Berklee and Gnaoua Festival Forge Unprecedented Collaboration for Music Education

In a remarkable fusion of musical giants, Berklee College of Music and the esteemed Essaouira Gnaoua and World Music Festival are poised to make history with a groundbreaking collaboration. Set to debut on June 24th, just ahead of the 25th edition of the iconic Gnaoua festival, their joint venture, the "Berklee on the Road" program, promises to captivate audiences on a global scale.

Neila Tazi, CEO of A3 Communication and the visionary behind the festival's production, lauds this partnership as "the genesis of a robust alliance with Berklee, offering a unique educational experience in the heart of Africa, the birthplace of world music."

Geared toward active musicians aiming to enhance their improvisational skills, the program extends a warm invitation to students from various musical genres – classical, traditional Gnaoua, pop, rock, or jazz. Eligibility requires a minimum age of 18 and a minimum of two years' experience performing on one's principal instrument.

Under the academic guidance of Berklee Professor Leo Blanco and the administrative leadership of Jason Camelio, a distinguished cohort of Berklee faculty and artists will shepherd participants through a transformative journey. Esteemed figures such as Ron Savage, Vice President and Executive Director at Berklee; Viktorija Pilatovic, a celebrated jazz singer, composer, and assistant professor; and Javier Vercher, an associate professor at Berklee's Valencia campus, will share their insights and expertise.

Instruction will predominantly be in English, with Arabic translation available, ensuring an inclusive and enriching educational experience for all.

"Participants will learn to interweave their musical vernacular with others, starting with actively listening and understanding their peers' musical concepts," emphasized Blanco, the program's academic director, highlighting its dedication to fostering cross-cultural exchange.

The curriculum offers a diverse array of workshops, including "The Improviser as Composer," "Expanding Your Creative Lexicon," and "Styles, Grooves, and Accompaniment Labs." Students will explore the fusion of Gnaoua music with contemporary genres, delve into music technology, and gain insights into the industry's business aspects.

Culminating in a final student concert, the program will showcase the talents cultivated throughout the week, serving as a testament to the profound impact of music education.

Furthermore, enrolled students will have the chance to explore the Berklee Abu Dhabi Fellowship fund, which provides scholarships to students from the Middle East and North Africa, fostering a global community of musical excellence.

With a tuition fee of $420 and an application deadline of May 24, 2024, prospective participants are urged to secure their spot in this exceptional program via Berklee's Road programs page.

As an added bonus, all enrolled students will receive complimentary passes to attend the main stage performances at the 2024 Gnaoua and World Music Festival, immersing themselves in the vibrant essence of this iconic celebration.

In the words of the press release, this initiative upholds the festival's longstanding mission to establish Morocco as a hub of global musical prowess and to support musicians from across the African continent. It solidifies the festival's position as a beacon of cultural exchange and artistic expression, embodying its commitment to fostering musical excellence worldwide.