Key information
Duration
3 years
Mode
Full-time
Semester starts
Aug 2026
Application Window
Opens on 1 Oct 2025
Apply by 31 Jan 2026
Application outcomes will be announced by 18 Mar 2026
Note

Applications will close once the programme seats have been filled up. Please note that the timeline provided serves as a general guide. Actual outcome release dates may vary.

Programme details

Unleash your musicality and become an innovative musician in an evolving and contemporary industry.

 

Contemporary in its content and approach, the Diploma in Music programme embraces pre-eminent contemporary musical styles of our time. The hands-on curriculum prepares you for entry into the music industry in Singapore and the region. You will develop instrumental or vocal technique; study music theory, sight-reading, aural skills, music production, composition and arranging, and receive regular performance opportunities.

The programme aims to develop you as a successful contemporary musician who can sight-read, perform a diverse repertoire, and respond confidently to various professional music circumstances. A typical week involves you rehearsing and performing in different ensembles, receiving one-to-one lessons on your chosen instrument or voice, studying aural skills and theory of music, learning about music production and technology, and being mentored by some of the most experienced and highly qualified musicians and academics in the region.

The comprehensive education you receive will develop your musical identity and skills needed to be a successful modern musician and easily navigate the industry.

Through a progressive structure of modules and assessments benchmarked with global industry standards, you will be taken step-by-step through the building blocks of musicianship and performance to become a confident entertainment industry member. The programme will also involve critical thinking classes, community engagement, playing to the broader public and industry internships.

 

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Why apply?
Industry professionals
Learn from working musicians and academics who bring real-world experiences and industry knowledge into the classroom.
Cross-collaboration
Work productively with others through participation in ensembles and public performances in the College’s venues and in an atmosphere of musical cooperation.
Artistic growth
Develop a critical understanding of the arts and musical criteria, and master your own style while discovering others.

Year 1

Craft, Techniques and Technologies 1

30 credits

This module may include the following components:

  • Instrumental Studies 1
  • Music Skills 1
  • Rhythm Studies 1
  • Music Production 1

Studio 1

15 credits

This module may include the following components:

  • Ensemble Rehearsal 1
  • Performance Workshop 1
  • Sight-Reading Ensemble 1

Critical Thinking Skills A

15 credits

 

Craft, Techniques and Technologies 2

30 credits

This module may include the following components:

  • Instrumental Studies 2
  • Music Skills 2
  • Rhythm Studies 2
  • Music Production 2

Studio 2

15 credits

This module may include the following components:

  • Ensemble Rehearsal 2
  • Performance Workshop 2
  • Sight-Reading 2

World of Ideas and Imagination

15 credits

 

 

Year 2

Craft, Techniques and Technologies 3

15 credits

This module may include the following components:

  • Instrumental Mentorship
  • Music Skills 3

Studio 3

30 credits

This module may include the following components:

  • Ensemble Rehearsal 3
  • Performance Workshop 3
  • Improvisation 1

Critical Thinking Skills B

15 credits

 

Cross-disciplinary Studio

30 credits

This module may include the following components:

  • Cross-Disciplinary Mentorship
  • Cross-Disciplinary Ensemble Workshop

Electives

15 credits

 

Professional Practice and Careers

15 credits

 

 

Year 3*

Engaging Communities

15 credits

 

Internship

45 credits

 

Communication and Public Presentation Skills

15 credits

 

Final Project

45 credits

This module may include the following components:

  • Final Project Mentorship
  • Final Project Ensemble Workshop
  • Contemporary Music in Context

*Modules in Level 3 may be offered in either semester or in both semesters. Your Programme Leader will advise you on the modules to be taken before the start of each semester. You will need to take modules equivalent to 60 credits in each semester.

  • Practical portfolio
  • Creative Process Journal
  • Technical folder
  • Journal
  • Portfolio (pass/fail)

The LASALLE Diploma framework is anchored in a professional and self-directed approach, with the aim of nurturing highly-engaged, self-assured student learners of the 21st century.

The Diploma framework has a modular structure which involves the following core modules:

Studio

Studio modules primarily anchor you to a particular field/discipline of study. All Studio modules assess you in writing and ensure adequate historical and theoretical contextualisation are embedded.


Studio modules are sites of creative practice with a focus and approach to allow you to discover, investigate and apply ideas, methods and materials.

The Cross-Disciplinary Studio module focuses on an out-of-the-box learning environment for you to apply your critical thinking skills and develop cross-disciplinary works in the studio.

The Final Project culminates in a major studio work which encourages you to demonstrate your artistic practice, conceptual and technical rigour.

Craft, Techniques and Technologies

The Craft, Techniques and Technologies modules prepare you to appreciate and develop requisite technical skills for your creative work.


The particular emphasis is on honing craft, building strong technique and fluid engagement with digital/technological skills. These will provide you with the necessary 21st century skills to apply to your studio/creative practice.

Critical Thinking Skills, World of Imagination and electives

This set of modules establishes different modes of thinking and creative engagement in an arts school environment.


It aims to expose you to a diversity of learning methods, critical inquiry and approaches to express yourself.


It is envisaged that this approach sets the tone for how you as a LASALLE student are distinctive in your approach to learning and ultimately as a professional.


Allowing the 21st century learner to be self-reflexive, independent and inquisitive is vital. Building on your critical thinking modules, electives will be offered in Year 2 to facilitate you to work in areas outside of your core subjects.

Community Engagement and professional skills

You will undertake a Community Engagement module and be exposed to ways in which the community of your interest can be a source of long-term participation, personal fulfilment and employment, following which you will go on to pursue industry placement opportunities in a discipline-specific field.


Students can opt to do one big placement or two to three short placements. Overseas stints are encouraged. The internship module is accompanied by a Professional Practice and Careers module which gives you the key tools to develop your job preparedness. Here you will be taught about emerging fields, how to be self-employed and network in the sector. Industry professionals and alumni will be invited to mentor you and your peers.

You will also be taught Communications and Presentation Skills. Here, clear and confident public speaking and presentation skills are introduced to prepare you to develop and articulate your brand, articulate an artist statement, develop public speaking skills and develop your social media profile as a professional.

Overall, the Diploma framework will enhance the job preparedness of Diploma graduates through greater opportunities for self-directed and cross-disciplinary learning in addition to dedicated modules to help them hone their career skills.

LASALLE uses a 5–point Grade Point Average (GPA) system, which will be applicable to all students admitted to Year 1 with effect from AY2024/25, to track students’ academic progress throughout their studies.

Students receive letter grades for each module taken. Each grade corresponds to a grade point as shown below:

LETTER GRADE GRADE POINT
A+ 5.0
A 5.0
A– 4.5
B+ 4.0
B 3.5
B– 3.0
C+ 2.5
C 2.0
D+ 1.5
D 1.0
F 0.0

The Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) represents the grade point average of all modules attempted by the student. A minimum CGPA of 2.00 is required for graduation.

The computation of CGPA is as follows:

 

 

All modules, including repeat attempts, are included in the computation of the CGPA with the exception of modules that are exempted or where students were absent with valid reasons.

The classification of award and corresponding CGPA requirement are as follows:

CGPA RANGE CLASSIFICATION OF AWARD
4.00 — 5.00 Diploma with Distinction
2.00 — 3.99 Diploma

LASALLE recognises the important role of artists and designers in creating a sustainable and caring world. The curriculum provides opportunities for students to identify and explore issues around sustainability (from ecology and global climate change to the sustainability of their own creative practices and wider cultural communities) and care (for the well-being and advancement of oneself and others).

The College actively encourages students to engage with and investigate these crucial contemporary issues as part of their studies, including through their projects, and critical and creative outputs. Through interdisciplinary learning and strong engagement with these topics, the aim is to empower students to lead the way towards sustainable practices and caring communities within the cultural and creative industries.

Basic materials for learning are provided by the College.

As a developing artist, you are required to have certain items that are personal to you and cannot be shared. Such items include books, dance shoes, rehearsal clothes, safety boots, portable musical instruments, paints, canvas, basic tools, design software, cameras, etc., that will support you through your three-year learning journey. The College does not encourage the purchase of extravagant or costly materials or equipment. Our lecturers can provide you with affordable suggestions.

You are also encouraged to have your own laptop for education. If you do not own one, computer labs are available on campus with requisite software for you to undertake your work.

There may be opportunities for you to undertake extra-curricular study trips to enhance your overall learning. Trips are not compulsory and may incur additional costs.

Music performer, music producer, composer, songwriter, music arranger, music director, educator, voice talent or vocal coach.

Admissions information

To determine your suitability for the programme, you will need to submit an audition recording to help us understand your technical and musical abilities.

Audition recording
You will need to submit a video recording of three contrasting pieces of music in any style that will demonstrate your technical and musical abilities most effectively.

Three contrasting pieces may refer to different tempos (e.g. ballad, medium tempo, fast tempo), different styles (e.g. pop, jazz, funk), different genres in one style (e.g. rock ballad, rock-pop, hard rock), different meters (e.g. 4/4, 3/4, 6/8), different periods (e.g. Baroque, Classical, Romantic), or any characteristic that renders the pieces contrasting.

In your video(s), you must perform each of the three pieces in its entirety, not just sections.

Voice auditions
Vocal recordings must have an accompaniment. You can either sing your tunes with a backing track, sing on top of the original recording, or you can accompany yourself with a guitar or piano or another musician can accompany you. You must not perform or submit an a cappella (without accompaniment) vocal recording.

Instrumental auditions
You can either perform your tunes with a backing track or on top of the original recording. Only guitarists and pianists can record one solo piece, as long as it is a solo piece arrangement. For classical pianists, each movement will be considered as one piece in case of performing a multi-movement work.

Your video recordings must clearly show your face, and in the case of instrumentalists, you must also show your hands while playing as best as possible. Please refrain from using any special effects or filters that might blur your face or hands or submitting social media videos (like TikTok).

Additional requirement
Previous qualifications in music theory or practical exams are preferred but not a requirement for entry into the programme as you will be judged solely on the quality of your submitted audition recordings.

However, you are required to complete an online music theory and aural test set by the School of Contemporary Music. You will be notified of the date and time.

If we wish to know more about your audition recording, we will arrange for a discussion with you.

 

Diploma tuition fees for August 2026 intake (per annum fees)

 

NOTE

  • Funded/subsidised fees for Singaporeans and Singapore PR qualify for GST subsidy from MOE, all other fees include 9% GST from 2024.
  • Fees are due on the first day of each semester.
  • Fees are subject to change.
  • Correct as of August 2025.

A non-refundable application fee (inclusive of GST*) is chargeable per application. Application is only complete upon receipt of your application fee and all necessary documents. Please ensure your application fee is paid and documents are uploaded. LASALLE reserves the right to withdraw the applicant if the application fee remains unpaid and documents are not received by the due date.

* GST is at 9% from 2024.

SINGAPOREAN / SINGAPORE PERMANENT RESIDENT APPLICANTS INTERNATIONAL APPLICANTS
S$75 S$120

All payment to LASALLE must be made in Singapore Dollar. In line with the Singapore government's move towards a cashless society, online payments are strongly encouraged. Below are the payment modes acceptable by LASALLE.

PAYMENT METHOD PAYMENT MODE
Online payment

Flywire

Basic materials for learning are provided by the College.

As a developing artist, you are required to have certain items that are personal to you and cannot be shared. Such items include books, dance shoes, rehearsal clothes, safety boots, portable musical instruments, paints, canvas, basic tools, design software, cameras, etc., that will support you through your three-year learning journey. The College does not encourage the purchase of extravagant or costly materials or equipment. Our lecturers can provide you with affordable suggestions.

You are also encouraged to have your own laptop for education. If you do not own one, computer labs are available on campus with requisite software for you to undertake your work.

There may be opportunities for you to undertake extra-curricular study trips to enhance your overall learning. Trips are not compulsory and may incur additional costs.

Medical Insurance Scheme

All full-time students of LASALLE are required to be covered under the Medical Insurance Scheme (MIS). The annual coverage of S$20,000 includes school-related activities throughout the programme duration.

The current premium rate is $29.98 (inclusive of 9% GST) payable each semester. This premium rate is subject to change based on the prevailing premiums charged by the insurer and prevailing GST rate.

In recognition of outstanding academic excellence, leadership potential, and a passion for creativity and innovation, LASALLE offers a variety of scholarships to new and current students.

Application dates for scholarships will be reflected in the various scholarship pages. Other externally sponsored scholarships are also available to students. Enquiries and applications may be directed to the respective organisations.

Please note that miscellaneous fees are not covered by scholarships, bursaries or the Mendaki Tertiary Tuition Fee Subsidy (TTFS).

View scholarships

We are committed to providing a quality education for all our students, and believe that no deserving student should be denied admission because of financial difficulty.

A range of financial assistance schemes, grants and loans are made available to help meet a portion of the educational expenses of students.

Application dates for financial assistance will be reflected in the various bursary pages.

Please note that miscellaneous fees are not covered by scholarships, bursaries or the Mendaki Tertiary Tuition Fee Subsidy (TTFS).

View financial assistance

Students who are Singapore Citizens or Singapore Permanent Residents and on Tuition Grant are eligible to apply for Tuition Fee Loan of up to 90% (degree) or 75% (diploma) of the programme fees. Application opens in October each year. Please contact the Division of Finance (finance@lasalle.edu.sg) for more details.

View loan schemes

If this is your first time venturing into Asia, here are some of the reasons why Singapore is an ideal place for the global-minded arts student.

View Studying in Singapore

The College provides a dynamic learning environment that is conducive for you to pursue academic excellence and develop skills, creativity and critical reflection through a comprehensive range of student support services.

View Student support services

Let our appointed network of overseas representatives help you with your application.

View Overseas representatives

Find out everything you need to know to ensure that your application goes without a hitch.

View Immigration matters

There is only one intake per year, starting in August.

All academic lessons and learning will continue to be delivered at LASALLE’s McNally and Winstedt Campuses.

Admissions typically open in October for the following August intake until places are filled. Click here for more information about the application process and closing date.

No, either subject is not a prerequisite for entry. However, a credit at GCE O-Level or equivalent will give you an edge over other applicants.

At the end of your three-year study, you will receive a Diploma certificate.

If you are graduating from our Diploma programme, you will be awarded a LASALLE Diploma.

Students do not receive advanced standing for our Diploma programmes.

We have provisions for special entry for which each application is considered on a case-by-case basis. Considerations include the standard of your portfolio, references and relevant work experience.

LASALLE reserves the right to cancel any class for pedagogical reasons if it does not meet the minimum class size. LASALLE is unable to accept liability for the cancellation of proposed programmes of study prior to their scheduled start.

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Ask us

If you love the arts, there is no better place than at LASALLE to get serious about it. If you would like to find out more about studying at LASALLE, fill in your details here and we will get in touch. We look forward to hearing from you!

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Applications

Application for August 2026 intake is open until places are filled. Click here for more information about the application process and closing date.

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