Want to learn how to shred your guitar like a pro? Thinking of honing your hip-hop production skills? How about adding some tweaks to your violin technique? Well, now you can because the internet has got you covered.
If you are musician, staying at home shouldn’t be a total drag. Perfect your craft even further courtesy of these free online music classes delivered by some of the best artists and organisations in the business. Here are some of the key courses you can log on to today.
Learn to play your favourite David Bowie tunes with Fender
The esteemed guitar maker Fender, adored by the likes of David Gilmour and Eric Clapton, is offering online classes covering guitar, bass and even the ukulele. Hope on their Fender Play online platform and sign up for free courses for three months without giving up any payment information. The lessons, by certified instructors are as easy going as they are brisk, with many lasting only a few minutes. Also included are instructional videos on how to play certain rock classics by artists such as David Bowie, Lou Reed and The Police. Plug in and sign up on www.fender.com
Learn the beauty and complexity of classical music through Yale University
You don’t need to be a musical snob or spent decades in a conservatory to appreciate classical music. Through this course by the US Ivy League university, the novice listener will be provided with a firm and fun understanding on key pieces by the likes of Bach, Mozart and Puccini.
The course is eight weeks long and requires a commitment of three to five hours per week. Topics that will be covered include The Baroque Era and The Romantic Era and the course comes with its own series of videos and readings. You can sign up by clicking here.
Learn production techniques and the music business with Berklee College of Music
The online education platform EDX is home to a few courses by the respected US music institution Berklee College of Music, which recently opened an Abu Dhabi campus in Saadiyat Island. There are five courses available in English, and another five in Spanish, that offers a gold mine of information for producers and artists.
The Vocal Recording Technology class will provide you with tips on the best gear available to help your recording process. The Creativity & Entrepreneurship will teach you how to think both creatively and smart when it comes to navigating your music career, while Introduction to Music Theory is tailored for musicians who learnt by ear and with no formal training.
All courses are self-paced, however instructors recommend you spend between three to six hours per week on each course to get the most out of it. For details click here.
Learn some great violin technique with Nicola Benedetti
This is indeed a master class. Nicola Benedetti is a classical music superstar and she has been using her time home to drop some great nugget sized tutorials as part of her With Nicky series. Available on her YouTube channel, she offers tips and advice on how to improve your playing and how to maintain inspiration and motivation while practicing. Check out the series here.
Learn the art of the mix with Young Guru
If you are a hip-hop producer, then this course is for you. Learn how to create the perfect sound mix courtesy of Young Guru. Throughout his two decade career, he produced tracks for the likes of Jay Z, Beyonce and Kanye West. Through his seven videos (totaling 53 minutes) and associated notes, you will learn the best ways to organise your sound mix, adding effects and reverb and finding the right tone. Delivered through the online platform Skill Share, you can gain access to Young Guru's class through a free two-week trial period. For details click here.
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Read more:
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One World Together at Home: 10 must-watch performances from the Rolling Stones to Burna Boy
From Scrabble to Pictionary: virtual games you can play with friends and family while isolating
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How much do leading UAE’s UK curriculum schools charge for Year 6?
- Nord Anglia International School (Dubai) – Dh85,032
- Kings School Al Barsha (Dubai) – Dh71,905
- Brighton College Abu Dhabi - Dh68,560
- Jumeirah English Speaking School (Dubai) – Dh59,728
- Gems Wellington International School – Dubai Branch – Dh58,488
- The British School Al Khubairat (Abu Dhabi) - Dh54,170
- Dubai English Speaking School – Dh51,269
*Annual tuition fees covering the 2024/2025 academic year
Where to donate in the UAE
The Emirates Charity Portal
You can donate to several registered charities through a “donation catalogue”. The use of the donation is quite specific, such as buying a fan for a poor family in Niger for Dh130.
The General Authority of Islamic Affairs & Endowments
The site has an e-donation service accepting debit card, credit card or e-Dirham, an electronic payment tool developed by the Ministry of Finance and First Abu Dhabi Bank.
Al Noor Special Needs Centre
You can donate online or order Smiles n’ Stuff products handcrafted by Al Noor students. The centre publishes a wish list of extras needed, starting at Dh500.
Beit Al Khair Society
Beit Al Khair Society has the motto “From – and to – the UAE,” with donations going towards the neediest in the country. Its website has a list of physical donation sites, but people can also contribute money by SMS, bank transfer and through the hotline 800-22554.
Dar Al Ber Society
Dar Al Ber Society, which has charity projects in 39 countries, accept cash payments, money transfers or SMS donations. Its donation hotline is 800-79.
Dubai Cares
Dubai Cares provides several options for individuals and companies to donate, including online, through banks, at retail outlets, via phone and by purchasing Dubai Cares branded merchandise. It is currently running a campaign called Bookings 2030, which allows people to help change the future of six underprivileged children and young people.
Emirates Airline Foundation
Those who travel on Emirates have undoubtedly seen the little donation envelopes in the seat pockets. But the foundation also accepts donations online and in the form of Skywards Miles. Donated miles are used to sponsor travel for doctors, surgeons, engineers and other professionals volunteering on humanitarian missions around the world.
Emirates Red Crescent
On the Emirates Red Crescent website you can choose between 35 different purposes for your donation, such as providing food for fasters, supporting debtors and contributing to a refugee women fund. It also has a list of bank accounts for each donation type.
Gulf for Good
Gulf for Good raises funds for partner charity projects through challenges, like climbing Kilimanjaro and cycling through Thailand. This year’s projects are in partnership with Street Child Nepal, Larchfield Kids, the Foundation for African Empowerment and SOS Children's Villages. Since 2001, the organisation has raised more than $3.5 million (Dh12.8m) in support of over 50 children’s charities.
Noor Dubai Foundation
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum launched the Noor Dubai Foundation a decade ago with the aim of eliminating all forms of preventable blindness globally. You can donate Dh50 to support mobile eye camps by texting the word “Noor” to 4565 (Etisalat) or 4849 (du).
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'The Sky is Everywhere'
Director:Josephine Decker
Stars:Grace Kaufman, Pico Alexander, Jacques Colimon
Rating:2/5
Groom and Two Brides
Director: Elie Semaan
Starring: Abdullah Boushehri, Laila Abdallah, Lulwa Almulla
Rating: 3/5
