Georgina Rodriguez swaps Riyadh for Venice red carpet  

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Culture has approved the country’s first diploma course for music, which will be offered by the Music Home School of Art in Riyadh, it was announced by the latter on Tuesday. 

Traditional instruments such as the oud, duff, rebab and mizmar, commonly played at celebrations in the Kingdom, are a key part of the country’s musical culture.

Moataz Al-Shabanah, the executive director of the school, made the announcement in the presence of Noha Kattan, deputy minister for national partnerships and development at the Ministry of Culture, along with various prominent figures from the media and music industry.

Al-Shabanah said the world-class two-year diploma course starts in September. It would contribute to spreading the global language of music, which helps create bridges between cultures.

Al-Shabanah said the course covers education and performance, and that it would qualify graduates to become teachers or professionals.

The diploma course is one of several initiatives undertaken recently by the ministry to develop the music industry in the country.

The Saudi Music Commission recently inaugurated its Oud House project in Riyadh and invited applications from people interested in learning how to play Arab musical instruments.

Oud House has been set up as a training center for musicians under the guidance and supervision of maestro Naseer Shamma and will offer lectures and workshops.

The oud, which has been used for more than 3,000 years, is one of the oldest and most important string instruments in the Arab world.

The Oud House curriculum will include lessons by experts on instruments including the flute, bezek, cello and violin.

The project aims to promote Arab culture, raise awareness about the significance of the oud, and foster a global community of professional players.

After undergoing a period of training and rehearsals, students will have the opportunity to participate in concerts.