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Overview Modules Entry Requirements Fees How to Apply
Overview Students' Work Modules Entry Requirements Fees How to Apply
Duration: 2 Years
Mode: Full-time

The RCM-NAFA Master of Composition programme is designed to allow composers to develop their skills to a professional level. The programme offers intensive training in practical skills, complemented by a range of targeted options which reflect current vocational and professional needs. Such skills are aimed at composers who aspire to enter the profession as practitioners at the highest level.

Please click here to view the English programme brochure.

At the end of this programme, students should be able to:
  • Compose at a level expected of a professional musician in terms of technique, musical insight, imagination, interpretation and communication
  • Apply personal research, analysis, reflection, listening and the application of theory to practice in the process of forming original new work
  • Demonstrate a strong grasp of musical traditions, while embracing or seeking new innovations in musical styles, media, performance and practice
  • Execute projects requiring written and/or verbal presentation, as well as for musical composition, in a confident and independent manner
  • Work effectively as part of a team, often in a leadership role, taking spontaneous decisions and responding to the decisions of others
  • Be self-motivated and disciplined, and promote projects/performances with critical self-awareness
  • Demonstrate in-depth understanding of professional environments and protocols

The unique partnership between NAFA and RCM

With the seven-week International Placement at RCM, you will have the unique opportunity to experience living and studying in another environment for a period of time. You will gain exposure to artistic and cultural practices in a new environment and acquire valuable learning experiences, which will widen your perspectives towards your own musical practice and learning.

NAFA’s artistic and cultural diversity

For our Western and Chinese instrumentalists and composers, you will co-exist in a synergetic relationship, experiencing and reflecting on your cultural practices in the arts as you relate to performance and research. For our composers, this provides a rich cultural environment and collaborative opportunities.

Opportunities for interdisciplinary collaborations

NAFA’s position as a multidisciplinary arts institution gives our music students the opportunities for interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary collaborations with other artistic disciplines within the academy and the new University of the Arts.






More Information
RCM Graduation Requirements

In order to graduate from the master’s degree programmes, students are required to attain a total of 240 credits and complete the International Placement.

Mode of Instruction

Lessons may be delivered face-to-face on campus or facilitated online. Lecturers employ a variety of teaching strategies and methods according to the needs of each module. These include individual lessons, lectures and seminars, tutorials, masterclasses, concerts, student presentations, independent study, observation visits, workshops, and rehearsals. Besides the use of iLEARN, NAFA’s Learning Management System (Canvas), a range of new online/technology-enhanced methods will also be implemented to offer students additional learning flexibility and access to expertise and new audiences. Examples include individual supervision for projects/assignments via video conferencing, individual coaching for preparation of recital exams, webinars, workshops and masterclasses with overseas guest lecturers, including RCM professors, online lectures/seminars for elective modules, and live-streaming of students’ recitals.

Assessment Methods

Students will be assessed, both formatively and summatively, in the same way as their counterparts in the corresponding RCM programmes. Assessment methods are designed to mirror professional practice, in both the Principal Study modules and elective options. Formative feedback is important for students’ continued improvement of their performance, and peer feedback is encouraged to develop a supportive learning environment among the student body. NAFA students are expected to refer to the same assessment criteria and abide to the same performance standards as that in RCM. NAFA students are not only subject to assessment by examiners appointed by NAFA but will also be validated by an external examiner from RCM.

Career Pathways
  • Arranger
  • Collaborative Artist
  • Composer for Film and Television/Video Games
  • Concert Music Composer
  • Composer-in-Residence
  • Conductor (for contemporary and experimental music ensembles)
  • Music Critic/Journalist
  • Music Consultant
  • Music Director
  • Music Educator/Teacher
  • Music Editor
  • Music Entrepreneur
  • Music Producer
  • Music Publisher
  • Music Supervisor
  • Music Researcher
  • Music Technology Specialist
  • Orchestration Specialist
  • Sound Designer

 

Modules

Check out the range of modules to build your technical skills, enhance your exposure and boost your employability.

Full time (2 Years)

MComp 1
Module Type No. of Credits
Principal Study 75 credits
Elective Options Professional Artist Option 45 credits 15 credits
Elective Option 1 15 credits
Elective Option 2 15 credits
Overall Credits: 120 credits
120 credits are required for progression to MComp 2

MComp 2
Module Type No. of Credits
Principal Study 75 credits
Elective Options Professional Artist Option 45 credits 15 or 30 credits
Elective Option 1 15 or 30 credits
Elective Option 2 0 or 15 credits
International Placement Non-credited
Overall Credits: 120 credits
A total of 240 credits must be completed overall for the award of Master of Composition

Part time (3 Years)

MComp 1
Module Type No. of Credits Remarks
Principal Study 50 credits  
Elective Options Professional Artist Option 30 credits 15 credits  
Elective Option 157 15 credits  
Elective Option 2 0 credits 0, 15 or 30 credits to be taken in MComp 1, 2 or 3
Overall Credits: 80 credits
80 credits are required for progression to MComp 2

MComp 2
Module Type No. of Credits Remarks
Principal Study 50 credits  
Elective Options Professional Artist Option 30 credits 15 or 30 credits  
Elective Option 1 0 or 15 credits 15 or 30 credits to be taken in MComp 2 or 3
Elective Option 2 0 or 15 credits 0, 15 or 30 credits to be taken in MComp 1, 2 or 3
Overall Credits: 80 credits
80 credits are required for progression to MComp 3

MComp 3
Module Type No. of Credits Remarks
Principal Study 50 credits  
Elective Options Professional Artist Option 30 credits 0 credits  
Elective Option 1 0, 15 or 30 credits 15 or 30 credits to be taken in MComp 2 or 3
Elective Option 2 0, 15 or 30 credits 0, 15 or 30 credits to be taken in MComp 1, 2 or 3
International Placement Non-credited  
Overall Credits: 80 credits
A total of 240 credits must be completed overall for the award of Master of Composition

Code Title Semester Credits
MU5714

Principal Study (Composition) Level 7 (I) 50 credits

(applicable to part time studies only)
The Principal Study is a central part of your learning experience at NAFA. It involves advanced exploration and development of musical and technical skills to prepare you for your chosen field at a professional level. The module includes one-to-one tuition, performance classes, workshops, masterclasses, lessons from visiting professors, ensemble activities, seminars, and relevant lecture series.
1 & 2 50
MU5715

Principal Study (Composition) Level 7 (II) 50 credits

(applicable to part time studies only)
The Principal Study is a central part of your learning experience at NAFA. It involves advanced exploration and development of musical and technical skills to prepare you for your chosen field at a professional level. The module includes one-to-one tuition, performance classes, workshops, masterclasses, lessons from visiting professors, ensemble activities, seminars, and relevant lecture series.
1 & 2 50
MU5716

Principal Study (Composition) Level 7 (III) 50 credits

(applicable to part time studies only)
The Principal Study is a central part of your learning experience at NAFA. It involves advanced exploration and development of musical and technical skills to prepare you for your chosen field at a professional level. The module includes one-to-one tuition, performance classes, workshops, masterclasses, lessons from visiting professors, ensemble activities, seminars, and relevant lecture series.
1 & 2 50
MU5719

Principal Study (Composition) Level 7 (I)

The Principal Study is a central part of your learning experience at NAFA. It involves advanced exploration and development of musical and technical skills to prepare you for your chosen field at a professional level. The module includes one-to-one tuition, performance classes, workshops, masterclasses, lessons from visiting professors, ensemble activities, seminars, and relevant lecture series.
1 & 2 75
MU5730

Advanced Schenkerian Analysis Level 7*

The module focuses on applied musical analysis in performance, aiming to deepen students' understanding of analytical principles from a practitioner-led perspective. It explores alternative expressive possibilities and the broader use of Schenkerian concepts in various musical contexts. Students would be required to have a mastery in Schenkerian Analysis at Level 6.
1 & 2 15
MU5733

Composition Supporting Studies Year 1 Level 7

(required for MComp students)
This module is designed to help composers develop their professional practice. It covers diverse topics, such as the composer as performer, approaches to electronic music and field recording, interdisciplinary composition and collaboration, and contemporary approaches to composition. Interspersed with these will be a series of talks by visiting composers and artists, practical workshops, and presentations by composers on their own work.
1 & 2 15
MU5734

Orchestration Portfolio Level 7*

This module offers the opportunity to develop advanced skills in transcribing music from one instrumental medium (e.g., piano) to another, larger one (e.g., orchestra). You will be introduced to a variety of approaches and techniques that may be effective in undertaking this task, before going on to formulate and complete a varied portfolio of orchestrations, in which you will be able to put into practice what you have learnt.
1 & 2 15
MU5735

Orchestration for Chinese Orchestra Level 7*

This module explores relevant models of Chinese orchestral/instrumental transcription, other Chinese orchestral repertoire, as well as how to write effectively for Chinese orchestra and other ensembles. Students learn to use Chinese instrumentation to define and articulate compositional ideas.
1 & 2 15
MU5736

Teaching Music Level 7*

This module enables students to engage with the concept of music teaching as a sociocultural practice, developing skills relating to lesson planning and delivery, and exploring modes of assessment and progression in music education.
1 & 2 15
MU5737

Practical Teaching Portfolio*

This module draws on practical teaching situations whilst enhancing awareness of learning by introducing a range of pedagogical methods and approaches through workshops delivered by expert practitioners.
- 15
MU5740

International Placement (Masters)

This module provides the opportunity to study in a foreign environment, both as a musical and personal experience. Students will receive Principal Study tuition and attend Faculty and Performance Classes at the partner institution. Students may have the opportunity to take part in the orchestra and/or ensembles at the partner institution, on the premise of audition, and the availability of positions in diverse ensembles.
1 & 2 -
MU5743

Conducting Level 7 (Year 1)*

An introduction to conducting skills, and the art of decision making as needed for conductors, specifically on how to make musical (i.e. interpretative) decisions and then put them into practice through gesture and rehearsal. The course will follow a rolling programme of practical sessions in which you will be required to conduct the group of your classmates towards your own interpretative ideas.
1 & 2 15
MU5751

Chamber Music Level 7*

In this module you will develop the skills required to work effectively as a professional chamber musician. Working closely with the other members of your group, you will rehearse regularly together and receive specialist coaching. Your group will work together to curate and rehearse a short programme for examination at the end of the spring term.
1 & 2 15
MU5754

Music, Culture, and Society Level 7*

This module explores the interdisciplinary nature of ethnomusicology, particularly its relationship with anthropology, diaspora, gender, language, politics, race, and religion. The module introduces the key texts and various approaches to ethnomusicology. Through selected readings and discussion sessions, students will learn about the relationship between music and society.
1 & 2 15
MU5763

Professional Musician Level 7*

This module prepares you for a healthy, proactive, and sustainable career in music through individual career coaching, cross-faculty group workshops, and industry knowledge and insights. Through these activities, you will explore a range of ideas and practices in the classical music profession today. On the completion of this module, you will have a deeper understanding of your artistic identity and areas for professional growth. 
1 & 2 15
MU5764

Professional Project Level 7*

In this module, you will develop and deliver a self-directed project with a professional focus. Your project must include an external-facing element. Examples could include: curating and presenting a concert in an external venue or festival; collaborating with an external artist to develop a new work; developing and pitching a business proposal; or undertaking a research project based on an extended work placement. With the support of a supervisor, you will develop an innovative project that builds on your musical strengths, interests, and professional aspirations. 
1 & 2 15
MU5770

Contemporary Music in Action Level 7*

Performers and composers form collaborative groups to produce new contemporary music works to be premiered in public concerts during the school academic year.
1 15
MU5771

Music and Dance Collective Level 7*

This module is designed for musicians from any faculty interested in developing creative work collaboratively with dancers. You will work in groups to create new music and dance pieces, presenting them at the end of the module. You will reflect critically on the creative process, locating your approach within contemporary music and dance practice.
1 15
MU6719

Principal Study (Composition) Level 7 (II)

The Principal Study is a central part of your learning experience at NAFA. It involves advanced exploration and development of musical and technical skills to prepare you for your chosen field at a professional level. The module includes one-to-one tuition, performance classes, workshops, masterclasses, lessons from visiting professors, ensemble activities, seminars, and relevant lecture series.
1 & 2 75
MU6733

Composition Supporting Studies Year 2 Level 7

(required for MComp students)
This module is designed to help composers develop their professional practice. It covers diverse topics, such as the composer as performer, approaches to electronic music and field recording, interdisciplinary composition and collaboration, and contemporary approaches to composition. Interspersed with these will be a series of talks by visiting composers and artists, practical workshops, and presentations by composers on their own work.
1 & 2 15
MU6734

Orchestration Project Level 7*

This module offers the opportunity to undertake a more ambitious and extended challenge in orchestral transcription. You will formulate and complete an orchestration project which allows you to demonstrate imagination, range and ambition. To guide and inspire you, you will study innovative examples from 20th and 21st-century orchestral repertoire.
Pre-requisites: MU5734 Orchestration Portfolio Level 7
1 & 2 15
MU6743

Conducting Level 7 (Year 2)*

Conducting Level 7 Year 2 is an intermediate and advanced course in the art of decision-making as needed for conductors, specifically on how to take musical (i.e. interpretive) decisions and then put them into practice through rehearsal. The course will follow a rolling programme of practical sessions, focusing on class repertoire including opera recitative, in which you will be required to conduct your classmates towards your own interpretative ideas.
1 15
MU6751

Chamber Project Level 7 (15 credits)*

In this module you will continue to develop the skills required to work effectively as a professional chamber musician. Working closely with the other members of your group, you will rehearse regularly together and receive specialist coaching. Your group will work together to curate and rehearse a short programme assessed in Semester 2. Composers are also eligible to take this module in collaboration with an ensemble.
Pre-requisites: MU5751 Chamber Music Level 7
1 & 2 15
MU6752

Chamber Project Level 7 (30 credits)*

Designed for highly committed chamber groups, this module provides extended support and opportunities for your group to develop to a professional level. Working closely with the other members of your group, you will rehearse regularly together and receive specialist coaching. Your group will work together to curate and rehearse a full concert programme for public performance. .
Pre-requisites: MU5751 Chamber Music Level 7
1 & 2 30

*Electives

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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:

  • Potential in Artistic Talent and Creativity
  • Educational Qualifications
  • Accreditation of Prior (Experiential) Learning (APEL)
  • English Language Proficiency

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.


  1. All applicants are to submit a portfolio of at least two, but no more than five, contrasting examples of their compositions.

  2. 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).

  3. Applicants are required to submit a personal statement (250 – 350 words) to support their application for the Master of Composition programme. The personal statement should be based on the following questions:

    • Why are you applying for the Master of Composition programme, based on your ambitions and interests?

    • What skills do you possess that make you suitable for the rigorous demands of the programme?

  4. Applicants will require two professional references emailed directly to Student Admission Office.

  5. All applicants will be asked about their intentions and expectations of the programme, as well as how the Master of Composition programme will be useful to their future plans.

  6. Typical questions asked during the interview may include:

    • Why do you want to study at NAFA?

    • What are your musical interests?

    • What do you think you need to do most to improve your writing?

  7. The panel will be looking for evidence of both a talent for composition and the ability to realise effectively ideas in a variety of forms and media.

  8. Though live auditions are preferred, an online interview may be arranged by the Student Admissions Office for applicants who are unable to attend a live audition. Applicants are to inform Student Admissions Office in advance if they wish to attend an online audition.

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
10 – 11 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


Applicants are required to have at least:

  • A relevant undergraduate degree from RCM-NAFA or a recognised institution, usually in Music
  • Degree transcripts must indicate passing grades in equivalent RCM-NAFA Bachelor of Music modules
Applicants whose qualifications do not conform to the above requirements (such as those with relevant experience or prior learning) may be considered on a case-by-case basis. In such cases, approval by the Royal College of Music will be required prior to final acceptance into the programme.

 

Applicants whose qualifications do not conform to the above requirements (such as those with relevant experience or prior learning) may be considered on a case-by-case basis. In such cases, approval by the Royal College of Music will be required prior to final acceptance into the programme.

An English Language proficiency* of at least:

Entry Into IELTS TOEFL - iBT PTE ACADEMIC DUOLINGO
Master 5.5 71 42 95

Other qualifications equivalent to any of the above.

*Waived for NAFA applicants who have successfully completed NAFA's Bachelor of Music. Non-NAFA applicants who have successfully completed a recognised and approved Diploma qualification or higher, where the language of instruction was English, may be given a waiver on a case-by-case basis.

 


How to Apply

Take the leap! Begin the journey to becoming a world-class musician.

Apply online
Apply online here along with your application fees. Applications are open from October each year for the following year’s August intake.
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) at the cashier counter in NAFA or online
Make a payment of the Application Fee (non-refundable) at the cashier counter at the NAFA Campus or online at https://payment.nafa.edu.sg/Students. Applicants who are paying online will be required to upload the above documents to the application portal or email them to [email protected].
Receive a letter by email
You will receive an email from the Student Admissions Office on the details of your portfolio interview upon receipt of all required documents and portfolio.
Application outcome
Receive the outcome of your application via email within 4 – 6 weeks after your Portfolio Submission/Interview/Audition or Admission Test.