Career as an artist (musician) in Singapore?

[Unsurestudent]

Hi all, I have an interest in music writing (composition) and am considering pursuing it professionally as a career, full-time or freelance. I hope to be able to eventually become a film of video game composer sometime.

However, I am not sure about the viability of such a job. I know the arts scene in Singapore is doing quite well, but that individual artists often have a hard-time getting by solely on their art alone and often have to supplement their income with a secondary job. I’m not even sure there’s a niche in the market for such professions (perhaps overseas). Could anyone in the arts/music industry give some advice regarding this?

Because of uncertainties regarding the job, I’m also open to taking Psychology in Uni as I’m also very interested in it, but I don’t want to to give up music. I’ve narrowed down my options to a few:
• Study music professionally in Uni
• Get a double degree for both Psych and Music
• Get a Bachelor’s for Psych and Music separately (so consecutive degrees)
• Get a Bachelor’s for Psych, and study music OTOT on the side (but I’m not sure if I would be disadvantaged by not taking music professionally as I would have less opportunities to know people in the industry/get professional tutoring)
• Go to US

I’m leaning highly towards the last option, as many US universities adopt a liberal arts approach to their undergrad education where students study a variety of general knowledge in the first two years before specialising, so I get more time to explore. Also I think US is a better place to study and find jobs in Arts in general. Any feedback from people who’ve decided to major in arts or music subjects would be greatly appreciated.

Some more things about me:
• I graduated in JC in 2017, currently in NS
• I really love music, but only started learning it about 3+ years ago, so I’m unsure if I should study composition professionally in Uni
• My grades are good, extracurriculars are average I’ll say (not enough music activities to put forth a solid application for music yet imo)

Originally Posted by Unsurestudent

Hi all, I have an interest in music writing (composition) and am considering pursuing it professionally as a career, full-time or freelance. I hope to be able to eventually become a film of video game composer sometime.

However, I am not sure about the viability of such a job. I know the arts scene in Singapore is doing quite well, but that individual artists often have a hard-time getting by solely on their art alone and often have to supplement their income with a secondary job. I’m not even sure there’s a niche in the market for such professions (perhaps overseas). Could anyone in the arts/music industry give some advice regarding this?

Because of uncertainties regarding the job, I’m also open to taking Psychology in Uni as I’m also very interested in it, but I don’t want to to give up music. I’ve narrowed down my options to a few:
• Study music professionally in Uni
• Get a double degree for both Psych and Music
• Get a Bachelor’s for Psych and Music separately (so consecutive degrees)
• Get a Bachelor’s for Psych, and study music OTOT on the side (but I’m not sure if I would be disadvantaged by not taking music professionally as I would have less opportunities to know people in the industry/get professional tutoring)
• Go to US

I’m leaning highly towards the last option, as many US universities adopt a liberal arts approach to their undergrad education where students study a variety of general knowledge in the first two years before specialising, so I get more time to explore. Also I think US is a better place to study and find jobs in Arts in general. Any feedback from people who’ve decided to major in arts or music subjects would be greatly appreciated.

Some more things about me:
• I graduated in JC in 2017, currently in NS
• I really love music, but only started learning it about 3+ years ago, so I’m unsure if I should study composition professionally in Uni
• My grades are good, extracurriculars are average I’ll say (not enough music activities to put forth a solid application for music yet imo)

To do music is hard work not just in Singapore, but in taiwan, Malaysia or the US.

If you really want to do it, go ahead as this is your passion.
Are you able to take hardship? Are you able to accept that you will most probably remain a pauper, but still pursue music for the love.


How much money your parents have? Can they give you some money to tide over? Do they need you to support them?

If you can take hardship and your family doesn't need your help to support them and you love music, yes for it.

[Unsurestudent]

Thanks for your advice....

The issue is, my parents don't want me studying music because, like what you said, they don't think I can make money from it. They can support me for the time being, but the issue is that I might not be able to support them (and myself) when I grow older.

On the other hand, what's the point in studying an employable subject (like Medicine) if you have absolutely no interest in it either? That won't last. So the issue is managing to reconcile these two things - interest vs salary, which I am having trouble with at the moment.

[Unsurestudent]

Originally Posted by Unregistered

To do music is hard work not just in Singapore, but in taiwan, Malaysia or the US.

If you really want to do it, go ahead as this is your passion.
Are you able to take hardship? Are you able to accept that you will most probably remain a pauper, but still pursue music for the love.


How much money your parents have? Can they give you some money to tide over? Do they need you to support them?

If you can take hardship and your family doesn't need your help to support them and you love music, yes for it.

Thanks for your advice....

The issue is, my parents don't want me studying music because, like what you said, they don't think I can make money from it. They can support me for the time being, but the issue is that I might not be able to support them (and myself) when I grow older.

On the other hand, what's the point in studying an employable subject (like Medicine) if you have absolutely no interest in it either? That won't last. So the issue is managing to reconcile these two things - interest vs salary, which I am having trouble with at the moment.

Originally Posted by Unsurestudent

Thanks for your advice....

The issue is, my parents don't want me studying music because, like what you said, they don't think I can make money from it. They can support me for the time being, but the issue is that I might not be able to support them (and myself) when I grow older.

On the other hand, what's the point in studying an employable subject (like Medicine) if you have absolutely no interest in it either? That won't last. So the issue is managing to reconcile these two things - interest vs salary, which I am having trouble with at the moment.

Interest vs Salary. Everyone, perhaps only the mortals would encounter this issue.

My advice is get a degree in a field that is remotely related to music and one that makes you employable.

Many aspect of music also comes from things like history, art etc.

You would probably need life experience to be able to come out with the best music composition as well.

Enjoy and experience life, look out of an opportunities to work with musicians. You definitely do not need a degree to be a musician unless you would like to teach.

Originally Posted by Ninter

Hello everyone, if you want to quickly and easily learn how to draw, I advise you to contact [s://artzgraine.com.sg/[/ . Today it is the best school for drawing. I recently completed my training there and am very pleased with the result. I learned a lot about art and also learned how to draw beautifully. Therefore, if you also want to learn how to draw or learn more about the world of art, I advise you to contact this particular school. Here, many people get not only experience in drawing, but also knowledge in art.

Wow thanks but your website sucks ass and it affected my computer with virus.

Also I gotta say it's the worst drawing school ever. Please be ashamed of yourself and don't ever post that hot garbage on here ever again.

Need vs want debate essentially.
Will you die if you don't do music or the arts? NO

Well, then feed your tummy and amass your wealth first. When you have the wealth, then pursue your interest. Unless you are like some of the kids from NAFA/SOTA coming from wealthy privileged families, who does not need to worry about money because they reincarnated into a family that can support them to pursue their interest.

Interest wanes over time btw. so no point pursuing something so nebulous. That's a reason why when Lee Kuan Yew builds SG, he wants to improve industries that can let SG be self-sufficient and economically strong. You think he does everything for the sake of 'passion', 'interest' and 'calling'?

To those artsy fartsy people, please come back to earth from your imaginary cloud castle. Stop doing things at your whims and fancies just because you like it. Next time, when you have a business, you will know you need to drive profit and do things that can strengthen your P&L. Not make a business decision just because you like it. You will get fired by your investors and board of directors.

Hello artsy fartsy people, do NFT and you will be filthy rich. Easy.

Originally Posted by Ninter

Hello everyone, if you want to quickly and easily learn how to draw, I advise you to contact [s://artzgraine.com.sg/[/ . Today it is the best school for drawing. I recently completed my training there and am very pleased with the result. I learned a lot about art and also learned how to draw beautifully. Therefore, if you also want to learn how to draw or learn more about the world of art, I advise you to contact this particular school. Here, many people get not only experience in drawing, but also knowledge in art.

I know this thread is about a career in art. But since this spam, your probably a con artist and that doesn't count!

Originally Posted by Unsurestudent

Hi all, I have an interest in music writing (composition) and am considering pursuing it professionally as a career, full-time or freelance. I hope to be able to eventually become a film of video game composer sometime.

However, I am not sure about the viability of such a job. I know the arts scene in Singapore is doing quite well, but that individual artists often have a hard-time getting by solely on their art alone and often have to supplement their income with a secondary job. I’m not even sure there’s a niche in the market for such professions (perhaps overseas). Could anyone in the arts/music industry give some advice regarding this?

Because of uncertainties regarding the job, I’m also open to taking Psychology in Uni as I’m also very interested in it, but I don’t want to to give up music. I’ve narrowed down my options to a few:
• Study music professionally in Uni
• Get a double degree for both Psych and Music
• Get a Bachelor’s for Psych and Music separately (so consecutive degrees)
• Get a Bachelor’s for Psych, and study music OTOT on the side (but I’m not sure if I would be disadvantaged by not taking music professionally as I would have less opportunities to know people in the industry/get professional tutoring)
• Go to US

I’m leaning highly towards the last option, as many US universities adopt a liberal arts approach to their undergrad education where students study a variety of general knowledge in the first two years before specialising, so I get more time to explore. Also I think US is a better place to study and find jobs in Arts in general. Any feedback from people who’ve decided to major in arts or music subjects would be greatly appreciated.

Some more things about me:
• I graduated in JC in 2017, currently in NS
• I really love music, but only started learning it about 3+ years ago, so I’m unsure if I should study composition professionally in Uni
• My grades are good, extracurriculars are average I’ll say (not enough music activities to put forth a solid application for music yet imo)

Errr what do u wanna do? Become a music teacher in some HDB block? Or some MOE music teacher.

Frankly, these are what most music students become, at least in the SG context. Either you venture overseas (with a lot of money) or u suddenly rise to fame (where the chance is smaller than seeing opposition wins PAP).

You are born at the wrong time - if it's 50-70 years ago maybe yes, philosophy, art, music are probably important. Now it's a tech era. I think you need to assess the environment whether it's right for you to do it. Not just do music just because it's your interest.

need to ask yourself:
1. How long will your interest last?
2. Are you too selfish to pursue your interest while burdening your parents?
3. Is music the only vision you see yourself in the future?
4. What do you need to be a successful musician? Do you have the money, network, talent, infrastructure, EQ, good music school background
5. Are you aware of the murky, dirty secrets in the industry to succeed? There are allegations that actors, models, musicians, singers need to sleep with directors or some rich investors just to get money for your production. Just go read what ex-models, ex-artists had said and you would know.
6. Are you aware of the legal landscape in music composition? Do you have a strong legal backing in the face of copyright allegation?
7. How sure are you that you are capable to maintain strong mental health? I am sure you had heard many artists committed suicide these days right?
8. In the art/music industry, if you need to face the audience, you need to have a good look, nice body. Just look at yourself in front of the mirror and judge for yourself.

Yeah think properly. Some careers are bound to fail, if you have not considered all the logistics behind it. Let's not be airy-fairy (I find this concurs more to the art-inclined students compared to the STEM students). that's why a dream remains a dream sometimes.