logo
Sharjah Performing Arts launches UAE's first College of Music

Sharjah Performing Arts launches UAE's first College of Music

Sharjah 2427-02-2025
The College of Music at SPAA will offer a comprehensive and industry-focused curriculum, designed to equip students with the technical expertise, artistic vision, and professional skills needed for successful careers in various fields of music. Programmes will cover
Western and Arabic music performance, composition, conducting, music technology, musicology, and music pedagogy
, providing a holistic education that embraces both tradition and innovation.
Dr. Alexandros Spyrou, Dean of the College of Music, expressed his enthusiasm for the launch:
'The College of Music at SPAA represents a major step forward for music education in the region. Our aim is to nurture a new generation of musicians who will contribute to the rapidly evolving musical landscape of the UAE and the MENA region. We are committed to providing our students with a rigorous artistic education that
upholds the highest international standards
but at the same time remains connected to the cultural fabric of the region.'
The new college will offer state-of-the-art facilities, including specialised rehearsal spaces, recording studios, and performance venues. Students will benefit from mentorship by internationally renowned faculty and opportunities to collaborate across SPAA's diverse performing arts disciplines.
'With the establishment of the College of Music, SPAA continues its mission to be a centre of excellence for the performing arts,' added Spyrou. 'We are creating a space where students can develop their talent, push their artistic boundaries, and define their artistic identity.'
The College of Music is set to welcome its first cohort of students in September 2025, with applications now open for aspiring musicians eager to begin their educational journey.
For more information about SPAA and its programmes, visit
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Manar Abu Dhabi to brighten up the capital once again this November
Manar Abu Dhabi to brighten up the capital once again this November

What's On

time10 hours ago

  • What's On

Manar Abu Dhabi to brighten up the capital once again this November

Art lovers, this one's for you. Manar Abu Dhabi is returning this November 2025, turning the city into one big canvas. The enchanting art exhibition first took place in 2023, where it illuminated various spots around the capital with art commissions from talented artists. Now, it is returning due to popular demand, taking place from November 15, 2025. If it is following the previous edition's pattern, it will last until the end of January 2026, but we will have to wait for confirmation from Abu Dhabi Culture and Public Art Abu Dhabi. *From street art to sculpture parks: how Dubai is becoming an open-air gallery* What to expect at Manar Abu Dhabi? Last year, artists showed off their talents through light sculptures, projections, and immersive works of art. It was held under the theme Grounding Light – a fitting title, as Manar is Arabic for lighthouse or guiding light. This year's theme has not been announced, but you can keep your eyes peeled for updates from the Abu Dhabi Culture Instagram page. Ayesha Hadhir, Rawdha Al Ketbi, Shaikha Al Ketbi, Dawaran 2023 In the past edition, a number of key locations in Abu Dhabi were lucky to host these magnificent artworks. It included Corniche Road and Beach, Eastern Mangrove, Fahid Island, Jubail Mangrove Park, Lulu Island, Saadiyat Island, and Al Samaliyah Island. Over 20 local, regional, and international artists were invited to attend, each presenting their interpretation of the theme. And while all the sculptures are Instagrammable, some are interactive, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the artwork, and some are just thought-provoking, allowing you to pause and soak in a deeper message. Stay tuned for all the latest updates on this art festival via or via @abudhabiculture Images: Manar Abu Dhabi Feature image: Artist Rafael Lozeno-Hemmer – Thermal Drift > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in

Hatta Sustainable Waterfalls: what's currently open and what's coming up
Hatta Sustainable Waterfalls: what's currently open and what's coming up

What's On

time12 hours ago

  • What's On

Hatta Sustainable Waterfalls: what's currently open and what's coming up

Seeking a dose of calm away from the bustling city? Hop in a car with loved ones and head to Hatta, to check out the mountainous region's newest attraction: Hatta Sustainable Waterfalls. It opened last year but was a vision of HH Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, announced back in 2021. Over the years, it was gradually taking shape before opening in December 2024, days before the new year. But work is still ongoing, with new elements being added. Here's what's currently open at Hatta Sustainable Waterfalls in Dubai Hatta Sustainable Waterfalls Since it opened, the key feature of the Hatta Sustainable Waterfall is, of course, the waterfall. It was unveiled by Brand Dubai and features a beautiful mural of the founding fathers of the UAE. It is said to be the world's largest mosaic artwork, spanning 2,198.7 square metres and 1.2 million pieces of natural marble. It recreates a historical photograph of the late His Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan and His Highness Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum. How is the waterfall sustainable? Well, the project uses the slope of the upper dam (Al Ghabra dam), thus creating a natural waterfall. The water in the attraction is collected, recycled, and pumped back to the top of the dam, which makes it sustainable. Once you've taken in the view of the mural from the bottom, you can climb to the top of the dam to admire the views of the landscaped area below and the mountain range in the back. There's also a waterway below the dam for picture opportunities and a scenic boardwalk for visitors to enjoy leisurely strolls. You can even spot olive trees in the area that are close to 400 years old. The space is also home to recreational spaces, including a children's play area. You can also visit at night, as the space is well-illuminated. If you're driving, don't worry about parking, as there is plenty. If you are planning on visiting during peak summer, ensure you have a lot of sunscreen on and stay hydrated during your trip. *Top outdoor attractions in Dubai to visit over winter* What's next for the Hatta Sustainable Waterfalls project? Under the directive of Sheikh Mohammed, the Hatta Sustainable Waterfalls project is now offering new investment and commercial opportunities aiming to empower local citizens, create job opportunities, and support sustainable economic and social development in the region. Four retail spaces at Hatta Sustainable Waterfalls will be allocated to Emiratis residing in Hatta for free for a one-year period. This will provide the perfect platform for small businesses just starting out to establish themselves. Besides this, the area will feature four restaurants and six food and beverage kiosks. The restaurants will offer up a span of cuisines, including Emirati, Arabic, Western, and traditional, while the local cafes will serve quick refreshing bites and sips. Besides this, visitors can also visit the souvenir and gift shop and even rent equipment. According to Bader Anwahi, CEO of the Public Facilities Agency at Dubai Municipality, the move marks a 'significant step in strengthening the local economy and empowering Emirati entrepreneurs.' We can't wait to see who will set up home here. Images: Dubai Media Office > Sign up for FREE to get exclusive updates that you are interested in

SBA opens submissions for SIBF 2025
SBA opens submissions for SIBF 2025

Sharjah 24

time13 hours ago

  • Sharjah 24

SBA opens submissions for SIBF 2025

The annual awards reflect SBA's and the Sharjah International Book Fair's (SIBF) commitment to fostering knowledge and creativity, in line with the vision of His Highness Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Supreme Council Member and Ruler of Sharjah. They reaffirm Sharjah's status as a leading global hub for publishing and the creative industries, highlighting its ongoing efforts to promote literary and intellectual output at the local, regional, and international levels. Divided into four main categories, the Sharjah International Book Fair Awards include the Sharjah Award for Emirati Books, the Sharjah Award for the Best Arabic Novel, the Sharjah Award for the Best International Book, and the Sharjah Publisher Recognition Award, with a combined prize fund of AED 625,000. Sharjah Award for an Emirati Book Celebrating local literary and academic excellence, the Sharjah Award for Emirati Books features four subcategories with a total value of AED 300,000. Prizes of AED 100,000 each will be awarded for the Best Emirati Novel and Best Emirati Academic Book, while the Best Emirati Creative Literature Book (Theatrical Texts) and the Best Emirati First Novel will each receive AED 50,000. Sharjah Award for the Best Arabic Novel Designed to honour excellence in Arabic fiction, the Sharjah Award for the Best Arabic Novel offers AED 150,000 to be shared equally between the author and the publisher. It recognises works that demonstrate originality, creativity and critical engagement with contemporary issues in the Arab world. Sharjah Award for the Best International Book Granted to books published in English, the Sharjah Award for the Best International Book award totals AED 100,000 and is divided equally between two subcategories, the Best International Fiction Book, which recognises fictional works such as novels and stories, and the Best International Non-Fiction Book. Sharjah Publisher Recognition Award With a total value of AED 75,000, the Sharjah Publisher Recognition Award honours excellence in publishing across three subcategories, each receiving AED 25,000: Best Local Publisher House, Best Arab Publisher, and Best International Publisher. The SBA invites creatives, authors, and publishers to participate in these awards, which have helped position Sharjah as a global hub for literature, publishing, and book culture. Applications are open until September 15 and must meet the eligibility criteria, which focus on contributions to literature and the publishing industry. Winners will be announced during the opening ceremony of the 44th edition of SIBF in November.

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store