Intro
Patrick Olsen is a lecturer in Popular Music at LASALLE College of the Arts Singapore, where he spearheaded curriculum modernisation for core modules like Ensemble, Performance Workshop, and Aural Skills. This work culminated in research on contemporary popular-music pedagogy and the development of a pop-focused method book for Aural Skills.
Qualifications
Patrick’s academic journey has taken him from the Berklee College of Music (BM, Contemporary Writing and Production) to the Irish World Academy (MA, Traditional Music Performance), the Open University (BSc, Psychology), and finally, the University of Cambridge, where he earned his PhD in Education (Music) in 2019. His doctoral research explored the assessment of improvisation in graded music examinations and its influence on instrumental music lessons. He honed his teaching expertise through the University of Cambridge’s Teaching Associate Programme (TAP), achieving Associate Fellowship in Higher Education (AFHEA).
Curation & Directing
Beyond the university setting, Patrick has designed and led the Popular & Jazz Music streams at the Ministry of Education’s EMP-MEP summer music camps. He is also a dedicated curator and organiser of music events. From 2019–2025, he oversaw the Rock and Indie Festival (RIF!), a popular underground student music festival in Singapore. He also programmed the college’s public concert series, featuring student recitals and guest artists. While at Cambridge (2014-2019), he founded Homerton Jazz, a music society encompassing a jazz orchestra and the University’s only student-led weekly live jam session. His contributions to the college were recognised with the prestigious Barton Prize and Student Representation Award.
Meet The Band
A woodwind specialist with a passion for roots/folk music, Patrick has enjoyed long-term performance collaborations with the Irish Harp Orchestra and Irish Chamber Orchestra. He is a regular presence in Singapore’s jazz and blues clubs, where he doubles-down on soulful baritone saxophone playing.