About the Swan International Music Festival
6 June - 19 June 2027
Application Deadline:
15 January 2027
NAFA Campus 3
Applications open 1 September 2026 on Acceptd
Festival Highlights
The Swan Festival is Singapore’s first full-scale summer programme dedicated to advanced training and public performance in solo and chamber music for violin, viola, cello, and collaborative piano. Based in the heart of Singapore’s cultural district, the festival offers students lessons, masterclasses, career development workshops, and side-by-side performances. Gifted young musicians from around the world join us to hone their artistry in a collaborative and international environment.
Presented in collaboration with the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts (NAFA) and the University of the Arts Singapore (UAS), the festival combines a world-class concert series with a rigorous educational curriculum, offering participants the opportunity to study, perform, and grow in one integrated setting. Our faculty will be drawn from leading institutions around the world to bring expertise and mentorship.
All activities will be conducted in English.
Our Programmes
STRINGS PROGRAMME
Develop as a violinist, violist, or cellist through intensive study including private lessons, studio classes, technique workshops, masterclasses, and side-by-side performances with faculty.
CHAMBER FELLOWSHIP
A full tuition, fully funded program for outstanding young artists who demonstrate exceptional musicianship and a commitment to collaborative performance.
Fellows receive intensive chamber music training and perform alongside faculty and guest artists in our Artistic Series.
COLLABORATIVE PIANO
FELLOWSHIP
A full-tuition, fully funded intensive for pianists pursuing collaborative careers.
Fellows participate in private lessons, coachings with instrumental partners, and weekly studio classes with performance opportunities in concerts and masterclasses.
Student Life
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Instruction is held at the Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts & University of the Arts Singapore on NAFA Campus 3.
The campus is secured with key card access and on-site security staff. Students will be accommodated nearby, within easy walking distance or a short MRT ride.
Lessons, coachings, chamber music rehearsals, and other instructional activities are expected to take place at NAFA & UAS facilities.
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International students are typically accommodated in hotels near NAFA Campus 3. Housing facilities are supervised by Residential Mentors to ensure a safe and supportive environment.
For international participants under 18, a parent or guardian must accompany the student and reside in Singapore during the programme. Local students are welcome to commute daily and do not require a guardian on site.
All international students are provided double-occupancy rooms. Please note that laundry facilities (washer and dryer) may not be readily available in all accommodations.
Local students are encouraged to commute from home.
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Lunch will be provided each weekday.
Meals offer valuable opportunities for students to connect with their peers, as well as to build relationships with faculty, staff, and guest artists.
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Students are typically housed within walking distance of NAFA Campus 3. They are encouraged to commute by foot, MRT, or Grab.
On concert and event days, the program usually arranges bus transportation for participants.
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The program’s Student Affairs team works hard to create a supportive, engaging, and caring environment where students can grow and connect. A variety of activities and excursions are offered throughout the festival, including:
Visits to the Singapore Zoo, Night Safari, and Bird Paradise
Universal Studios Singapore
Beach outings
Hawker centre and food expeditions
Cost, Financial Assistance & Scholarships
APPLICATION FEE
A non-refundable application fee of USD 75 is applicable to all applicants.
All NAFA and NAFA School of Young Talents students are eligible for a waived application fee. Please email us for instructions.
PROGRAMME FEES
| 2027 | Amount (SGD) | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | $2,800 | $2,100 |
| Room & Board (Non-SG based students) | $1,200 | $950 |
| TOTAL | $4,000 | $3,050 |
Singapore-based students pay tuition only — room and board is not required.
Our fees reflect the quality of an internationally benchmarked festival while remaining accessible. Tuition covers intensive instruction with renowned faculty, studio classes, masterclasses, and professional performance opportunities. Comparable international festivals often cost over SGD 12,000 for longer courses; by offering a shorter, concentrated programme, we make world-class training more accessible in our region.
Collaborative Piano and Chamber Fellowship programs are tuition free and fully funded (room and board included).
USD prices may change with currency fluctuations.
MERIT & NEED-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS
The Swan Festival offers a range of merit- and need-based scholarships recognizing exceptional talent and artistic achievement.
All merit scholarships are awarded through a competitive review of application materials.
Applicants wishing to be considered for need-based scholarships must submit additional documentation, including an estimated family contribution and a detailed statement of financial need.
Any scholarship offers will be detailed in the student's acceptance notification.
CHAMBER FELLOWSHIP PROGRAMME
A full tuition program for outstanding young artists at the early stages of their professional careers, who demonstrate exceptional musicianship and a commitment to collaborative performance. Fellows receive intensive chamber music training and perform alongside faculty and guest artists in our faculty series and require a separate application. Learn more.
RESIDENTIAL MENTOR PROGRAMME
Residential Mentors help create a safe, supportive environment for Swan Festival participants staying in festival-arranged hotel accommodation. In recognition of their leadership and service, Residential Mentors receive a full scholarship. Preference is given to Singapore-based students who can assist peers in understanding local laws, cultural norms, and community resources.
Residential Mentors commit approximately 6 hours of scheduled responsibilities per week, in addition to serving on-call. Key responsibilities include:
Enforcing festival policies
Acting as a point of contact for questions about Singapore’s customs, regulations, and public transport
Supporting students in navigating local services, safety protocols, and cultural etiquette
Organising social activities and excursions
Holding regular floor meetings
Assisting with student check-in and check-out
Attending concerts and festival events
Arriving two days prior to the start of the programme for orientation
RESIDENTIAL MENTOR ELIGIBILITY
Must attend the full programme
At least 20 years of age
Familiarity with public transport in Singapore
Serving as a Residential Mentor is an excellent opportunity to build leadership skills, serve as a cultural ambassador, and help shape a positive, enriching experience for fellow musicians.
Applicants interested in the Residential Mentor Programme should submit a brief statement of interest and a résumé highlighting relevant experience as part of the online application.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Q: Who is eligible to apply?
The programme is open to violinists, violists, cellists, and collaborative pianists seeking advanced musical training.Q: What level of playing is expected?
Applicants should demonstrate a strong technical foundation and musical maturity. We welcome students preparing for conservatory auditions, enrolled in tertiary institutions, or participating in advanced secondary programmes such as the Singapore National Youth Orchestra (SNYO), the NAFA School of Young Talents, MEP, SOTA, or similar training environments.Q: I am a primary, secondary, or high school student. Can I apply?
Yes. We welcome applications from talented primary, secondary, and high school students who demonstrate a high level of technical ability and musical maturity. Students involved in advanced youth ensembles, such as the Singapore National Youth Orchestra (SNYO), Music Elective Programme (MEP), or similar programmes, are strongly encouraged to apply.Q: Which instruments are accepted?
The festival focuses exclusively on violin, viola, cello, and collaborative piano.Q: Is there an age limit?
There is no specific age limit. However, most participants are between 14 and 28 years of age, although advanced younger students and young professionals are welcome to apply.Q: When does the application open?
Applications will open on 1 September 2026.Q: What is the application deadline?
The priority deadline is 15 January 2027. Applications submitted by this date will receive full consideration for admission and scholarship funding. After this date, applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis as space permits.Q: When will I receive my application result?
Applicants who apply by the deadline will be notified of their admission status between late February and early March. If you apply after this date, you will receive updates as your application is reviewed. We thank you for your patience during this process.Q: Can I apply after the deadline?
Late applications will be considered on a rolling basis only as space permits. We strongly encourage you to apply early, as places and financial assistance are very limited in later rounds.Q: Can I apply for multiple instruments?
If you wish to be considered on more than one instrument, you must submit a separate application and audition materials for each instrument. Please note that this is strongly discouraged due to the festival’s intensive schedule. -
Q: Are live auditions required?
No. All auditions are conducted entirely via pre-recorded video to ensure accessibility for international applicants. Videos must have been recorded within the past year.Q: How do I submit a letter of recommendation?
When you complete your application on our online platform, your recommender will receive an email with instructions to upload the letter directly. If your teacher is unable to upload the letter, it may be emailed to the festival administration, who will attach it to your file.Q: Can I share audition videos via YouTube or Vimeo?
No, unfortunately. Videos must be uploaded directly to Acceptd. Please ensure all recordings are clearly labelled.Q: Can I receive feedback on my audition recordings?
As we receive a high volume of applications, we regret that it is not possible to offer individual feedback on audition submissions.Q: Can I edit my application after submission?
If you need to amend any part of your application after submission, please contact the festival administration as soon as possible. We will review your request and advise you on any changes that can be accommodated.Q: Who reviews my application?
All admissions decisions are made by the Swan Festival faculty. -
Q: Are merit-based scholarships awarded?
The Swan Festival offers a range of merit-based scholarships recognising exceptional talent and artistic achievement. Awards may cover partial or full tuition, as well as full room and board in selected cases. Any scholarship offers will be detailed in your acceptance notification.Q: Are need-based scholarships offered?
Yes. Need-based scholarships are available. Applicants wishing to be considered should be prepared to provide additional documentation, including an estimated family contribution and a statement of financial need.Q: Can the application fee be waived?
The Swan Festival waives the application fee for all NAFA and NAFA School of Young Talents students. However, we understand that application fees may present a financial challenge for some applicants. If you are facing financial hardship and would like to request a fee waiver, please apply for one directly on Acceptd. -
Q: Will the programme be conducted in English?
Yes. All instruction, rehearsals, and communication will be conducted in English. As Singapore’s official working language, English is widely spoken in education, government, and daily life. You will find it easy to communicate both within the festival and throughout the country.Q: Do I need to attend the entire festival?
Yes. All participants are expected to attend for the full duration of the programme.Q: Who reviews applications?
All admissions decisions are made by the Swan Festival faculty. -
Q: Where will students stay?
International participants are typically accommodated in hotels near NAFA Campus 3. All students are provided double-occupancy rooms. Please note that laundry facilities (washer and dryer) may not be readily available in all accommodations. Local students are encouraged to commute from home.Q: Can I arrange my own accommodation?
Yes. Participants are welcome to arrange their own accommodation if they prefer. However, you must ensure you are able to arrive punctually for all scheduled activities and performances. For international participants under the age of 18 who are not staying in festival accommodation, a parent or guardian must reside with them.Q: Can young international students attend alone?
International participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian and reside together in Singapore during the programme.Q: I am a local student. Do I need a guardian or have a curfew?
No. Local students may commute independently and are not required to stay in festival-arranged accommodation.Q: Do I need a visa to attend the festival?
Visa requirements depend on your country of citizenship. Many nationalities may enter Singapore for short-term study or cultural programmes without a visa. If you require an entry visa, we will provide a formal letter of participation to support your application. You are encouraged to check the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) website or contact your local Singapore Embassy or Consulate for the most up-to-date requirements.Q: Is Singapore a safe place to visit?
Yes. Singapore is consistently ranked among the safest countries in the world. It is a clean, modern city with excellent healthcare, efficient public transport, and a strong emphasis on public safety. English is the main language used in education, government, and daily life, so you will find it easy to communicate and access services. Our team and Residential Mentors are available to assist international participants with questions about daily life, transport, and local customs.