The
Dhow Countries Music Academy (DCMA) is a non-profit, cultural and
educational organization established in March 2001. DCMA opened a music
school in Stone Town, Zanzibar in 2002 providing music lessons as well as
instruments at minimal cost to anyone interested in studying music or
acquiring mastery of an instrument. Particular emphasis is placed on
teaching traditional Zanzibar music styles, such as Taarab, Beni and
Kidumbak, with most of our teachers coming from Zanzibar. Occasional
master classes and workshops and seminars with guest teachers from abroad
give the musicians the opportunity to further their professional
excellence.
The school consists of 6 major components: -
-
Music Lessons (e.g. Violin, Oud, Qanun, Cello, Guitar, etc)
-
Student Scholarship program (sponsoring talented individuals including opportunities to win instruments through competition)
-
Music Library (providing all necessary instruments for use in the Academy as well as music notes, lyrics, recordings, etc)
-
Student Orchestras (music from Zanzibar and the Dhow Region, Western music, traditional dance)
-
Music Agency (to promote musicians from Zanzibar and actively seek out new
job opportunities nationally as well as internationally) -
Workshops and Seminars
The Music Academy
provides an opportunity to preserve and develop the unique
musical tradition of Zanzibar and provides educational, vocational
training
and job opportunities.