Introducing GMI x LASALLE Degree Pathway
In this interview, we hear from Dr. Timothy O’Dwyer, Head of the School of Contemporary Music at LASALLE College of the Arts. All responses are attributed to him and reflect his perspectives on this exciting partnership. We thank Dr. O’Dwyer for sharing his insights with us.
Can you tell us about LASALLE College of the Arts, School of Contemporary Music (SoCM) and its approach to formal music education?
LASALLE’s School of Contemporary Music’s suite of programmes in contemporary music performance, composition and audio production is designed to develop students’ potential as a musician, singer, songwriter or audio production technician in the popular and commercial market, as well as the experimental and cutting edge.
Unlike traditional conservatories, the School encourages students to develop their creative voices and engage with contemporary practices. The curriculum emphasises artistic exploration, technical proficiency and interdisciplinary collaboration. This is explored through musical experimentation, cross-genre filtration and cutting edge academic research.
What makes LASALLE unique in terms of its music programmes and industry connections?
LASALLE’s School of Contemporary Music houses students studying classical repertoire and improvisation, electronic music, popular music, jazz performance and composers who create music for concert performances and multimedia collaboration.
The School engages artists and industry professionals on many platforms, including four major public festivals in Singapore every year including Piano Voyage, Rock and Indie Festival, CHOPPA Festival of Experimental Music and the Living Composers Series. These festivals feature staff, students, alumni, visiting artists and international collaborators.
The commitment to experimental practice sets the School apart in the field of music education—enabling students to readily take risks, think outside the box and remain competitive and at the forefront of the music industry.
What prompted the development of the partnership between LASALLE and GMI?
The partnership was spurred by a rich common ground of educational and artistic objectives stemming from the development of professional relationships between staff members from both institutions. Both institutions are committed to contemporary music education with an emphasis on creativity and industry relevance.
What opportunities can students from GMI expect through this collaboration?
Graduates of GMI’s two-year Artist Diploma programmes can fast track their education journey by gaining entry into Year 2 of LASALLE’s three-year BA (Hons) Music programmes—subject to submission of video recording and interview—specialising in areas such as Popular Music Performance, Electronic Music and Composition and Arranging. As an added benefit, GMI graduates will also enjoy a more seamless admissions process with special exemptions from the online theory and aural test administered by LASALLE’s School of Contemporary Music.
Any advice for aspiring musicians looking to study at LASALLE?
You will already have a firm musical foundation from GMI, so please come and build on this platform in creative and expansive ways. Engage with the local and regional music scene— Singapore is a hub for diverse musical traditions and industry professionals. Take advantage of networking opportunities: attend masterclasses, performances and industry talks. We value artistic originality and creativity so work on original compositions and projects.
How does LASALLE support students in developing a global perspective on music and the arts?
LASALLE offers its students the following to develop a global perspective in their learning:
- International exchange programmes with institutions worldwide.
- Masterclasses, residencies and mentorship programmes with global industry leaders.
- Opportunities to perform internationally, including festivals and competitions.
- Interdisciplinary collaborations across different arts disciplines.
How does LASALLE’s location in Singapore contribute to its music education offerings?
Singapore is in an ideal strategic position to develop musicians, music managers, creatives and emerging music business professionals in today’s cross-cultural and multilingual environments. The three major record labels (Sony, Universal and Warner), as well as streaming giant Spotify and the recorded music industry advisory group IFPI, all have their regional headquarters in Singapore.
Are there specific genres or styles of music that LASALLE particularly focuses on?
LASALLE’s School of Contemporary Music offers specialisations in Popular Music Performance, Electronic Music, Jazz Performance, Composition and Arranging and Classical Performance.
What kind of career support or networking opportunities does LASALLE provide for its music students?
All BA (Hons) programmes at LASALLE are complemented by the Common Curriculum, which comprises the IN-depth, Career Skills and Industry-based Learning modules. The Common Curriculum is designed to equip students with skills and mindsets for lifelong learning, including critical and creative thinking, resilience and resourcefulness. It also provides the essential skills needed to navigate the professional world, and offers real-work experience, enabling the application of skills in a practical setting and to make industry connections.
Images courtesy of LASALLE College of the Arts
Explore the partnership: GMI x LASALLE
Learn more about LASALLE: LASALLE College of the Arts