DSA 2023

[zac's mum]

These look like submission pieces for SOTA DSA application. Unless someone can verify that these candidates got their CO in the end, I dont think u can say conclusively this is the standard that SOTA is really looking for. I’ve seen much better at M music school’s in-house concerts. And they arent the best music school. Supposedly NAFA churns out the most number of successful DSAs.

[Avenue3]

Thank you for your views.


Someone commented above that their child with G6 Distinction couldn’t get Violin DSA but got Visual Arts DSA. Others have G8. I wonder if these kids are prodigies.

My kid is G4 distinction, about to take G5 in April, but results may not be out before DSA application and we are still trying. Took 4.5 years to reach this level. First 2.5 yrs was very slow learning with only G1 completed. Then got interested and moving faster.

The teacher doesn’t allow to move forward if he is not confident that the kid can cope. Until now only took G4 exam as we didn’t want to spend too much on exams. We go to Cristofori btw.

[Swc]

Avenue3\" post_id=\"2099601\" time=\"1677764051\" user_id=\"45412:

Thank you for your views.

Someone commented above that their child with G6 Distinction couldn't get Violin DSA but got Visual Arts DSA. Others have G8. I wonder if these kids are prodigies.

My kid is G4 distinction, about to take G5 in April, but results may not be out before DSA application and we are still trying. Took 4.5 years to reach this level. First 2.5 yrs was very slow learning with only G1 completed. Then got interested and moving faster.

The teacher doesn't allow to move forward if he is not confident that the kid can cope. Until now only took G4 exam as we didn't want to spend too much on exams. We go to Cristofori btw.

The profile of kids who get CO for MEP or Higher Music - finished G8, most already doing diploma. Have national or even regional/international competition experience.

[Avenue3]

Swc\" post_id=\"2099603\" time=\"1677765753\" user_id=\"178585:

The profile of kids who get CO for MEP or Higher Music - finished G8, most already doing diploma. Have national or even regional/international competition experience.

I went to MEP workshop conducted for primary school students. The kids got in with G5 and G6 when they are in Primary 6. With volunteers from a top school in Central Singapore. The Sec 3 student volunteers were just embarking on G8 and Diploma. Ofcourse the very talented are always there.

I understand we have very little chance. But try anyway. Nothing to lose.

Btw, MEP has nothing to do with your Grade. They don't teach any instruments and they expect you to learn outside on your own. Ability of play an instrument is one thing and sitting through Music History and Literature classes in MEP and creating and editing soundtracks is altogether completely different.

[zac's mum]

Swc\" post_id=\"2099603\" time=\"1677765753\" user_id=\"178585:

The profile of kids who get CO for MEP or Higher Music - finished G8, most already doing diploma. Have national or even regional/international competition experience.

Yes. Exactly what I heard thru grapevine, the winners for DSA 2022 NJC Music, ACSI MEP, MGS MEP, RI Music and RGS MEP had this profile.

[Zeal mummy]

Avenue3\" post_id=\"2099605\" time=\"1677767390\" user_id=\"45412:

I went to MEP workshop conducted for primary school students. The kids got in with G5 and G6 when they are in Primary 6. With volunteers from a top school in Central Singapore. The Sec 3 student volunteers were just embarking on G8 and Diploma. Ofcourse the very talented are always there.

I understand we have very little chance. But try anyway. Nothing to lose.

Btw, MEP has nothing to do with your Grade. They don't teach any instruments and they expect you to learn outside on your own. Ability of play an instrument is one thing and sitting through Music History and Literature classes in MEP and creating and editing soundtracks is altogether completely different.

Depends on which schools your child is trying for.. as SWC and Zac’s mum has pointed out, for many top tier schools the competition is stiff and many of such profile would have G8 w competition experience. Your child’s music teacher would be the best person to help your child with the DSA pieces. All the best!

[floppy]

Avenue3\" post_id=\"2099605\" time=\"1677767390\" user_id=\"45412:

I went to MEP workshop conducted for primary school students. The kids got in with G5 and G6 when they are in Primary 6. With volunteers from a top school in Central Singapore. The Sec 3 student volunteers were just embarking on G8 and Diploma. Ofcourse the very talented are always there.
...

I think what the MEP workshop means is:
Profile of students entering MEP is typically around G5 and G6 in Primary 6. These students, however, would need to meet the COP of the respective schools as well as be admitted to the school. Upon admission, students will have to attend and pass the selection exercise conducted by the school at the beginning of Secondary 1 before being accepted into the MEP.

However, what swc and zac's mum are saying is:
Profile of students securing a CO for MEP during DSA is at least G8 with regional / international competition experience. It's probably worthwhile to note that in most cases, the schools will only offer 1 CO for MEP. Hence, it's understandable that they will be looking for the 'best'.

[Swc]

Avenue3\" post_id=\"2099605\" time=\"1677767390\" user_id=\"45412:

I went to MEP workshop conducted for primary school students. The kids got in with G5 and G6 when they are in Primary 6. With volunteers from a top school in Central Singapore. The Sec 3 student volunteers were just embarking on G8 and Diploma. Ofcourse the very talented are always there.

I understand we have very little chance. But try anyway. Nothing to lose.

Btw, MEP has nothing to do with your Grade. They don't teach any instruments and they expect you to learn outside on your own. Ability of play an instrument is one thing and sitting through Music History and Literature classes in MEP and creating and editing soundtracks is altogether completely different.

I was not talking about profile of MEP kids, I was talking profile of kids who received CO under Music domain for DSA. Most schools give out 1 to 2 COs per year for Music domain. Which means 1 to 2 COs for all instruments (both Western and Chinese instruments, and including Voice). Hence the competition is extremely stiff. However, once you are already in the school, it becomes much easier to qualify for MEP. The minimum requirement is G5 practical and G3 theory (if I remember correctly).

[floppy]

Swc\" post_id=\"2099617\" time=\"1677773503\" user_id=\"178585:

...
The minimum requirement is G5 practical and G3 theory (if I remember correctly).

IIRC, that was the minimum requirement.

However, in the https://www.moe.gov.sg/education-in-sg/our-programmes/mep-sec/how-to-join, the 2 requirements seem to have been taken out.

[Avenue3]

Thank you for your views.


I spoke to both MOE staff and kids from Catholic Hgh. So it is specific information. This was last year and things would have changed. In the past kids did get in with G5 and G6.

I understand that these kids may not have got it via DSA.