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Music Crossroads academy opens in Harare

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MUSIC Crossroads Zimbabwe (MCZ) recently opened its first music academy in Harare with the aim of discovering untapped talent.

MUSIC Crossroads Zimbabwe (MCZ) recently opened its first music academy in Harare with the aim of discovering untapped talent.

Report by Tinashe Sibanda

The project of the International Music Crossroads initiative was launched for highly motivated musical talents aged between 18 and 30 in Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe.

The MCZ Academy will enroll students for a yearly professional certificate programme covering traditional and contemporary instruments, the necessary theoretical tools and business knowledge necessary to pursue a career in music.

“Judging from the impact the Music Crossroads activities have made both locally and internationally over the years, there is no doubt that the Academies will go a long way in improving the local music education sector and the music industry as well,” said MCZ national co-ordinator Mathius Bangure.

He said the academy would explore African music with an innovative curriculum through modern teaching methods, internationally trained local teachers and well-equipped music labs.

For two years, the non-profit Music Crossroads Academies established in Lilongwe (Malawi), Maputo (Mozambique) and Harare will train some 270 students with over 25% female participants.

“Providing relevant basic music education to young talents in Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe while covering the gaps in the existing music education will have a huge positive impact on local musical standards and will aid the development of the music industries,” said Music Crossroads International Director Joe Herrmann. Each academy shares an educational programme also focusing on specific musical traditions and instruments for each country’s courses.

Bangure said to maximise its social impact, the academy’s programme also engages the city council of as well as stakeholders in the music industries and education. Music Crossroads is a non-profit organisation using the power of music education, professional training, live performances and promotion of young talents to support the development of the music sector and cultural education.