Modern Art Music Institute

Expressing yourself creatively is an integral part of forming an identity, and there aren’t many better ways of being creative than through art and music. Sara Taher visits the Modern Art Music Institute.

Nestled in the Posters building behind Capital Hotel in the Tourist Club Area is the Modern Art Music Institute; a grassroots centre supported by the Abu Dhabi Education Council that teaches all kinds of music. The space is full of instruments, a recording studio and an art space.

Open to the public since September 2011, the institute’s proud academic director Artie Smiles tells us the idea came naturally after Artie chanced upon Zayed Hamaideh, the current chairman of the institute. They bonded over their shared love of music and the desire to nurture raw talent in the nation’s capital. ‘The idea of starting an institute was initiated among friends who are musicians, who play in different line-ups ranging from UAE National Symphony Orchestra to the Abu Dhabi Big Band and Emirates Jazz Collective,’ he says. ‘So we decided we could share this valuable skill with younger generations.’

The institute immediately met with success and, in addition to reaching the market, soon gained the recognition and support of peers. ‘We instantly became an exam centre for Trinity College London, the curriculum of which we actually teach. The news spread around very quickly. Abu Dhabi Classic FM aired us for which we gave free lessons to the community.’

Currently the centre offers lessons in keyboards and piano, all stringed instruments including oud and double bass and all wind instruments such as the saxophone and trumpet. Additionally, there are courses
teaching theory, singing and art. The space is very cosy and buzzing with students, it seems as though the venue is a fountain for talent and expression. They even hold weekly jamming sessions, where any student or outsider can come and take a look at what happens when artistic expression is let loose.

‘We are proud to have state of the art premises and equipment, once students walk in, they don’t want to leave,’ says Artie. The cost is minimal; students need to pay Dhs150 as a registration fee. Then depending on the instrument, each course for learning is quoted from a teacher. ‘We keep our fees very low and the profit margin is almost insignificant because most of it gets reinvested in the equipment. We also support a few students with exceptional talent who are in need of financial assistance,’ he adds.

The age range is quite varied, although many musicians are children. Usually students opt to learn classical style, but some request jazz. Artie is a big supporter of classical style: ‘It lays a strong foundation for further musical development and is invaluable in many ways. It teaches the theoretical aspect of the discipline as well as endowing students with sophisticated technique and opens up centuries-long history and traditions for them.’

Some of the students have even gone on to form their own bands. ‘We have our school band and they perform and rehearse regularly on our stage. Other than that they form their own bands independently. One of our students currently plays with UAE National Symphony Orchestra!’

The energy is palpable walking into the centre and you are immediately transported away from the crowds of the streets outside. Potential is ever present, and the smiling staff are welcoming and nurturing. The teachers consist of Artie for piano, Dominic Daniel for violin, guitar and piano, Elena Troshina for vocal and theory, Lakshmi Ramirez for double bass and electric guitar and Dominic Christopher for drums. Dominic Christopher can also be seen on Friday evenings performing at Mood Indigo at Mercure hotel, where he plays in a jazz trio.

The positive nature of the teachers is fuelled by the students themselves, who form strong bonds with their teachers and provide amusing anecdotes. The end result of this symbiotic relationship is not just developing musical talent, but also putting on shows in the city. ‘We recently performed at Abu Dhabi Theatre on Young Artists’ Day organized by ADMAF.’ In addition, the institute also hosts regular performances, where parents can see the fruits of the students’ labour.

Having served the city for more than a decade, the centre shows no sign of slowing down. ‘We serve the community and so far we have received their support.

To reciprocate we aim to open up other branches and support students to further their studies both locally and internationally.’
The institute is open daily from 9am-9pm. It is located on the first floor of the Posters building behind Capital Hotel, Tourist Club Area, www.emiratesjazz.com (02 673 8380).