New school poised to change music industry

Students at Ecole d’Art de Nyundo, Rwanda’s first public music school have reason to believe in achieving their aspirations following the official launch of the modern school on October 24. The school opened doors for 30 pioneer students in March 2014. Consolee Nyirandashimye one of female students sings one of her songs as her colleagues give her back up. Located at Ecole d’Art de Nyundo a renowned art school since 1952, the school trains students in techniques of playing various musical instruments and vocal ranges. The school also provides a platform to preserve traditional Rwandan music. Some of the instruments taught in this school include electrical piano, guitars, drum sets and small percussion, among others. “We are happy that we are learning music as a profession. For the eight months we have been here, I have acquired enough skills that can help me perform well in the industry,” Erasme Kamayirese, a student from Musanze district said. He noted they have been advised to specialise in specific styles of music. “There are those who prefer both singing and playing music instruments, singing alone or playing the instruments alone,” he explained. For Enock Rugamba, a 24-year-old music student, before he joined Ecole d’Art de Nyundo, he was a singer and a guitarist. But now he wants to specialise in electronic piano playing to become a professional music producer. Apart from the music, students are taught communication and entrepreneurship skills to prepare them deal with the outside world after school. The Minister for Culture and Sports, Joseph Habineza pledged to link the students with internationally recognised artistes. The students commended the government for establishing the school. “The school has come as an answer to my prayers because I’ve been struggling to develop my career and become a professional singer. I have learnt a lot of things since I joined. I can sing, write my own compositions and pray various musical instruments,” said Alice Nikeza. The Minister for Culture and Sports, Joseph Habineza pledged to link the students with internationally recognised artistes to enable them acquire more professional skills. Habineza said that music is a creative and profitable industry. “You are among billionaires (wealthy people) because this is an industry that never collapses, like other kinds of wealth, you have a rich and everlasting industry,” said Habineza. The minster urged the students to uphold professionalism and fight the rampant pirating culture among the local musicians.

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New school poised to change music industry