Berklee, the US-headquartered international institute of contemporary music, dance, and theatre, has announced its first educational programs in the Arab world at the Berklee Abu Dhabi Center, scheduled to open later in 2020.
The Centre will be led by Grammy Award Winner Gael Hedding and the internationally acclaimed singer-songwriter Mayssa Karaa (both Berklee alumni). Opening courses will include turntablism and DJ skills, music production and songwriting, contemporary dance (jazz, modern), string orchestra and music of the Middle East.
Berklee believes that musical and cultural careers will continue to be more globally dispersed as new markets develop; the Berklee Abu Dhabi Center will prepare students for this changing environment and enable them to explore fast-developing career opportunities.
The new Center is located on Saadiyat Island in Abu Dhabi’s cultural district, housed in a repurposed building designed by Norman Foster.
One third of the world’s population lives within a four-hour flight of Abu Dhabi and the reach of Berklee’s new campus will include the Middle East, Africa, and South Asia. The Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism will offer $5 million in fellowships for students from this extended region to enable them to take part in Berklee’s programs either at the Abu Dhabi Centre or at Berklee’s other campuses in Boston, New York, Valencia, or online.
Visit berkleeabudhabi.ae for more information to learn more about the programs that will be offered at the Berklee Abu Dhabi Center.
Header photo: The new Berklee Abu Dhabi Center
