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Music
At BSAK

Music
At BSAK

Music at BSAK is a mainstream subject within our whole school curriculum and a huge part of our community and culture.

Our Music Department consists of a unique and dedicated team, that serves the entire school body. It stands as a flagship of excellence, inclusion and innovation, the very heartbeat of the school, underpinning not only artistic achievement but also the wellbeing, identity, and joy of our students from Nursery to Year 13.

OUR PEOPLE

 

 

        

 

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FOUNDATION

The Largest Faculty in the School with 21 Full Time Staff.

All students have a tailored Music Curriculum from Nursery to Year 13. From first steps in rhythm and pitch in our early year classes to advanced performance, composition, and analysis at A Level, we equip students with the skills and confidence to express themselves musically, academically, and personally. 

 

WELLBEING & GROWTH

At BSAK, we know that music has the power to change lives. It builds confidence, resilience, creativity, empathy, and community. Our department plays a vital pastoral role, supporting mental health, emotional expression, and student identity.  We do not teach music to create musicians; we teach music to develop human beings.

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ENABLING COMPETITIVE EXPERIENCES

From Creating & Hosting Large Scale Events

We are proud to have established the Abu Dhabi Young Musician of the Year competition, and initially hosted it at BSAK. This major event brings together over 200 talented performers from schools across Abu Dhabi and celebrates student achievement across contemporary, classical, and world music genres. It is just one example of how we seek to champion musical excellence and offer inspiring platforms for young musicians to shine.  Furthermore, in 2025 we hosted The Young Musician of the Gulf 2025.

 

 

A VIBRANT CONTRIBUTOR TO OUR COMMUNITY'S CULTURAL LIFE

BSAK Music department is also a vital part of the wider UAE cultural landscape. Our students regularly perform at high profile events across Abu Dhabi and the region. 

Our ethos of service to the community is reflected in the extensive range of concerts and events we both organise and support, showcasing our commitment to sharing the joy of music beyond the school gates.

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EXCELLENCE WITHOUT ELITISM

 

 

 


We also provide a comprehensive range of almost 60 co-curricular activities for students at a range of musical ability, which means that our provision is not elitist and underpins our vision of ‘Music for All’.

This inclusive and accessible structure ensures that every child has a place to belong, perform, and grow, whether they are taking their first steps in music or preparing for conservatoire auditions.

 

SCHOLARS DEVELOPMENT

For our most advanced and passionate musicians, we offer an esteemed Music Scholars Programme that provides personalised mentorship, rigorous challenge, and bespoke opportunities such as masterclasses, concerts and talks.

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Upcoming Events

Ensembles

An Exciting Array of Opportunities to Perform

At BSAK, the Music Department is thriving with many opportunities available for students to perform and practice weekly in a variety of instrumental and vocal groups. With a growing concert calendar featuring 50+ concerts, performances range from small chamber ensembles, large scale ensembles concerts, choirs, to contemporary evenings. These ensemble groups, as well as regular large scale productions and concerts play a pivotal role in the school calendar, as they bring students and the wider school community together.

Strings

  • Primary Strings (Beginner) 
  • Secondary Strings (Intermediate+)  
  • Cellissimo (Advanced) 
  • Violin & Cello Time (Intermediate+) 
  • String Quartet (Advanced) 
  • Orchestra 

Woodwind, Brass and Percussion

  • Primary Drumming Club (Beginner)  
  • Woodwinds (Beginner)  
  • Primary Brass (Beginner)  
  • Elite Flutes (Intermediate+)  
  • Junior Flutes (Beginner)  
  • Secondary Drumming Group (Intermediate+)  
  • Advanced Brass (Intermediate+)  
  • Secondary Flutes (Intermediate+)  
  • Secondary Wind Band 

Jazz

  • Al Khubairat Brass
  • Jazz Band

Guitar

  • Guitar Quartet (Intermediate+) 
  • Primary Guitars (Beginner)  
  • Junior Guitars (Beginner) 

Chamber Music 

BSAK offers a diverse range of Chamber Music groups, featuring various combinations of instruments; including piano, strings, woodwind and brass, allowing for a wide range of musical styles. These opportunities aim to engage our music scholars, often working toward a Grade 8 level or above to lead and inspire.

Choir

  • Opera Duets & Ensembles 
  • Elite Singers 
  • Secondary Choir 
  • Primary Choir 

 

Rock & Pop and Beyond

Outstanding Facilities and Opportunities

The Music Department has a newly designed soundproof rehearsal space, purpose built to provide an ideal environment for recording. This space is connected to a dedicated 21 track recording studio, fully equipped with a drum kit, upright piano, high quality Yamaha speakers, analog microphone preamplifier, and a mixing desk, offering students the opportunity to explore both live performance and recording techniques.

Throughout the academic year, students have access to a variety of performance platforms, providing regular opportunities to showcase their talents, many of which are led by the students themselves.

These vibrant Unplugged Concert performances encourage students new ways of presenting music and push the boundaries of traditional performance.

Rock & Pop School, an afterschool club, offers a unique and encouraging platform for students to share their work in a supportive setting. It also serves as a space whether they are developing new musical ideas or experimenting with various genres.

Beyond the Classroom

Co- curriculum 


At BSAK, students of all skill levels, from beginners to advanced musicians, are provided with frequent opportunities to showcase their talents regularly in Tiny Desk Concerts or Friday Jam Sessions. With numerous choir and instrumental groups available, students are encouraged to explore different genres and musical traditions. Whatever the musical interest of students, BSAK offers an enriching environment to help them reach their potential.

Aural and Music Theory classes are available weekly with all students encouraged to take part of this opportunity.

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Music for Everyone

Wider Community Opportunities

At BSAK, adults of all skill levels are invited to participate in our dynamic community singing programme, designed for both beginners and experienced musicians. Whether you're looking to become part of a choir or explore a variety of musical styles, this inspiring environment offers the perfect space for musical enjoyment.

Join Al Khubairat Choir Society

Instrumental & Singing Department

Instrumental & Singing Opportunities 

Music at BSAK offers something very special, combining the best qualities of a talented, dynamic, and forward thinking department with unique elements that set our school apart.

While we offer a musical opportunity to every age and ability, our full time one to one specialist instrumental teachers approach is truly special and distinct, creating an environment where creativity, skill, and passion thrive. 


Head of Strings 

Mr Roger Norkie 

The Strings department at BSAK aims to develop playing and performance skills at all levels from beginner to diploma. We encourage our students to engage with others by participating in the variety on ensembles., as well as providing the environment and resources to realise their full potential. 

 

Head of Piano

Mr Ramzi Hakim

In the Piano Department, students will be encouraged to participate in a variety of concerts, Chamber Ensembles, Tiny Desk Concerts and Friday Jam Sessions. Lessons are available to students of all ages and levels, Beginner to Diploma standard. 

 


Head of Brass

Mrs Alison Bryce 

Students at BSAK explore a variety of styles and repertoire, mastering essential skills in breath control, tone production, and ensemble playing. Students have the opportunity to develop their technique, range, and musical expression while building confidence in ensembles or as a soloist.
 

Head of Singing

Mrs Ana Kovacevic

Singing lessons at BSAK provides students with the opportunity to enhance their vocal technique, expand their range and to build confidence in their performance abilities.  The Singing Department has specialists teachings lessons in Classical, Musical Theatre and Rock & Pop genres.


Head of Guitar 

Mr Kalana De Silva 

The Guitar Department offers BSAK students the opportunity to refine their technique, expand their musical knowledge in their playing across various styles, from classical to contemporary, while offering a variety of ensemble performance opportunities.

 

Head of Woodwind

Mrs Claire Day

The Woodwind Department explore a wide range of styles and repertoire, ensuring students receive tailored, one-to-one instruction across a full range of woodwind instruments, including flute, clarinet, oboe, bassoon, recorder, and saxophone. This specialist guidance ensures that each student receives the technical development and musical support needed to progress confidently at every stage of their learning journey.


 

 

 

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