Local music teachers awarded Diplomas in Music (Dip. Music) accredited by Norway’s University of Agder

DCMA music teachers Mahsin Basalama (right)"Percussion", Rajab Suleiman (centre) "Qanun" and Mohamed Matona "Oud/ Violin" have been awarded diplomas in Music (Dip. Music) in collaboration with the University of Agder of Norway.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony that took place at the academy in Zanzibar on August 13, the DCMA CEO Hilda Kiel praised the graduates for their dedication and industry as shown throughout the training period of 2 years.

In order to graduate for the diploma the candidates received training in their respective musical instruments in Egypt and in Zanzibar.

Besides the instrument master-classes, the candidates also had to pass the internationally recognized ABRSM Theory of Music exams administered in the UK. As part of the course and in partnership with the University of Dar es Salaam, the candidates were also assigned ethnomusicology research projects dealing with traditional music forms from Zanzibar.

In collaboration with institutions of higher learning both locally and abroad, the DCMA has been working towards developing programs to formalize music education by offering quality training supported by opportunities for formal qualifications with accreditation.

Currently, the academy is offering a Certificate in Music course for all admissions while the Diploma in Music course is only offered to pre-selected candidates due to the funding constraints related to the costs of fulfilling the modules required.

The DCMA diploma program is funded by the SiU/NORAD in partnership with the University of Agder of Kristiansand, Norway. The objective of the diploma program is to qualify music students studying at the DCMA to attain the required entry criteria for a Bachelor’s degree in Music at local or regional universities.

The Dhow Countries Music Academy is a not-for-profit organization that operates a music academy dedicated to the preservation, development and promotion of Zanzibar’s unique musical heritage.

Various donors including the Royal Embassy of Norway In Tanzania support the work of this cultural institution which has now become one of the most prominent arts education institution in the country.