RIYADH — Saudi Arabia's Music Commission has announced that the Saudi Music Hub started on Tuesday receiving applications to register for music classes. All those wishing to learn music and various art forms of music can apply for the classes, which will be held under the supervision of certified music teachers, the commission said. The Saudi Music Hub is considered as the first of its kind in the Kingdom, with its methodology, comprehensiveness, educational and training scope, and geographical spread. It imparts educational and training programs in various disciplines and musical instruments. The center has at present two main branches, one in the capital city of Riyadh and another in Jeddah. It will soon have a third branch in Al-Khobar, with plans to expand across other areas of the Kingdom. The SMH offers a range of classes such as singing and learning how to play Oriental and Western instruments including oud, flute, drum, daf, cello, qanun and violin. The Saudi Music Hub's programs are suitable for both amateurs as well as for talented musicians who seek to enhance their skills to build a career in music. In addition to music classes, the center will host several other facilities, such as rehearsal and recording studios, which individuals and institutions can rent out; music studios, concert rooms, rehearsal rooms, DJ rooms, and computer music workstations. The SMH provides lessons in Arabic instruments, Western instruments, computer music composition, song coordination skills, singing, and other musical disciplines. The Saudi Music Hub's methodology makes instrument lessons available individually (one student and one teacher), and collectively for computer music lessons, and song arrangements. Saudi Arabia issued the first license for two music institutes to operate in the Kingdom in December 2020. This was after the inclusion of subjects of music, theater, and arts in the curriculum of public and private schools in 2019. With the establishment of the Saudi Music Hub, the Music Commission aims to enrich the music scene in the Kingdom, and provide it with high-level educational and training programs in order to develop Saudi talents specialized in music sciences and arts. It also provides integrated educational options, including advanced scientific curricula, training facilities, and music stores, in addition to recording studios, and forums for networking and exchanging experiences. The Music Commission was established in February 2020 as one of the Ministry of Culture's 11 sector-specific commissions. The commission is overseeing the development of music sector that provides non-discriminatory access to music education, empowers musical talent and contributes to the local economy. It aims to increase the economic contribution of the music sector through job creation, sector regulation and building world-class infrastructure. The commission hopes to discover, develop and empower musical talent by raising awareness of the Kingdom's rich musical heritage, as well as elevating its musical identity both within the region and beyond.
