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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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Mr Alex Tchobanov
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Mrs Alison Bryce
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Mrs Ana Kovacevic
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Mr Kalana De Silva
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Mrs Claire Day
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.
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
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.
Mr Alex Tchobanov
Mrs Alison Bryce
Mrs Ana Kovacevic
Mr Kalana De Silva
Mrs Claire Day
Music at The British School Al Khubairat
Inspiring Excellence Through Musical Opportunity
Since its foundation in 1971, the Music Department at The British School Al Khubairat, an established British Embassy School, has been a cornerstone of school life, fostering a rich tradition of musical excellence. With an unwavering commitment to providing an exceptional and inclusive musical education, BSAK offers one of the most comprehensive and dynamic music programmes in the region; positioning us as a music specialist school in all but name.
Our department is staffed by a team of 21 highly qualified and passionate full-time music educators and professional musicians, who work collaboratively to nurture, inspire, and challenge our students at every stage of their musical journey. From beginners discovering their first notes to advanced performers preparing for conservatoire and university-level study, our provision offers both breadth and depth.
Music is central to both the academic and co-curricular life of the school. With over 70 co-curricular ensembles and activities, regular masterclasses led by visiting professionals, a rigorous and enriching scholars’ programme, and countless performance opportunities, our students are immersed in a vibrant and professional musical environment.
We are proud to partner with leading institutions such as the Abu Dhabi Music and Arts Foundation, Berklee Abu Dhabi, and the Department of Culture and Tourism. These partnerships enrich our students’ experiences, connecting them to world-class learning opportunities and the wider cultural life of the UAE.
As a British Embassy School with a global outlook and deep-rooted musical values, BSAK is widely recognised as a centre of excellence in the region. We attract some of the most talented young musicians in the country and foster a lifelong love of music in every student we teach.
Music Dept Vision:
A leading centre of musical excellence, dedicated to nurturing and inspiring the region's most talented musicians, and becoming the foremost school of choice for those who seek to excel in the art of music.
Music Dept Mission Statement:
To provide an inclusive and diverse musical education for all, by nurturing and challenging students to explore their musical creativity in a supportive environment.
Academic Curriculum
At the heart of our Music Department is a thoughtfully sequenced academic curriculum designed to inspire, challenge, and support students throughout their educational journey. Rooted in our belief in Music for All, we are committed to ensuring that every child, regardless of their starting point, has access to high-quality, meaningful musical experiences.
We take a unique, backwards-planned approach; beginning with the rigour and expectations of A Level Music and mapping our curriculum all the way down to FS1. This ensures a cohesive and progressive learning experience, from the earliest years through to Sixth Form.
All students benefit from weekly curriculum music lessons taught by subject specialists. This specialist provision in both our Primary and Secondary phases ensures continuity, depth, and a strong foundation in musical knowledge and skills. In the upper years, students are able to pursue a full and enriching programme of study at both GCSE and A Level.
We recognise that students progress at different rates, and we embrace this by offering a curriculum that is both ambitious and accessible. A carefully scaffolded approach allows every student to be challenged appropriately, while ensuring that no learner is ever “capped” in their potential and equally, that no student is left behind.
+Music at BSAK aims to provide outstanding musical experiences and opportunities for all students, irrespective of their skill level of preferred genre.
At the heart of our Music Department is a thoughtfully sequenced academic curriculum designed to inspire, challenge, and support students throughout their educational journey. Rooted in our belief in Music for All, we are committed to ensuring that every child, regardless of their starting point, has access to high-quality, meaningful musical experiences.
We take a unique, backwards-planned approach; beginning with the rigour and expectations of A Level Music and mapping our curriculum all the way down to FS1. This ensures a cohesive and progressive learning experience, from the earliest years through to Sixth Form. In the upper years, students are able to pursue a full and enriching programme of study at both GCSE and A Level.
Foundation
All students benefit from weekly curriculum music lessons taught by subject specialists. This specialist provision in both our Primary and Secondary phases ensures continuity, depth, and a strong foundation in musical knowledge and skills.
Growth
We recognise that students progress at different rates, and we embrace this by offering a curriculum that is both ambitious and accessible. A carefully scaffolded approach allows every student to be challenged appropriately, while ensuring that no learner is ever “capped” in their potential and equally, that no student is left behind.
Pathways
Students often continue their music studies beyond BSAK in placements within UK universities.
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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.
The Woodwind Department at BSAK enjoys the skills of both a reed and a flute specialist, who together offer a comprehensive woodwind education, providing individualised instruction in the following instruments: Flute, Clarinet, Oboe, Bassoon, Recorder and Saxophone.
Woodwind instruments are incredibly versatile and can be effective in any musical style, which is why our department incorporates all genres in the many ensembles on offer.
With students ranging from beginner to diploma level, we have created an inspiring space, allowing a musical journey that is bright, interesting and joyful.
