Music

The Enhanced Music Programme (EMP) is a two-year upper secondary programme that allows students with musical potential, aptitude and passion to pursue a deeper study of music. AISS is one of only four schools in Singapore to offer the EMP and serves as an O-Level/G3 Music Centre for students from other schools across Singapore.

Lower secondary students may enroll in our Music Preparatory Course (MPC), which prepares them for the EMP at upper secondary, culminating in the GCE ‘O’ Level/SEC G3 Music or Higher Music examinations.

Click here for more information!

Music lessons extend to the rest of the AISS student body as well! We offer a comprehensive yet inclusive music programme that encourages students to engage actively in music-making, no matter their foundation.

Our lower secondary music curriculum exposes students to music from various traditions and genres, from local and Southeast Asian music to jazz and contemporary popular styles. The curriculum is structured around four key modules designed to build core musical skills while fostering creativity, collaboration, and appreciation for different musical cultures.

1. Stories We Sing –

This module introduces students to the joy of music through singing. They will develop foundational vocal techniques and aural awareness, while also honing their rhythmic sense through body percussion.

2. Guitar –

To complement their vocal learning, students will explore playing on the guitar. This module equips them with basic chord progressions and strumming patterns, enabling them to accompany songs with an instrument.

3. Keyboard –

Students will explore basic keyboard techniques, learning to play both melodies and chords. This module helps deepen their understanding of harmony and melody, expanding their versatility as young musicians.

4. Battle of the Bands –

The curriculum culminates in a collaborative project, where students form pop bands, bringing together skills from previous modules – singing, guitar, and keyboard – to arrange and perform a cover of a song. Their final performance is showcased to peers and teachers, celebrating their musical journey and teamwork.

AESPIRE is a schoolwide platform for both teachers and students who are interested in the arts to receive mentorship, work collaboratively with like-minded peers and gain experience in performing while showcasing their talent to a wider audience beyond the classroom. In 2025, AESPIRE: Youth Day Edition and AESPIRE: Educators’ Day Edition saw over ten captivating acts, ranging from solo piano, pop band, vocal duets to dance items.

Music opens up multiple career pathways for students, not just in performing. They can choose to step into audio production and sound designing, songwriting and composing, live sound, film music composition, conducting, music therapy and many others in future! Music also develops many transferable skills such as teamwork, perseverance, creativity, and discipline. Whatever your future aspirations, the study of music will help you get there!

More Information

For more information on the music modules and exciting experiences our students have in AI, please follow us @AESPIREAISS on Instagram!

For more information on the Enhanced Music Programme and Music Preparatory Course, please click here.