Bait Al Oud now offering classes at Al Qattara Arts Centre

Al Ain: The Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi’s (DCT Abu Dhabi) Bait Al Oud music academy is now offering a variety of courses at Al Qattara Arts Centre in Al Ain for avid young performers seeking to learn how to play an instrument or enhance their vocal skills.

One of the leading music institutions in the region, Bait Al Oud will offer children over 8 years old instrumental music classes for oud, qanun and violin at the Centre, in addition to virtual online lessons in solfege and music theory. In line with Bait Al Oud’s mission to preserve traditional Arabic music and create a new generation of professional classical musicians, the courses follow the academy's substantial successes in educating and training various musicians and singers in Abu Dhabi at the start of their careers.

To celebrate the launch of the courses, Bait Al Oud presented a special online opening ceremony concert on 31 July, during which musicians from the academy performed classical Arabic songs and traditional Emirati music.

“Since the launch of Bait Al Oud music academy in 2008, we have witnessed significant successes for our participants, who have thrived in our various programmes and classes. This move to oversee a programme in Al Ain, at the much-respected Al Qattara Arts Centre, is the next step in our journey towards establishing Abu Dhabi as a centre for Arab musicians and musical heritage,” said Naseer Shamma, Bait Al Oud Artistic Director.  “Our academy serves to elevate traditional classical music and raise awareness of its importance among the public. In doing this, we contribute to preserving the UAE's rich musical traditions, creating a new generation of talented, passionate Arab youth eager to learn about the wealth of musical history this nation has to offer.”

Ahmed Mohammed Barzaiq, Al Qattara Arts Centre Unit Head, said, “Al Qattara Arts Centre plays a distinguished and prominent role in the artistic and cultural scene of the Al Ain region. With the addition of Bait Al Oud music classes to our programming, we are gaining valuable support in our mission to spread cultural awareness in the local community. The Bait Al Oud courses that will be hosted at the Centre will support our common goals of teaching and enhancing appreciation of the arts, especially among the younger generations.”

Founded by DCT Abu Dhabi, Bait Al Oud is dedicated to restoring music as an integral element of the cultural life of Abu Dhabi, fostering creativity and promoting artistic dialogue throughout the emirate and beyond the UAE. Bait Al Oud is aiming to become an integrated music institute, consistent with Abu Dhabi's vision of sustainable development, with a mission to preserve the region’s musical heritage, develop talent, and present Abu Dhabi's visitors with the UAE and wider Arab world's musical heritage through performances and concerts.

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About the Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi

The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) drives the sustainable growth of Abu Dhabi’s culture and tourism sectors, fuels economic progress and helps achieve Abu Dhabi’s wider global ambitions. By working in partnership with the organisations that define the emirate’s position as a leading international destination, DCT Abu Dhabi strives to unite the ecosystem around a shared vision of the emirate’s potential, coordinate effort and investment, deliver innovative solutions, and use the best tools, policies and systems to support the culture and tourism industries.

DCT Abu Dhabi’s vision is defined by the emirate’s people, heritage and landscape. We work to enhance Abu Dhabi’s status as a place of authenticity, innovation, and unparalleled experiences, represented by its living traditions of hospitality, pioneering initiatives and creative thought.

© Press Release 2021