The Raffles Programme: Raffles Institution, Raffles Girls' School

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Music Elective Prog in RI

The Aesthetics Department is pleased to invite musically talented Secondary One students at Raffles Institution to enrol in the Music Elective Programme. This programme was launched by the school in 2001. With the extension of RJC Music Elective Programme to Raffles Institution and Raffles Girls' School (Secondary), MEP in RI is administered by MOE from 2005. This special programme, similar to the music elective programme at other MEP Centres, prepares the students to sit for the GCE 'A' Level Music/Higher Music papers.

Objective of the MEP
The objective of the Music Elective Programme is to provide opportunities for academically able students with an aptitude for music to take up the serious study of music in music writing, music making and music listening. Immersed in a musically enriched and vibrant learning environment, MEP students will also benefit from the rich interactions with other like-minded peers in the Programme.

Areas of Study
The four-year Music Elective Programme in RI covers three main areas:

i. Music Writing
For this option, pupils develop their musical creativity as they explore compositional techniques and new sounds in free compositions and harmony exercises

ii. Music Making
Pupils will showcase their performing ability on a solo instrument, in an ensemble and as an accompanist.

iii. Music Studies
This option aims to provide a solid grounding in musicology, perception, and analysis. It aims to build on pupils' listening and writing skills through structured modules over the 4 years.

Curriculum
Year 1
Elements of Music
Intervals / Italian terms / signs & ornaments / devices / chords / cadences / modulation / textures / score-reading
- Musical Forms (binary / ternary / minuet & trio / Sonata / rondo / theme & variations)
- Instruments of the Orchestra
Style & Characteristics (Western)
-Baroque, Classical, Romantic, 20th Century
Performance I
- Performance Practice class (addressing stage performance, technique etc.)
- Masterclasses

Year 2
Analysis I
- Column Analysis
History and Perception I
- Instrumental Genres - keyboard solo, chamber music, orchestral music
Composition I
-Introduction to Music Arrangement and Notation Software (e.g. SONAR/Sibelius/Finale)
- Problem-based project on Melody-Writing
Performance II
- Performance practice class
- Masterclasses

Year 3
Analysis II
- Set Work
History and Perception II
- Vocal genres - song, opera, musical
Composition II
- Piano accompaniment styles
- Small ensemble accompaniment
- 2-part writing
Performance III
- Performance Practice class
- Masterclasses

Year 4
Analysis III
- Set Work
History and Perception III
- World Music including workshops
Composition III
- (Minor) word setting for solo voice & piano accompaniment
- (Major) same as minor + stylistic imitation
Performance IV
- Masterclasses
- Minor/Major

At Year 4, students will have a choice of choosing Performing Major/Minor and Composing Major/Minor. In addition, more advanced students will be invited to take a further Additional Study in the areas of Essay, Performing or Composing.

Pre-requisites
Applicants are expected to have passed Grade 4 practical and theory examinations (ABRSM/AMEB/Guildhall/Trinity). Applicants who play an ethnic instrument (e.g. erhu / tabla) and/or are without prior music examination qualifications will sit for an audition administered by the music teachers.

Achievements in 2007
i. National ITMAP Challenge
5th Prize - Chen Siyang, Qin Linan, Lee He, David Ng, Lee Yan Sheng, Thomas Ang and Gabriel Tan

ii. National Piano and Violin Competition
2nd Prize - Royce Lee (Piano, Senior Category)
Honourable Mention - Shawn Neo (Piano, Senior Category)

iii. Green Wave Environmental Care Competition
Merit Award - Jonathan Shin Zi Yang, Chu Ben Wee, Yong Zhi Yi, Li Jinghui

Achievement in 2008
Ibiza International Piano Competition 18th edition 2008
3rd Prize Young Pianists Category – Jonathan Shin Zi Yang

Where some of our MEP students have gone on to
Yang Shuxiang (2001 - 2004), Peabody Conservatory of The Johns Hopkins University, Bachelor of Music programme in Violin Performance, awarded scholarship from Loke Cheng-Kim Foundation ( Singapore )

Loh Junhong (2003 - 2005), Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of The National University of Singapore and Peabody Conservatory of The Johns Hopkins University, Bachelor of Music programme in Violin Performance, awarded scholarship from Yong Siew Toh Conservatory and Ministry of Education

See Ian Ike (2002 - 2005), The Curtis Institute of Music, Diploma in Violin Performance, awarded full tuition scholarship from Curtis, recipient of NAC Arts Bursary (Overseas) Award

Music Masterclasses
Masterclasses are frequently organized to encourage and support the artistic endeavours of talented students who are identified to be performing at extremely high standards. These masterclasses also provide opportunities for outstanding students to experience professional musical/artistic tutelage.

List of Masterclasses Organised

• Violin Masterclass with Gordon Nikolitch, leader of the London Symphony Orchestra
• Violin Masterclass with Yumi Scott from The Philadelphia Orchestra of USA
• Violin Masterclass with Goetz Richter, Associate Professor of Strings at the Sydney Conservatorium
• Cello Masterclass with Peter Esswood, from Ariosi String Quartet of UK
• Piano Masterclass with Dr Kenneth Hamilton, senior lecturer and pianist-in-residence in University of Birmingham
• Piano Masterclass with Mr Thomas Hecht, Head of Piano Studies at the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music-NUS
• Piano Masterclass with Albert Tiu, Assistant Professor of Piano at Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music, National University of Singapore
• Piano Masterclass with Stefan Ammer from Elder Conservatorium of Music, University of Adelaide
• Piano Masterclass with Prof Wei Tsin-Fu, Academy of Networked Thinking in Music
• Piano & Composition Masterclass by Dr. John Sharpley from La Salle-SIA College of the Arts

1. What is Raffles Institution Music Elective Programme (RIMEP)?
2. Would this be same as the MEP in other schools?
3. How would RIMEP differ from the practical/theory music examinations set by ABRSM/Trinity School of Music?
4. How would Music fit with the rest of the subjects at Year One?
5. Can my son take up MEP and 3rd Language?
6. Would my son be allowed to drop Music if he "does not like it"?
7. Can my son take up Music at Year 3?
8. Is it true that RIMEP students pay subsidized school fees?
9. Do I have to pay extra fees for RIMEP and how about my son's piano/violin (etc.) lessons outside school?
10. What are the requirements to enter RIMEP?
11. Will my son take the GCE ‘O’ Level Music Exam at the end of Year 4?
12. Will my son be able to continue taking MEP at ‘A’ Level?
13. Who may I contact for more information?

1.	What is Raffles Institution Music Elective Programme (RIMEP)? As the name suggests, this is an elective programme for RI students who have been identified to have special music abilities and are willing to further their interest in this area. The main objective of RIMEP would be to enable the students to acquire and consolidate a broad range of musical skills, via activities of listening, performing and the study of harmony and analysis. As well in line with objectives laid down by Ministry of Education, RIMEP would assist students to develop a perceptive and critical response to the styles of music around the world. Upon admission to RIMEP, the student will attend an extended 2 hours Music lesson (Thursday, 2.15-4.15pm). In Years 3 and 4, the lessons will be 3-hour long, once a week.

2.	Would this be same as the MEP in other schools? The curriculum content coverage would be similar however as RIMEP is part of the Raffles Programme, RIMEP is structured by the framework (i.e. Values, Mission and Goals, Approaches to Learning, Curriculum Organisers) of the Raffles Programme. The RIMEP teachers are fully aware of the tremendous potential in each and every RIMEP student and are committed to furthering their musical talents and interests.

3.	How would RIMEP differ from the practical/theory music examinations set by ABRSM/Trinity School of Music? First of all RIMEP should not be understood as yet another music examination. It is a comprehensive programme that prepares the students to be equipped in a broad range of musical skills, including performing, composing and academic writing and research. The examinations conducted by ABRSM mainly prepare the candidates to be proficient in the performance of a music instrument. While the contents of the programme by these two different institutions are not mutually exclusive of one another, one must appreciate the differences in terms of the objectives of the respective programme.

4.	How would Music fit with the rest of the subjects at Year One? Music would be an examinable subject like the other core subjects (i.e. the final score would be used to compute the final average). Based on past years’ results, it is expected that RIMEP students will fare very well in the examination and as mentioned in question 3, you should not be unduly worried about this.

5.	Can my son take up MEP and 3rd Language? This option is currently NOT available. Your son would have to choose between taking up 3rd language OR Music. The school encourages pupils to pursue interest beyond academic areas; pupils will not be able to fully participate in CCA and other beyond school activities if they take up 2 extra subjects.

6.	Would my son be allowed to drop Music if he "does not like it"? Applications to withdraw will be considered on a case-by-case basis, and usually upon recommendation by the MEP teacher. Note that withdrawal applications are considered at the end of each academic year.

7.	Can my son take up Music at Year 3? Yes however admission to the Music course at Sec. 3 would be highly dependent on the level and rigour of music lesson he has been receiving outside school. You must appreciate that the music training he is receiving outside is quite different from the music lesson in RIMEP. (refer question 3)

8.	Is it true that RIMEP students pay subsidized school fees? Yes this is true. RIMEP students (Singapore citizens, PR and foreigners) enjoy subsidy for the school fees, under the MEP Independent School Fee Subsidy. This fee subsidy takes precedence over any other scholarships that a student may be eligible for.

9.	Do I have to pay extra fees for RIMEP and how about my son's piano/violin (etc.) lessons outside school? RIMEP is offered as another subject in RI. RI students do not have to pay any extra fees. All MEP students are to carry on his instrumental tuition with his own music teacher, because the latter will be in a better position to advise him with regards to the solo performance of his chosen instrument specialisation. The music teachers in RI will be covering broad areas of musical studies including performance, composing, analytical listening and world music.

10.	What are the requirements to enter RIMEP? We would prefer that applicants have passed Grade 4 Practical Examinations (ABRSM, Trinity, Guildhall or equivalent) and Grade 4 Theory Examination. This is because of limited places for each batch. Applicants are also expected to be receiving lessons on their musical instruments in the past year. (i.e. it is much preferred that the applicants have not stopped playing the piano/violin etc in the past year). However acquisition of these pre-requisites does not immediately guarantee the applicants' admission to the elective programme since many applicants do have very advanced qualification. Preference would also be given to students who would be enrolling themselves as members of music ensembles (String Ensemble, Choir, Band, Guitar Ensemble and Chinese Orchestra) for their Co-curricular Activities (CCA).

11.	Will my son take the GCE ‘O’ Level Music Exam at the end of Year 4? No. RI (and RGS) MEP students do not sit for the GCE ‘O’ Level music exam at the end of Year 4. Instead, they will take the internal Raffles Programme MEP exam just like all the other subjects.

12.	Will my son be able to continue taking MEP at ‘A’ Level? RIMEP fully equips every RIMEP student to take up Higher 2 or Higher 3 Music for examination at Year 5 and Year 6 in RJC. However, every student (MEP or not) will still need to sit for a selection test in order to do MEP at ‘A’ Level in RJC.

13.	Who may I contact for more information? You may contact the MEP Teacher, Ms Hazel Shen, at tel: 65140 694 or email: hazel.shen@ri.edu.sg

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