Hi, my gal went for her audition last week bec the teacher in charge is not around previously at the point that the GAT was conducted. Is the interview just applicable to the academic or even the talent domain also has a interview?

No way, she still has to study music theory which is different from ABRSM exam theory. I thot it was New Moon Chicken Essence who features top PSLE student and not Brand’s.[/quote]


Yup, you are right. It is New Moon Chicken. Pardon me, I really have no idea of all these stuffs till I hear it from my gal. I just can’t believe these kids, they are so good with their study and knowing that they will choose schools like RGS and NYGH even though they are also talented. Why do they need to apply for DSA for specialised school such as SOTA and make the standard so difficult for the rest of the kids. Anyway, i am just whining.

Hi Dasalo,


Thank you so much for helping out with my questions, they are really helpful. And also thanks to all the parents in this forum for sharing so much.

Somehow, my gal has classmates and friends who are keen in pursuing their education with SOTA. Some have received the CO and only a couple of them have not. One of her classmate applied for both VA and Voice, she has gotten the CO for Voice but not VA two days ago. Yesterday, this classmate of hers received another letter informing that she will also be given a CO for VA. I thought the SOTA will only offer one art form and not both?

Most of her friends are celebrating and excited about the acceptance. My gal was anxious about the outcome, and we are wondering why it is taking so long. I do not want the waiting to affect her preparation of the prelim next week.

The reason that I am asking nos of kids admitted for voice or piano out of the 20-30 kids from music, hoping to understand her chance. So far, I have already heard that there are 4-5 students got in for voice. So I wonder will she stand any chances in relative comparison even though there isn’t a quota. I have not heard of anyone got in bec of piano, and I wonder whether the criteria for piano are tougher?

As for the question on competitions, there are saying that the kids specializing in SOTA for piano are not so competitive in national competitions bec they lacks details and focus as they are just doing far too many things at the same time.

I was also told by one of my gal’s fren who is very strong in her study (aim to be a top scholar and wanted to get her picture take for Brand’s Essence of Chicken) mentioned that if she got into SOTA, she can be exempted from theory papers bec she has passed them.

Hi ikkinique,


Thanks for sharing so much. I have a couple of questions if you can help me with:-
1) Out of the 20-30 music students per year, how may are piano or voice?
2) Do they get exemption from theory subject if they have obtained the ABRSM theory?
3) If the kid has not gotten a theory in Gr5, will they be able to have practical lesson around grade 7?
4) There are some saying that SOTA piano student is not able to with competition (e.g NPVC) bec they don’t have the time to perfect their pieces due to the overwhelming schedule. For scholarship and furthering studies in music in prestige music academy will only consider winners. Is this true?
5) Last but not least, do you mind sharing with me your grades in music when you audited for SOTA at P6. I hope my gal stands a chance.

Thanks for sharing and the well wishes. Your gal must have a beautiful voice and very talented. Yup, need all the luck. My gal is stronger in instrument but she really not good with her academic. I hope she has not done too badly in her written work or her academic for P5 & P6 not good enough to be consider. She mentioned that the oral today was tough too.

Carpe diem, thanks! Apparently, some people already getting the info. Felt like calling them up. Mind me checking, do you know of anyone receiving the CO for music instrument? Did your child presented a classical or pop song? Does SOTA needs a certificate on singing? Do they need theory result. A little nervous for my gal. Has not hear anything yet?

Congratulations, Yellow Belt. She must be very good, can share the instrument she played? Have you heard of anyone got in for voice?

Did anyone gets a CO from music or voice? Thanks!