Singapore’s Fresh Music School Beats the Drum for the Next Generation of Songwriters
At The Yards – a repurposed Telok Kurau Primary School now buzzing with guitars and beats – a new music school is taking center stage. The Songwriter Music College (TSMC), born from a partnership between film- and media juggernaut mm2 Asia and local music powerhouse Funky Monkies, is set to launch diploma courses aimed at turning raw talent into full‑blown songwriting, singing, and production pros.
Birth of a Music Powerhouse
On October 31, the two companies inked a memorandum of understanding at their shiny new campus. The ceremony was punctuated by a video where Mandopop legend Wakin Chau wrapped up a pep talk: “An album is never just about music theory. Real‑world experience is the real gold.”
Inside the TSMC Blueprint
- Founded by Eric Ng, a seasoned arranger and producer for mega‑stars like A‑me, Sandy Lam, and Tanya Chua.
- Co‑run by lyricist Xiaohan and producer‑singer‑songwriter Jim Lim.
- Capitalises on mm2 Asia’s achievements in film (Ah Boys to Men), concert production, and cinema operations.
- Future diploma courses are eye‑level, roadmap‑fashioned, and currently awaiting accreditation.
What Students Can Expect
Think of TSMC as a three‑times‑larger version of Funky Monkies’ FM Pop Music School, already famed for feeding talent to singers like Stefanie Sun and Angela Chang. Students will:
- Enrol in a one‑year full‑time or a two‑year part‑time diploma – whichever fits their lifestyle.
- Learn to craft songs across genres, in both English and Chinese.
- Gain a deep appreciation for the back‑end craft: songwriting and production, equally essential as front‑end stardom.
- Tap into the brand‑wide network of mm2 Asia and Funky Monkies, opening doors to future gigs and collaborations.
Beyond the Classroom
“When students come in, it’s not just the chalk and beats. We’re handing them career opportunities,” says Ng, hinting at an ecosystem where fresh‑minded talent gets to roll up their sleeves and cut the real record.
So, if you’re a budding lyricist, vocalist, or hit‑maker itching for a chance to breathe life into music that reaches millions – keep an eye on TSMC. It’s poised to turn dreams into summer playlists and chart‑stopping hits.
