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Where to learn guitar in Dubai

No one can explain the process of learning (the guitar) better than the late blues music legend B.B. King. "The beautiful thing about learning is nobody can take it away from you," King  said. Whether you are young or old, man, woman or child, anyone can take to the instrument at any time, at any age!  
Few hobbies can make your spirits soar higher than the feeling of slinging a guitar on your shoulder and strumming away. It could be an ethereal experience for some as music is known to transport you (mentally) to a different space, almost instantly! And, when you have the legendary King to inspire you, what's stopping you from unleashing your inherent musical talent? All you have to do is, get your hands on a reasonably affordable instrument, to being with, and you're on! However, be warned. There may be many pitfalls, and perhaps disappointments along the way that may discourage  you. Painful blisters, frequently breaking strings (strings are expensive) or inability to keep time with the instructor, these are just a few challenges you have to conquer when you begin to learn the instrument.  But, rest assured, once you've mastered the first few chords and belted out your first song, you'll be surprised how easy and enjoyable the whole process is. And who knows, you may just turn out to be the next rising star in your neighbourhood.
These days, with technology at your service, learning music has become a breeze, thanks to the easily accessible and  cost-free online lessons (yes YouTube has plenty of 'free' schools), or you could simply download a step-by-step guitar learning app. However, learning music online is not the same as mastering an instrument in a school. Though tedious, school sessions give you a solid foundation. Here are five Dubai schools that we reckon could perhaps help you achieve stardom!
 
Melodica Music & Dance Institute
Founded by pop star Afshin and his band the A-Team from Germany, this music and dance institute could pave the path for you into the showbiz world. The school has instructors from Germany, US, Russia, Bulgaria, Poland, Cuba, Serbia, Belarus and South Africa. Their syllabus covers courses that prepare you for  prestigious exam boards such as ABRSM (Board of the Royal Schools of Music) and Trinity College London.
Contact: 04-3743434 (The Palm),  
04-3699929 (JLT), 04-3855510  (Al Wasl Rd )
 
Dubai Music School
A pioneering music school in the UAE, the Dubai Music School was set up in 1980 by pop star and internationally acclaimed singer, composer and producer Glenn Perry out of the need to help aspiring musicians develop their potential. The school provides programmes designed to hone the  talents of beginners as well as serious amateurs. Their  instructors have many years of experience performing on stage as well as recording their own albums. The school is conveniently located in Al Karama near the Central Post Office. Call 04-3964834
or email info@dubaimusicschool.com

Star Music Studio
Located in JLT, Star Music Studio endeavours to make music  easy and accessible. Their  professionally qualified staff promise to make learning guitar a pleasure while at the same time educational and challenging. The school offers individual lessons that can be tailored for specific needs. They follow the Trinity College London curriculum or any other curricula that suits the students' needs. They also give students a chance to record their own music in a studio.
Call 04-4307133 (JLT);
Whatsapp 056-4622 600; email info@starmusicdubai.com
 
Music Chamber
The Music Chamber offer classes in piano, violin, cello, guitar  (classical, acoustic or electric), vocals, drums and percussions. They impart  theoretical and aural training. They also have an auditorium where group lessons are conducted for ensembles, theory and other instruments. The institute is recognised as one of the highest scorers of distinction by ABRSM. You'll find them on Jumeirah Rd or Umm Suqeim.
Call 04-3468056, 0506017227 or email mail@music-chamber.net
 
Popular Music Institute
Thomsun operates three music schools in town - Popular Music Institute at Wafi Mall, Sing & Swing Training Centre at Ibn Battuta Mall 3 and Sing & Swing Training Centre Lamcy Plaza (temporarily closed)). The institutes prepares students for International exams and conducts courses in acoustic, electric and bass guitar, piano, electronic keyboard, drums and percussion, violin and viola, flute, saxophone, classical and popular music vocals, and music theory.
Call 04-324 2626 or visit www.thomsunmusiconline.com/education
michael@khaleejtimes.com