Berklee Abu Dhabi's Music Summit: Empowering Independent Artists with Industry Insights

Berklee Abu Dhabi is gearing up for the third edition of its Music Summit, scheduled for 24th and 25th February, under the theme "Your Music, Your Business." This event marks a significant milestone for Berklee College of Music as it continues to expand its global footprint into the Middle East. The summit is designed to demystify the music business for independent artists, offering them a comprehensive guide to career development. Collaborating with XP Music Futures, Dolby, and Anghami, the summit promises an enriching two-day experience filled with insights from over 30 industry experts.

The first day of the summit focuses on engaging aspiring artists, composers, songwriters, and music business professionals. María Martínez Iturriaga, Senior Vice President, International Learning Environments at Berklee, will kick off the event with opening remarks. Attendees can look forward to panel discussions on various topics including 'Managing the Artist Manager', featuring experts from MDLBEAST and XP Music Futures. Anghami will lead a session titled 'How to Release Music in 2024', while 'Daring to Write a Hit' promises to offer valuable insights into songwriting success. The day will also feature performances from Berklee alumni and emerging artists.

The summit's second day is packed with practical workshops aimed at providing attendees with hands-on knowledge. A highlight is the Music Listening Session in collaboration with Anghami, offering artists a chance to receive feedback from industry professionals in a speed-networking format. The XCHANGE WORKSHOP by XP Music Futures will explore the evolving regional music scene, while a workshop on improvisation led by Sean Skeete, Interim Dean of Performance Division at Berklee College of Music, will enhance participants' musical skills. The day concludes with the Berklee Abu Dhabi Jam Session, featuring international musicians like pianist Victoria Theodore.

Other notable sessions include 'The Modern Studio: Laptop Generation’ by 19-time Grammy Award-winning producer Rafa Sardina and 'Creating Immersive Music in Dolby Atmos' by Raby Hamza, Manager of Content & DCX at Dolby MEA. These sessions aim to equip attendees with the latest in music production and immersive audio experiences.

The Berklee Abu Dhabi Music Summit stands as a pivotal event for music professionals in the Middle East, offering unparalleled access to industry insights, networking opportunities, and practical knowledge. Its collaboration with leading entities like XP Music Futures, Dolby, and Anghami underscores its commitment to fostering talent and advancing the regional music industry.

With inputs from WAM