I am Eric James Watson, a versatile and dedicated composer, conductor, and pianist with extensive experience in music education and performance. Over the years, I have had the privilege of working extensively with orchestras, musical ensembles, and educational institutions in Singapore and internationally, contributing compositions and arrangements that blend traditional and contemporary musical elements. I have a passion for fostering musical talent and leading musical productions, which is reflected in my teaching roles at various music academies and universities as well as in my work composing for orchestras, chamber ensembles, and multimedia projects. My career blends creative artistry with educational mentorship, recognizing music's power to inspire and unite diverse audiences.

Eric James Watson

I am Eric James Watson, a versatile and dedicated composer, conductor, and pianist with extensive experience in music education and performance. Over the years, I have had the privilege of working extensively with orchestras, musical ensembles, and educational institutions in Singapore and internationally, contributing compositions and arrangements that blend traditional and contemporary musical elements. I have a passion for fostering musical talent and leading musical productions, which is reflected in my teaching roles at various music academies and universities as well as in my work composing for orchestras, chamber ensembles, and multimedia projects. My career blends creative artistry with educational mentorship, recognizing music's power to inspire and unite diverse audiences.

Available to hire

I am Eric James Watson, a versatile and dedicated composer, conductor, and pianist with extensive experience in music education and performance. Over the years, I have had the privilege of working extensively with orchestras, musical ensembles, and educational institutions in Singapore and internationally, contributing compositions and arrangements that blend traditional and contemporary musical elements.

I have a passion for fostering musical talent and leading musical productions, which is reflected in my teaching roles at various music academies and universities as well as in my work composing for orchestras, chamber ensembles, and multimedia projects. My career blends creative artistry with educational mentorship, recognizing music’s power to inspire and unite diverse audiences.

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Language

English
Fluent

Work Experience

Composer in Residence at Singapore Chinese Orchestra
July 1, 2016 - Present
Composed original works for the Singapore Chinese Orchestra, contributing to national celebrations and artistic projects, enhancing the orchestra's repertoire with diverse Chinese and fusion music compositions.
Associate lecturer at Singapore University Of Social Sciences
March 1, 2016 - Present
Delivered lectures and academic instruction in music-related courses, fostering student development in music education and appreciation.
Part-time lecturer at Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts
July 1, 2013 - Present
Taught music courses part-time, sharing expertise in composition, conducting, and music education with students.
Senior Teaching Fellow at Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts
July 1, 2010 - Present
Led teaching initiatives in the music department, developing curriculum and mentoring students in music theory, performance, and composition.
Deputy Head of Music at Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts
December 31, 2009 - July 23, 2025
Oversaw academic and administrative responsibilities for the music department, managing staff and curriculum development.
Senior lecturer at Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts
December 31, 2006 - July 23, 2025
Provided high-level instruction and mentorship to students in music composition, conducting, and performance.
Head, School of Music at LASALLE-SIA College of the Arts, Singapore
May 1, 2004 - July 23, 2025
Led the School of Music in strategic planning, curriculum design, and faculty coordination, enhancing the quality of music education and performance training.
Senior Lecturer, Department of Music at LASALLE-SIA College of the Arts, Singapore
December 31, 1999 - July 23, 2025
Taught music courses, developed programmes, and supported student musical growth in a higher education setting.
Musical Director and founder at Media Music
December 31, 2002 - July 23, 2025
Directed music production company focused on theatre and TV commercial music, overseeing creative projects until company closure.
Tutor at Arts Educational School, London, UK
December 31, 1985 - July 23, 2025
Taught musical theatre and music theory courses, preparing students for professional theatre careers.
Tutor at Central School of Speech & Drama; Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA); Urdang Dance Academy; London, UK
December 31, 1981 - July 23, 2025
Provided musical theatre and music theory instruction at leading UK performing arts institutions, preparing students for professional theatre careers.
Associate Lecturer at Singapore University Of Social Sciences
March 1, 2016 - Present
Engaged as an associate lecturer to provide instructional delivery in music education, supporting modules that enhance students' understanding and skills in musical composition and performance.
Part-time Lecturer at Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts
July 1, 2013 - Present
Delivered lectures and practical sessions for music students, specializing in composition, conducting, and music theory, contributing to student development and curriculum enhancement.
Senior Teaching Fellow at Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts
July 1, 2010 - Present
Senior teaching faculty member responsible for leading advanced music courses and guiding student projects in composition and performance while actively engaging in professional music composition.
Deputy Head of Music at Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts
May 1, 2007 - Present
Assisted in managing the School of Music, overseeing academic programs, faculty coordination, and curriculum development while maintaining an active role in composition and musical productions.
Senior Lecturer at Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts
July 1, 2004 - Present
Provided higher education instruction in music, focusing on composition and theory, while contributing to research and composition activities within the academy.
Head, School of Music at LASALLE - SIA College of the Arts, Singapore
May 31, 2004 - August 20, 2025
Led the School of Music from 1999 to May 2004, managing academic operations, faculty, and student affairs while fostering a dynamic environment to support creative musical outputs and education.
Senior Lecturer, Department of Music at LASALLE - SIA College of the Arts, Singapore
December 31, 1999 - August 20, 2025
Delivered music education, with focus on music theory, composition, and performance, mentoring students and contributing to curriculum development between 1992 and 1999.
Musical Director and Founder at Media Music
December 31, 2002 - August 20, 2025
Founded and served as Musical Director for this production company specializing in theatre and TV commercials, providing musical scores, direction, and arrangement from 1991 to 2002.
Tutor at Arts Educational School, London, UK
December 31, 1985 - August 20, 2025
Taught Musical Theatre and Music Theory preparing students for careers in professional musical theatre during the period 1982 to 1985.
Tutor at Central School of Speech & Drama; Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA); Urdang Dance Academy, London, UK
December 31, 1981 - August 20, 2025
Provided tutoring in Musical Theatre and Music Theory at prestigious UK arts institutions from 1971 through 1981, preparing students for professional careers in musical theatre.

Education

P.G. Dip. HE at Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts/NTU
January 1, 2008 - December 31, 2008
MA at National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University
January 1, 2002 - December 31, 2002
Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education at Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts/NTU
January 1, 2008 - December 31, 2008
Master of Arts at National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University
January 1, 2002 - December 31, 2002
Graduate (G.T.C.L.) at Trinity College of London
January 1, 1968 - December 31, 1968
Licentiate (Licentiate of Trinity College London - Mus.Ed) at Trinity College of London
January 1, 1966 - December 31, 1966
Licentiate (L.T.C.L.) Piano at Trinity College of Music
January 1, 1967 - December 31, 1967

Qualifications

G.T.C.L. Graduate Trinity College of London
January 1, 1968 - December 31, 1968
L.T.C.L. Mus.Ed Licentiate Trinity College of London
January 1, 1966 - December 31, 1966
L.T.C.L Piano Licentiate Trinity College of Music
January 1, 1967 - December 31, 1967
Ricordi Prize for Conducting
January 1, 1967 - December 31, 1967
Ricordi Prize for Conducting
January 1, 1967 - August 20, 2025
Graduate Trinity College of London (G.T.C.L.)
January 1, 1968 - August 20, 2025
Licentiate Trinity College London (Mus.Ed)
January 1, 1966 - August 20, 2025
Licentiate Trinity College of Music (L.T.C.L.) Piano
January 1, 1967 - August 20, 2025

Industry Experience

Education, Media & Entertainment, Professional Services, Non-Profit Organization, Government