DSA Piano Lessons

How to use piano and music for DSA into your preferred secondary school? 

Would you like your child to use piano & music for DSA (Direct School Admission) so they can secure a spot in your preferred secondary school before they take the PSLE?

The Direct School Admission (DSA) program allows PSLE students to apply directly to their preferred secondary schools based on their talents in areas such as the arts, sports, or other non-academic achievements.

Launched by the Ministry of Education (MOE) in 2004, the DSA provides an alternative route for admission to preferred secondary schools that goes beyond academic results.

This means your child can secure a spot in their preferred school before taking the PSLE, as long as they meet the school’s required cut-off score. Thus reducing the pressure to perform solely on exam day.

How To Prepare Your Child For DSA?

Start As Early As You Can

The DSA application process begins in your child’s Primary 6 year, the same year they will take the PSLE.

However, preparation shouldn’t wait until Primary 5 or 6. It’s best to start as early as Primary 1 or 2 to ensure your child is ready to meet the DSA requirements set by the schools.

Start Right With Strong Foundation

Each school has its own DSA selection criteria for PSLE students applying using performing arts, but most schools would prefer students with Grade 5 and above in Practical and Theory certification from recognised music examination board. (Some schools may require higher qualifications)

Shortlisted students will undergo interviews or auditions, which typically include assessments in music theory, performance, sight-reading, and aural skills.

Therefore, it is crucial for your child to start right, with strong foundation in both music performance and theory from an early age, while consistently tracking their progress to ensure they meet the required standards by Primary 6.

Build A Portfolio

In addition to grading certificates, DSA schools also consider students’ participation and achievements in music recitals, festivals, and competitions. Students are required to submit a portfolio as part of the DSA application.

Therefore, it’s important to begin building this portfolio early in your child’s music journey to have a comprehensive portfolio of their performance experience and accomplishments when applying for the DSA.

DSA Piano Lessons by The Happy Pianist

The Happy Pianist boasts a team of highly qualified and experienced piano teachers committed to helping students establish a strong foundation in piano playing while also building their portfolios for the DSA early in their musical journey.

We also provide a range of opportunities for students to build their performance portfolio, including:
– Accredited and internationally recognised exam certifications such as ABRSM
– Performance in music recitals
– Participation in local and international music festivals
– Performance opportunities in renowned concert halls
– Performance in community and charity events

Our teachers have successfully guided students using DSA for entry into following secondary schools:

  • Catholic High
  • National Junior College (IP)
  • Raffles Institution 
  • Tanjong Katong Girls’ School
  • Dunman High
  • SOTA

Frequently Asked Questions

My child didn't take any grading certification before. Can he still apply for DSA?

We observed that schools doesn’t state the exact exam grade that your child require to apply for DSA. (They do not state ABRSM Grade 5 certificate as a prerequisite).

You can still apply for DSA without any grading certificates. However, the schools do require your child to have certain standard of music performance and theory knowledge in order to be shortlisted.

My child has only taken exam grading so far, but didn't participate in any live performances like recitals or competitions before. Can he still apply for DSA?

Grading certificates is just one of the many factors that the school consider in the DSA selection process.

Most schools will ask for a portfolio of your child’s achievements and involvement in performances that show their passion for piano and music.

Hence, we encourage and prepare our students to participate in recitals, festivals, competitions (not just exams), to build up a comprehensive portfolio for their DSA application.

My P6 child has Grade 8 Piano and Grade 5 Theory certification and also participated in many music events. Will she be guaranteed a place via DSA?

All shortlisted students have to undergo interviews and auditions, regardless of the certificates they have. They need to perform well for the auditions and meet the school selection criteria to be considered.

Our teachers can provide students with the best possible preparation and portfolio, but the final decision rests with the secondary school. No one can guarantee admission through the DSA program.

Kick Start Your Music DSA Preparation With Our Teachers Today!

Fill up the form below with your request and music background, and we will get in touch with you with an experienced piano teacher who can guide your child for DSA.

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