Get in key with the help of the professionals: there’s a music class in Abu Dhabi for everyone
It’s never too late to take up a musical instrument. And you don’t have to be a virtuoso either; all that it takes is a good teacher, dedication and spirit of fun to unleash your inner Hendrix or Barenboim.
We’re lucky because the capital has several music schools that are ready to take on budding singers and instrumentalists. Take note of these centres and start playing the right key…
The Young Musician Music Institute
Offers individual and group music lessons for all instruments and vocals from contemporary, blues, jazz, pop and rock for children and adults. If you’re a team player – or in this case, performer – sign up to the Rock Band or Classical Ensemble Training. If that’s not enough, the music theory lessons will impart theories and ear training to deepen your knowledge. Free trial lessons available. Ground floor, Al Raha Mall.
Contact: 02 556 2080 www.tymmi.com
Amadeus Music Institute
Hone your piano, keyboard, guitar, violin, saxophone, flute and trumpet chops. The school – which was opened by a family of musicians – admits all skill levels; classes can be one-on-one or in groups. Singing lessons are available for kids aged four and up. From AED 1,080 for a dozen lessons. First floor, Hamdan Centre, Hamdan Street.
Contact: 02 628 0984 www.amadeusmusicinst.com
Rhythm Music Centre
Whether it’s for hobby purposes or more serious aspirations, you can learn how to play the piano, guitar, drums, ukulele, saxophone or violin under the guidance of professionals. Or belt it out in style (any style, in fact, and any genre) with singing lessons designed to improve both technique and performance skills. AED 100 for 30-minute vocal or instrumental lesson. Zayed the First Street (Electra), behind Honda showroom.
Contact: 02 622 6206 www.rhythmmusiccentre.ae
Royal Institute of Music
‘Devote time, promote talent’ is this school’s motto. Here, budding musicians can gain singing skills or play keyboard, piano, organ, guitar, drums and violin. Fancy jazz? More into rock and blues? There are teachers on hand for any genre and skill level. Basic and advanced coaching include theory and practical lessons for well-rounded results. National Printing Centre building, Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Street (Airport Road).
Contact: 02 622 5410 www.royalinstituteofmusic.com
International Music Institute
Standing proud since 1994, the IMI caters to students of all ages – even adults – who are interested in learning piano, strings, wind instruments and percussions. The pre-music class is perfect for children aged three to five while under threes can join the ‘eggshaker’ classes in September. Musical instruments can also be bought, rented and repaired here. From AED 120 for a 30-minute session. Zayed the First Street, opposite Grand Stores. Contact: 02 621 1949 www.imi-jmc.com
Noah’s Ark Training Institute
Kids can choose from piano, electric keyboard, violin, guitar, drums and saxophone lessons. Music theory covers vocal coaching to ear-training skills and technique. AED 150
registration fee; rates per session vary depending on instrument. Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Street (Airport Road). Contact: 02 641 9793 www.noahsarkjingles.com
Passionate about singing? Check out these groups and croon to your heart’s delight…
Abu Dhabi Choral Group
A community choir for Abu Dhabi residents of various nationalities. Membership is open for newbies and seasoned performers. www.abudhabichoralgroup.com
Voices of Harmony
An all-female a cappella singing group that has performed at hotel events, fundraisers and dinner parties across the UAE. www.voicesofharmony.weebly.com
Cantus
Formed in 2011, the group dabbles in early European music, madrigals and modern tunes. www.facebook.com/CantusAD
Blue Fever
Dishing out a cappella numbers in four to eight harmonies, the group also prides itself as a jazz ensemble. www.bluefeverabudhabi.weebly.com
Glee Club Abu Dhabi
Combines singing, drama and dance with pop and musical theatre songs. Good news is there’s no audition – all that’s required is enthusiasm. www.facebook.com/gleeclubatthehub
Stephanie Sell is a singing and drama teacher from the UK, and is the founder and director of Glee Club Abu Dhabi, a group that offers performing art classes for children aged four to 18. She tells us what it takes to go from tone deaf to Tina Turner
How did you become a music teacher?
I qualified with a BA in Musical Theatre in the UK, and performed in various plays, pantomimes and musicals. When I decided that I’d like to teach music and drama I completed a teaching qualification at the University of Aberdeen.
What are the things needed to become a good vocal teacher?
The ability to read music and play an instrument – preferably piano – to a good standard. A musical ear, good training, knowledge of the physiology of the voice and how to use it well. Enthusiasm and a good sense of humour help, too!
What are the exercises the students do in the class?
We start with warm ups for the face and body before starting to engage the voice. We do humming, vowel sounds, scales and arpeggios, tongue twisters, harmonies and singing in rounds. Some of the popular warm ups include Warm up and Stomp Canon, The Bonkers Song and Chicken Tikka Starter.
Can singing be taught or is it based on talent alone?
Both! Being able to sing well is a God-given gift, but you can certainly improve your technique with lessons.
Is there a proper age to start taking singing lessons?
I don’t advise starting individual lessons too young as over-training may damage the voice. Eight and above is a good time to consider private voice lessons.
Do you have any tips for aspiring singers out there?
Always be yourself, follow your dreams and never let anyone bring you down.
Ferdinand Godinez
