College of Music

Our Mission

The College of Music at Sharjah Performing Arts Academy offers rigorous studies in music performance, composition, music theory, musicology, music technology, and 
music pedagogy. Our mission is to nurture the future generations of professional musicians while fostering artistic and academic excellence. The College embraces the 
rich traditions of both Arabic and Western music, and leads innovation through academic and practice-based research across established and emerging music disciplines.   

Through the implementation of our strategic vision, the College of Music is evolving into the largest and most comprehensive higher education institution for music in the MENA region. Students from around the world, from pre-school to postgraduate levels, join our College to develop their technical skills, expand their artistic horizons, and contribute to the advancement of music as performers, composers, educators, researchers, and industry leaders. The College of Music maintains close ties with local and international partners and places special emphasis on community engagement and institutional collaboration.

Bridging Cultures Through Music

​Join the next generation of world-class musicians at SPAA. Apply and take your first step towards a transformative musical journey.

​APPLY NOW

Dean's Message

It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to the College of Music.

You are joining a creative community of talented performers, composers, conductors, theorists, musicologists, educators, and technologists who will help you realise your full potential as a musician. Throughout your studies, you will work closely with distinguished faculty members, attend specialised masterclasses with guest artists, collaborate with peers, and participate in performances, and research projects that will broaden your artistic perspective.

Our pedagogical approach is based on the conservatoire tradition, and emphasizes technical mastery, artistic interpretation, and intellectual enquiry. At the same, we challenge established norms as we integrate contemporary insights on the interpretation of Arabic and Western music, modern teaching methodologies, artistic research, and interdisciplinary collaboration. Further, we place special emphasis on engaging with the local community, and advocating the cultural significance of music and its value in our society.

Whether you are studying Western classical performance, Arabic music improvisation, engaging in historical research, or pushing the boundaries of contemporary composition and technology, you will be a member of a community that values creativity, originality, and critical thinking. I am committed to providing you with all the necessary time, space, and resources to study, practice, experiment, produce, and present your work, while ensuring the highest artistic and academic standards for your education.

My advice to you? Stay creative and be open to new ideas. The time you spend here will define your artistic voice and prepare you for the professional world of music. 
I look forward to hearing your work, witnessing your growth, and supporting you on your creative journey.

Alexandros Spyrou, Ph.D.
Dean, College of Music

Specialised Training

Comprehensive Curricula




Career-focused progammes

Bachelor of Music in Arabic Music Performance


The Bachelor of Music in Arabic Music Performance (BMus - Arabic) at Sharjah Performing Arts Academy (SPAA) is a one-of-a-kind programme dedicated to preserving and advancing the rich traditions of Arabic music. Designed for passionate musicians, this programme provides world-class training in performance, theory, and historical context, preparing students for a successful career in the global music industry.  for all things Production Arts then this could be the programme for you.

APPLY NOW

Why Choose BMus - Arabic?

  • Specialized Training – Learn from renowned musicians and educators, gaining expertise in traditional Arabic instruments and vocal techniques.
  • Comprehensive Curriculum – Develop technical mastery through Principal Study, Arabic musicianship, and ensemble participation.
  • Cultural Immersion – Explore the deep-rooted traditions of Arabic music while engaging in contemporary interpretations and cross-disciplinary projects.
  • Career-Focused Approach – Gain hands-on experience through performances, masterclasses, and professional development courses.


Programme Structure

The programme is structured upon three core pillars: Artistry, Academics, and Advocacy, ensuring that graduates emerge as well-rounded musicians and cultural ambassadors.

  • Artistic Studies – Principal Study (Arabic Instruments and Voice), Arabic Musicianship, Ensemble Training (Takht & Firqa), and Performance Projects.
  • Academic Studies – Arabic Music Theory & Analysis, History of Arabic Music, and interdisciplinary research opportunities.
  • Professional Development – Artist Development courses, music pedagogy, and collaborations with cultural institutions
  • Electives – Elective courses in the areas of music technology, composition, conducting, musicology, and music physiology.
  • Specialisations 
    • Ney, and related flutes
    • Arabic Percussion
    • Arabic Voice
    • Oud, and related Plucked Lutes


Career Paths

Graduates of the programme are prepared for diverse roles, including:

  • Professional Performer (Soloist, Ensemble, Orchestra)
  • Music Educator (Primary or Secondary Education)
  • Music Researcher
  • Cultural Ambassador & Music Advocate

Whether you dream of performing on grand stages or contributing to the future of Arabic music through education and research, this programme provides the perfect foundation.

APPLY NOW


INFORMATION

Programme Information Admissions Requirements How to Apply?   Programme Fees

Programme Information

Start Date: September 2025

Programme Length: 4 years full-time

Contact Hours: 30 hours per week.

Admissions Requirements

General Requirements:

  • Applicants must be at least 17 years of age at the time of commencement/enrolment for a Bachelor of Music programme at SPAA.
  • UAE Secondary School Completion Certificate or equivalent approved by the UAE Ministry of Education.
  • Candidates must pass the audition process.

English Language Proficiency Requirement:

  • EmSAT English: Minimum score of 1100.
  • TOEFL: Minimum score of 500 (paper-based), 61 (iBT), or 173 (CBT).
  • IELTS (Academic): Band 5.
  • IELTS (General): Band 5.5.

Certificate of Equivalency:

  • All enrolled students must obtain an Equivalency Certificate for their Secondary/BA Certificate from the UAE Ministry of Education, except those from the UAE Ministry of Education Curriculum.

Conditional Admission:

  • Applicants who do not meet the minimum English exam scores must take the SPAA English Placement Test and complete a remedial English course.
  • Applicants who have not concluded the equivalency process may register for the foundational year by signing a Conditional Admission Contract.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL):

  • RPL allows students to enter at an advanced stage based on prior learning, provided they meet 80% of course learning outcomes.
  • Up to 30 credit hours may be awarded for prior learning, with a minimum course grade of "B" for undergraduate level courses.

Credit Transfer:

  • Transfer credits from recognized postsecondary institutions are generally accepted where the course content is equivalent to the SPAA course.

How to Apply?  

To be considered for the Bachelor of Music programme, all applicants must register their details by completing the following form.

A member of our Admissions Team will be in touch shortly (please allow 3-4 working days).

All applicants will be required to attend an online or in-person audition with the Programme Leader or a Faculty panel.

  • During the application process, you must submit a short video (max. 5 mins) of yourself performing one (1) piece of your choice. Please include the title and composer (if relevant)
  • The selected piece may reflect different genres and eras of classical Arabic music, and may include both composed and improvised forms (instrumental or vocal).
  • Please introduce yourself at the beginning of the video.

Here is an easy, step-by-step “How to” guide to help you prepare for your audition video: How to-Video.

Optional: You may also showcase your portfolio of work experience in theatre or the performing arts to the panel during your interview and also submit a statement outlining your interest in joining the Production Arts Programme if you wish to do so. 

For any urgent admissions-related enquiries, feel free to contact us via the following methods:

Email: admissions@spaa.ae

Phone: +971 (0) 6 502 9999 (7.30 AM - 4.30 PM or 8 AM - 1 PM during Term Holidays)

Programme Fees

  • Fees will be communicated shortly

Full and Part Scholarships:

Eligible full-time undergraduate students may apply for a SPAA scholarship upon acceptance into their chosen discipline.

For more information, email admissions@spaa.ae.

Why study with us?

  • Situated within the 'Cultural Capital' of the Arab World
  • Epicentre of inspiration, creativity and innovation
  • Exclusive masterclasses with international artists
  • Become the next generation of leaders and change-makers of the performing arts world

APPLY NOW