Frequently Asked Questions about joining NUS EML

🎧 Frequently Asked Questions for New Students Interested in NUS Electronic Music Lab (EML)

What is the NUS Electronic Music Lab (EML)? EML is a performing arts group at NUS focused on original electronic music composition and performance using digital software and audio technology.
Do I need any prior experience in music or software to join? No experience is required! EML welcomes all levels of musical and technical backgrounds. If you are brand new, we will teach you from level zero. If you are experienced, we will teach you advanced techniques like performance skills and sound design.
Is EML open to students from all faculties and disciplines? Yes, EML is open to all NUS students regardless of their academic background, our members come from FASS, Science, Business, Law, Medicine, Computer Science, and more.
How do I join EML? You can contact EML via email at electronicmusiclab@gmail.com or reach out by Instagram.

What kind of music will I learn to make? EML covers a wide range of genres including ambient, trance, dubstep, lo-fi, synthwave, and even hybrid styles like orchestral-electronic or jazz-electronic, and genres that we haven’t even heard of.
Will I learn how to compose my own music? Yes! EML teaches members how to compose, produce, and perform original electronic music from scratch.
What software or tools will I use? All lessons and performances are in Ableton Live, which we recommend. If you are already experienced in FL Studio, or Logic Pro, you can apply the principles to your favourite software, or you can learn Ableton.

Do I need to buy the software? You can use the free trial version of Ableton Live 12 for 30 days. After that, you will not be able to save files. If you want to carry on with us, we will arrange for a group buy for Ableton Live 12. You can buy Live 12 Suite EDU (Educational price ) usual price $530 / EML price $477.00; or Live 12 Intro USD 99 (from the website)

Do I need to buy any equipment? You can get by with just your laptop and headphones, but you may also want to buy a keyboard or pad controller or a controller with knobs (all optional), and we will also arrange a group buy.
Can I just listen or jam without performing? Yes, whether you want to compose, sample, jam, or just listen, you have flexibility in how you participate at your own pace, as long as you help out where needed, BUT we assure you, it’s even more fun and rewarding to work towards performing live!

Will I get opportunities to perform live? Yes! EML organizes multiple performances annually, including our flagship event OMNIVERSE, and we get invitations to perform externally as well.
Can I collaborate with other artists or groups? Yes, EML frequently collaborates with performers from drama, dance, and film to create original soundtracks and live shows.
What if I’m more interested in studio production than live performance? EML supports both live performers and studio producers BUT we assure you, it’s even more fun to work towards live performance!

Will I receive mentorship or guidance? Yes, EML provides structured learning for beginners and advanced techniques for experienced producers.
Is there a community I can connect with? EML is the one place in NUS where you can meet people with the same interest in making electronic music. EML Tutors and Exco are also connected to professional electronic musicians and industry experts and will bring them in for Master Classes
Can I explore unconventional or niche genres? Definitely. EML encourages genre-blending and experimentation—there are no limits to the music you can create.