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 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.
Music Teacher
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Music Teacher
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Nancy found her love for music when she started learning piano at the age of four, and later the violin at the age of eight. She has performed in orchestras as the Concert Master and string ensembles as the lead violinist. In addition, she has performed in masterclasses, honor recitals, concerts and music festivals. She has also collaborated with several instrumentalists for various performances.
Nancy obtained her Bachelor of Music degree at the Manhattan School of Music and Master of Music at the University of Toronto (St. George). She earned her Cambridge International Certificate in Teaching and Learning (CICTL) at the GIG Education Centre and the Arts and Music Instructors Scheme (AMIS) and Co-curricular Activity Instructor in Performing Arts under the Ministry of Education (MOE).
As a pedagogue, Nancy’s teaching philosophy is to ignite students’ interest and curiosity, develop their critical-thinking skills and foster their ability to apply the skills they have learnt in class into their everyday lives. She aims for students to become active learners and take ownership of their own learning.
Prior to joining One World International School, Nancy taught at the Overseas Family School as the International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle Years Programme (MYP) Music Teacher and the Piano Pedagogy Programme at the University of Toronto (St. George) for students between the ages 5 to 7. At the Piano Pedagogy programme, she has researched and utilised the Orff, Kodaly and Dalcroze methods.
Nancy enjoys reading Dan Brown’s novels, running, swimming, exploring different cuisines and travelling with her family.
Music Teacher, Head of Music Department
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Music Teacher, Head of Music Department
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Bringing a musical touch to OWIS, Claire Andersen is passionate about the creative arts. She found her love for music at seven after picking up a violin for the first time. She spent 15 years of her professional career teaching ensemble groups and individual music lessons at schools in Melbourne. Claire earned her Bachelor of Primary Education at Deakin University.
Claire spent much of her classroom career teaching music to students in the beautiful Dandenong Ranges before moving to Singapore in 2017 with her husband. She believes music opens doors to creativity and helps students focus. She has recently begun her Orff-Schulwerk Accreditation.
When she’s not immersing her students in a classical piece, Claire enjoys spending time with her two children. She believes physical fitness is key to a strong mind and body and regularly practices Pilates at the gym.
Music Teacher
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Music Teacher
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Erwin was born and raised in Singapore. After completing his National Service, he went to USA to pursue his degree in Bachelor of Music at Berklee College of Music. Upon returning to Singapore, he attended his teacher training course at Nanyang Technological University/NIE and was awarded a Diploma in Education (Music Specialist).
As a teacher, Erwin believes an ideal music lesson should be fun and engaging where students are always playing various instruments and making music. He also believes that the students should be given the opportunity to learn as many instruments as possible in the classroom such as the ukulele, acoustic guitar, keyboard, pitch and non-pitched percussion instruments. With this is done, children learn to use instruments as a tool, to not just perform but also compose and analyse music. All students should participate in as many performances as possible because from these performance experiences, they will become more confident, disciplined and committed to giving their best. They will understand how music works as Art and they will be able to appreciate music better.
Erwin's history teacher who taught him A Level History inspired him to become a teacher himself. He can never forget all the efforts his history teacher put in to get him to where he is today.
Erwin believes OWIS has a bright future as a leading international school in Singapore. He is happy to be a part of this growing community and also to continue grooming future talents.
Erwin enjoys travelling, road trips and likes Malay, Indonesian, Middle East, Indian and Western food!
Music Teacher
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Music Teacher
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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!
For more information on the OWIS Music Programme and to find out how it complements the rest of the school curricula, book a tour of the Singapore campus today.
