Children’s music classes are in tune with summer in the UAE

One type of business that is not seeing a summer slump in trade is the city’s music schools, which are packed with youngsters who have been signed up by their parents to learn instruments.

Joshua Fakeh is learning guitar at the Rhythm Music Centre, where about 100 pupils took classes this year. Christopher Pike / The National

ABU DHABI // One kind of business that is not enduring a summer slump in trade is teaching in the city’s music schools.

Throughout the summer, music classes become a popular activity to relieve boredom for children.

“We see a larger intake during summer holidays. It is perhaps because during summer holidays, children have more and flexible time for music learning,” said Iryna Hlushkoat, co-owner of the Rhythm Music Centre.

Her centre took in about 100 music students during this summer break.

It provides classes for piano, violin, electric and bass guitar, ukulele, saxophones, drums and singing.

Moses Fakeh, a Syrian consultant engineer, takes sons Joshua, 13, and Jeremy, 7, to music classes at the centre.

Joshua is learning guitar and Jeremy piano.

Mr Fakeh said the music classes have really benefited the boys. “They are more confident, focused and composed. They even enjoy performing in front of strangers,” he said.

“It’s certainly a much better and positive activity for children when compared to spending endless time in front of PlayStations.”

Although the classes are not cheap – about Dh800 for a month’s tuition – Mr Fakeh said he is happy to pay.

Tala Badri, the founder and executive director of Centre for Musical Arts, Dubai, said: “There has been an overwhelming response for our music summer courses, particularly among the age group of 6 to 11.

“There is a wealth of articles and information about the positive influence of learning music or a musical instrument can have on a child’s educational, physical and social well-being.

“I think there is now greater awareness among parents with regards to this.”

She said not all children enjoyed sports, so learning a musical instrument allowed them to become part of a team. She said guitar, piano and violin were the most popular instruments among young children.

“There is also a growing interest among children about woodwind instruments such as the flute, clarinet and saxophone as well as brass instruments such as the trumpet and trombone over the course of this year,” she said.