Dhow Countries Music Academy (DCMA)

a, and dancing such as Msewe, Bomu, Kiluwa, Kyaso etc. The DCMA is proud to be the guardians of a living cultural heritage and proud to preserve and promote the musical heritage of Zanzibar and the Dhow Countries. In training the students it ensures the continuation, knowledge, and legacy of a unique musical cultural heritage. The school provides a unique opportunity for the inhabitants of Zanzibar and the Dhow Regions to study music both related to their cultural background and more global genres of music. Whilst its main mission is to provide music for education, employment and enjoyment, special emphasis is placed on broadening the educational opportunity for young people, children and women. In addition the DCMA is currently seeking accreditation to become the main teaching centre for teaching music in East and Central Africa. The Academy has registered 1204 students since its inception and currently has 70 actively registered students. The academic curriculum offers a quality education from beginners’ level to highly advanced students at Certificate and Diploma levels, both courses of which are taught and lead by Professor Mitchel Strumpf from the University of Dar es Salaam who will be a full time, permanent Academic Director from July 2014. Since its beginnings in 2003 the DCMA has been training its students to be professional musicians and teachers and over 50% of music teachers DCMA have been trained from its student population.