institution. The academy is known for its rigorous and high-quality curriculum, innovative and practitioners-led teaching approach, diverse artistic creations and community outreach. NAFA has nurtured 13 recipients of the Cultural Medallion – Singapore’s highest accolade bestowed on art practitioners who have significantly impacted arts and culture. Another 14 alumni have been presented the Young Artist Award. Many of the academy’s alumni have gone on to make their mark in the professional arts scene in Singapore and abroad. The academy offers full-time diploma and degree programmes across three schools: the School of Art and Design comprising 3D Design, Design & Media, Fashion Studies and Fine Art programmes, the School of Music and the School of Arts Management, Dance and Theatre. Diploma courses are aligned with the degree courses offered in partnership with reputable universities in the United Kingdom. |
| FOUNDATION | |
| Diploma in Music | The Diploma in Music course centres around weekly lessons for your principal study instrument. Faculty-based activities include duo, chamber, ensemble and orchestral training that provide performance opportunities. Vocal students will take Italian, German and French language classes. Students focusing on composing will have classes in instrumentation, gamelan, music technology, composing for screen media, and orchestration. |
| Diploma in Music Teaching | The Diploma in Music Teaching course aims to develop relevant and broad- based instrumental teaching and performing skills in music educators. Faculty-based activities include Gamelan ensemble, chorus, composing with a sequencer, Dalcroze/Kodaly workshops and an introduction to conducting and music therapy. Core modules in contextual studies, aural and musicianship skills, stylistic studies, professional skills such as career skills, and instrumental/vocal teaching skills, provide support and depth to your study. Music education and pedagogy classes are taught at the National Institute of Education (NIE). Beyond your music studies, you will develop transferable skills such as communication and information technology. |
| Bachelor of Music (Honours) | This is a two-year course for diploma graduates offered in collaboration with the Royal College of Music. Final-year students have the opportunity to attend their international placement for 7 weeks at the Royal College of Music in London (for Western Instruments) or 10 weeks at the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing (for Chinese Instruments). Students will not only attend lessons, but will also be offered opportunities to perform in public events. |
| Music Preparatory Course | The Music Preparatory Course is designed specially for students who wish to develop their instrumental foundation and music theory knowledge, prior to entering the three-year Diploma in Music programme. The course will run for 12 weeks across a Semester, from January to April. |
| Specialist Diploma in Orchestral Conducting | The Specialist Diploma in Orchestral Conducting course aims to provide professional development opportunities to conductors working with orchestras, symphonic wind bands, or other instrumental ensembles in various professional contexts. |
| DIPLOMA | |
| Diploma in Music | The Diploma in Music course centres around weekly lessons for your principal study instrument. Faculty-based activities include duo, chamber, ensemble and orchestral training that provide performance opportunities. Vocal students will take Italian, German and French language classes. Students focusing on composing will have classes in instrumentation, gamelan, music technology, composing for screen media, and orchestration. |
| Diploma in Music Teaching | The Diploma in Music Teaching course aims to develop relevant and broad- based instrumental teaching and performing skills in music educators. Faculty-based activities include Gamelan ensemble, chorus, composing with a sequencer, Dalcroze/Kodaly workshops and an introduction to conducting and music therapy. Core modules in contextual studies, aural and musicianship skills, stylistic studies, professional skills such as career skills, and instrumental/vocal teaching skills, provide support and depth to your study. Music education and pedagogy classes are taught at the National Institute of Education (NIE). Beyond your music studies, you will develop transferable skills such as communication and information technology. |
| DEGREE | |
| Bachelor of Music (Honours) | This is a two-year course for diploma graduates offered in collaboration with the Royal College of Music. Final-year students have the opportunity to attend their international placement for 7 weeks at the Royal College of Music in London (for Western Instruments) or 10 weeks at the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing (for Chinese Instruments). Students will not only attend lessons, but will also be offered opportunities to perform in public events. |
| Music Preparatory Course | The Music Preparatory Course is designed specially for students who wish to develop their instrumental foundation and music theory knowledge, prior to entering the three-year Diploma in Music programme. The course will run for 12 weeks across a Semester, from January to April. |
| Specialist Diploma in Orchestral Conducting | The Specialist Diploma consists of two certificates: Certificate in Orchestral Studies (120 hours), and Certificate in Orchestral Leadership (120 hours). Each certificate consists of four modules: |
| Principles of Conducting | |
| Orchestral Repertoire and Analysis | |
| Score Reading and Musicianship Skills | |
| Instrumentation of the Orchestra |
Administrative links
Admissions graduate
Apply online
