Qatar Music Academy (QMA), part of Qatar Foundation’s Pre-University Education division, has become the first institution in the Gulf region to receive accreditation from MusiQuE (Music Quality Enhancement), an independent body that sets global standards for music education. This recognition places the academy among an elite group of music education institutions worldwide, including those with centuries-long histories.
Established in 2011 and based in Katara Cultural Village, QMA offers comprehensive programmes in both Arab and Western classical music. The academy focuses on nurturing young musical talent while also engaging in research to preserve Qatar’s and the region’s musical heritage. The dual emphasis on Arab and Western music traditions within a single educational framework has been highlighted as one of QMA’s defining features.
Dr. Ozgur Mert Esen, head of Western Music at QMA, described the accreditation as the result of a seven-year effort to demonstrate that the academy’s education model meets international standards while retaining local cultural relevance. He noted that the recognition confirms Qatar’s ability to develop specialised cultural institutions that are both firmly rooted in local identity and meet rigorous academic criteria.
“This milestone affirms Qatar’s capacity to build specialised cultural institutions rooted in local identity, strengthened by academic rigour, and recognised by international standards,” Dr. Esen said. He further emphasized that the accreditation not only validates QMA’s educational approach but also establishes the academy as a regional leader in pre-college music education, contributing to broader discussions around the future of professional music education, cultural heritage, and artistic excellence in the Gulf.
The accreditation also holds particular significance for QMA’s Arab Music Department, according to Taoufik Mirkhan, the department’s head. He said it provides international recognition for students’ academic achievements, enhancing their opportunities for further education and professional careers globally while allowing them to maintain ties to their Arab musical heritage. For faculty, the accreditation fosters a culture of quality assurance, continuous professional development, and the exchange of expertise aligned with international standards.
QMA director Zlatan Fazlic praised the achievement, attributing the accreditation to the sustained dedication and professionalism of both students and staff over the years.
The recognition from MusiQuE reinforces the view that cultural authenticity and international standards can coexist and mutually strengthen when carefully integrated. This development marks a significant step for Qatar and the region in promoting their musical heritage on the global stage.