Berklee Abu Dhabi Launches 7th Edition Of PEARL Programme For Emerging Artists

The Department of Culture and Tourism - Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) is preparing to host musicians from the UAE and the Middle East for the seventh edition of Berklee Abu Dhabi’s Performance Artistry & Leadership (PEARL) Programme. This event will start on 9th September, with applications open until 18th August.

To qualify for the PEARL programme, applicants must be singer-songwriters, bands, instrumentalists, producers, or DJs. They are required to submit demos of original compositions and live video performances. The programme welcomes all music genres, including pop, rock, soul, R&B, rap, jazz, Arabic traditional, and electronic music.

The first-of-its-kind 12-week intensive programme is organised by Berklee Abu Dhabi. This is the first Middle East outpost of Berklee College of Music, a leading institute for contemporary music and performing arts. PEARL aims to provide emerging artists with opportunities to refine their skills and become the next generation of independent musicians in the region.

During the programme, students will receive mentorship from multi-award-winning musicians and faculty members. These include music producer Miklos Malek, pianist and songwriter Roger Rayan, Berklee Abu Dhabi director Gael Hedding, singer-songwriter Mayssa Karaa who is also Berklee Abu Dhabi’s artistic director, along with other industry experts.

The selected students will gain comprehensive knowledge in various areas such as songwriting strategies, production techniques, marketing tactics, music business acumen, and entrepreneurship skills. By the end of the programme, they will have written, recorded, and produced their own music.

Opportunities for Further Education

The PEARL programme offers valuable insights from industry experts and opportunities through the Berklee Abu Dhabi Fellowship Fund. This can potentially lead to joining Berklee College across its campuses for higher music education.

Berklee Abu Dhabi Institute was established in 2020 through a partnership between Berklee College of Music and DCT Abu Dhabi. This collaboration aims to transform arts education in the Middle East.

The PEARL programme reaffirms Berklee Abu Dhabi and DCT Abu Dhabi’s dedication to positioning the emirate as a hub for musical and cultural exchange. It empowers students with skills necessary for careers in the creative industry.

This initiative underscores their commitment to fostering a vibrant cultural scene while providing aspiring musicians with a platform to develop their talents further.

With inputs from WAM