At OWIS, we believe that music plays an integral role in education, and we strive to incorporate music theory and music appreciation into every aspect of our curriculum. At every level, our students have an opportunity to study music and discover the powerful role that it plays in their daily lives.
Music appreciation is an essential component of our music programme. Students at all grade levels are introduced to a variety of songwriters, composers and artists. They explore different genres of music and learn about the cultural role that music has played in societies around the globe. Throughout their studies, students discover how classical composers influence today's modern musicians. They also learn about the various elements of composition, including tone, pitch, rhythm and more. Not only do they learn to appreciate a variety of styles of music, but they also discover how wonderful music is created.
As with every aspect of our curriculum, the OWIS Music Programme focuses on hands-on learning and skills-based development. In our music programme, we provide students with the opportunity to learn to play different instruments. This hands-on instruction allows them to discover the differences between the instruments, and to learn about which instrument may be the right choice for them. Many of our students compose their own music while studying at OWIS.
Our innovative music curriculum encourages students to think independently and creatively. They are allowed to explore different instruments and consequently write their own music. The creative skills that they develop while studying music at OWIS overlap into other areas of study, allowing them to succeed in different subject areas as well.
The comprehensive music programme at OWIS extends beyond music appreciation and instrument lessons. It also focuses on vocal studies, which is important for many students who enjoy singing and who want to perform.
Vocal studies allow students to understand their tone and pitch while singing, and gives them constructive feedback that they can use to improve their vocal performance. OWIS students who are passionate about vocal performance can focus on vocal studies in the music programme. Like those studying instruments, they receive hands-on learning opportunities and personalised instruction. Students are able to practice their vocal performance skills and they are given opportunities to perform for the community throughout the year. Our vocal studies programme focuses on helping students become more confident and self-assured as they develop their own voice.
The OWIS Music Programme gives students the freedom to explore many aspects of music. Students can choose to:
The music history curriculum is designed to allow students to develop a comprehensive knowledge of the subject area, which will allow them to speak eloquently and intelligently about the world's best musical composers. Students who can speak confidently about music and a wide variety of other subject matters will be uniquely situated to succeed in a global economy.
Our secondary students have the option to choose Music IGCSE and further their music studies within the IBDP group 6 options with either higher or standard level Theatre or Music.
Mandarin and Music Teacher, OWIS Suntec
designation
Mandarin and Music Teacher, OWIS Suntec
education
bio
Born and raised in Singapore, Joanne holds a Bachelors in Music (Piano) from Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts and a Master’s Degree in Music Education from UCL Institute of Education. Besides Singapore, she has worked in the UK, Germany, and Malaysia as a Music Educator.
As an educator, Joanne is a firm believer in lifelong learning and the power of music to build a community. Although the bulk of her work experience is with young learners, she grew to enjoy sharing music with the “young-at-heart” as well. Regardless of competency, making music as a community warms her soul. She often shares the fascinating sounds of different cultures and languages in her classroom.
At OWIS, Joanne is looking forward to spending quality time with the diverse cohort of teachers and students. She particularly appreciates how everyone practises kindness - an important value that is perhaps neglected in the busyness of our lives.
When she is not thinking about teaching, Joanne enjoys coffee, authentic conversations, concerts, traveling, long walks in nature, cooking experiments and practicing mindfulness.
Music Teacher
designation
Music Teacher
education
bio
Malcolm has a Bachelor of Music Education from University of Newcastle (Australia) and a Master of Music from UNSW (Australia). He has been a music educator since 1985, and has taught music in schools in Australia and in eight international schools as a classroom teacher, Arts and Music faculty leader, band and orchestra conductor, and musical theatre musical director.
He has performed on the trumpet, French horn, and double bass in various ensembles and orchestras. He has also performed in Balinese and Malaysian gamelan groups. He is a published composer and continues to explore his own creativity in this field.
As a passionate musician and advocate of the arts, Malcolm encourages students to actively participate in performing and composing activities. The joy that can be found in making and experiencing music is something he has experienced throughout his life, and he seeks to share with all his students at OWIS.
Music Teacher
designation
Music Teacher
education
bio
RenSing grew up in Malaysia, where she moved frequently to different states to follow her father's job postings. She has been in Singapore for the last 23 years.
She has a Master of Arts degree (Leadership and Education Change - NTU/Columbia University), Bachelor of Arts (English Language - University Science of Malaysia), Diploma in Music Teaching (Trinity College London) and Australian Orff Certification Level 1 & 2 (Australia)
As a music lover, Rensing always wanted to share her love of music to others. Right from the tender age of 5, Rensing knew she wanted to be a teacher. She regards music as a tool and language for cross-boundary expressions: across disciplines, culture, and individual circumstances.
As an early childhood music specialist for the last 17 years, Rensing has crafted and conducted numerous play-based, exploratory music learning experiences for young children and their families. Through these musical experiences, she finds that children go on to develop a strong foundation and appreciation of the performing arts; helping them to be well-rounded, creative and confident individuals.
Rensing is married and has 3 teenagers, a preteen and a dog. She loves hiking trails, exploring new musical ideas and trying new recipes!
Music Teacher
designation
Music Teacher
education
bio
Milay Baydur was born in a small town near the ancient city of Antioch in southern Turkey. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education at Omer Halis Demir University in Turkey and worked in Turkish public schools from primary to high school levels engaging with all age groups. She also worked as a flute teacher in a high school in Turkey, specialising in arts education.
At OWIS, Milay is looking forward to creating a music group. She believes that playing an instrument is more about education than innate talent and that all children can learn and enjoy learning to play an instrument if they are taught using the proper methods.
Milay lived in the United States and Azerbaijan before moving to Singapore. She is a mother of two children. She enjoys spending time with her family in her spare time, learning to play different instruments, composing, repairing and painting old furniture, and interior design.
Learn more about our child-centred teaching methodology. Discover why our rigorous and holistic curriculum successfully prepares your child and see how we raise internationally-minded and confident lifelong learners.
