Checkout the Music and Dance Courses and Colleges in Saudi Arabia....
Mar 28, 2025 12:28:06
Saudi Music Commission (under the Ministry of Culture)
Not a university, but plays a major role in developing music education.
Partners with international institutions and supports local training programs.
Offers workshops, diplomas, and collaborates with academies for full-time programs.
Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University (PNU) – Riyadh
Has collaborated with the Ministry of Culture.
Known for music appreciation and training initiatives in partnership with cultural bodies.
One of the first universities to host music programs for women.
King Saud University (KSU) – Riyadh
While it doesn’t offer a full-fledged degree in music, it participates in cultural and musical initiatives through its cultural clubs and collaborations.
Taif University
Offers cultural activities and elective courses related to music and the arts.
Has previously collaborated with local initiatives on music training.
Effat University – Jeddah
Offers courses in visual and performing arts, including elements of music and sound design through their Cinematic Arts program.
Saudi Performing Arts Center – Riyadh
Offers dance classes (ballet, contemporary, traditional) for children and adults.
One of the pioneering institutions in modern dance training.
Studio55 – Jeddah
Provides dance and fitness classes, including ballet, hip-hop, and Zumba.
Offers youth and adult programs.
Leaders Dance Academy – Riyadh
Offers professional dance training in multiple styles.
Caters to all age groups.
Jeddah Institute for Arts and Music
A newer institution that provides training in music and dance.
Focuses on practical skills and performance.
The Saudi Ministry of Culture offers scholarships for students pursuing degrees in fields like music, performing arts, visual arts, and filmmaking.
These scholarships are part of the Cultural Scholarship Program, aimed at sending students to study abroad or support them in local programs.
Areas supported include: instrumental performance, composition, sound engineering, and in some cases, dance and choreography.
The program prioritizes talents in creative fields that align with Vision 2030.
GAE sometimes sponsors training programs, short courses, and workshops in music and performance arts.
These can include grants, full sponsorships, or stipends for attending government-approved academies or events.
Focus is often on building national talent for the entertainment industry.
Some local music and dance academies offer internal scholarships or need-based discounts for students showing strong potential or financial need.
These are usually limited but growing—especially in places like Riyadh and Jeddah.
These universities sometimes offer financial aid, merit-based scholarships, or support from cultural organizations for students pursuing arts-related courses.
Students interested in music-related tracks (like sound design or performing arts) may qualify for arts education support through university grants.
These might not be formal scholarships but can cover training, materials, and mentorship.
Why it stands out: One of the first Saudi universities to formally integrate music education for women.
Offers courses in music appreciation, performance, and theory, in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture.
Strong support for cultural and artistic activities on campus.
Why it stands out: Known for its School of Cinematic Arts, which includes sound design and music composition as part of its curriculum.
International collaborations in creative fields.
One of the few universities in Saudi with a formal arts and creative media program.
Not a traditional university, but a top-tier institution for music education and training.
Offers professional programs, short courses, and performance training.
Backed by the Ministry of Culture and aligned with Vision 2030.
Offers music programs, orchestral training, and workshops.
Hosts performances and musical initiatives.
Great for students interested in modern and traditional fusion music.
Partners with international institutions for talent development.
Premier center for dance training in Saudi Arabia.
Offers ballet, jazz, contemporary, and traditional Saudi dance.
Strong community and youth programs.
Recognized by the Ministry of Culture as a key player in developing performing arts.
Known for professional dance instruction.
Offers classes in hip-hop, ballet, contemporary, and fusion dance.
Great for students seeking practical training alongside academic study.
Offers a mix of dance and fitness, including Zumba, ballet, and modern dance.
While not a university, it's a respected training institution especially for younger dancers.
This is an upcoming project announced under Vision 2030.
Will offer academic degrees in performing arts including music and dance.
Expected to collaborate with top global art schools.
Program: Currently offers courses and diplomas in music education and performance.
Bachelor’s program in Music Education has been in development, with strong support from the Ministry of Culture.
Focus areas: Music theory, performance, vocal training, and music appreciation.
Program: Offers a Bachelor of Science in Cinematic Arts with tracks in sound design and music composition.
Ideal for students interested in music in media, film scoring, or sound engineering.
A creative degree that blends music with digital arts and production.
Program: Has announced interest in expanding into music education under the cultural initiatives.
Bachelor’s programs not yet formally announced but expected as part of future expansion.
Under the Ministry of Culture’s Music Commission, a national music institute is being developed to offer degrees and diplomas.
Goal: To be the first dedicated higher education institute for music in Saudi Arabia.
Expected to launch within the next few years.
As of now, no Saudi university offers a full Bachelor’s degree in Dance.
However, there is:
Professional training available in private academies (e.g., Saudi Performing Arts Center, Leaders Dance Academy).
Workshops and diplomas in dance and performance arts through cultural institutions.
Performing Arts degree programs (in development) are likely to include dance tracks in the future.
The Ministry of Culture’s Cultural Scholarship Program funds students to pursue Bachelor’s degrees in music and performing arts (including dance) at international universities.
Ideal for students who want to study classical music, contemporary dance, ballet, choreography, etc., abroad and return to support Saudi’s growing arts scene.
Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University (PNU) – Riyadh
Focused on female education, they’ve introduced creative arts programs.
Look for their College of Arts and Design — they may offer programs or workshops related to performing arts.
King Abdulaziz University (KAU) – Jeddah
Known for a wide range of graduate programs.
While not traditionally known for music/dance, they may offer interdisciplinary programs in Cultural Studies or Arts.
King Saud University (KSU) – Riyadh
One of the top universities in Saudi Arabia.
They are developing programs in the creative and cultural industries under Vision 2030.
The Saudi Music Commission
Not a university, but an important body under the Ministry of Culture.
They run training programs, certification, and scholarships abroad in music.
Check out their "Saudi Music Hub" initiative and scholarship opportunities for studying music/dance internationally.
Royal Institute of Traditional Arts
Offers diplomas and possibly advanced training in traditional Saudi music and dance.
As of now, full Master's degrees in Western classical music or contemporary dance may not be widely available domestically.
More common are diplomas, workshops, and short courses.
You might find cultural studies, heritage, or performance arts as part of broader humanities or cultural management degrees.
Scholarships to Study Abroad – Many Saudi students pursue performing arts degrees internationally, fully funded by government programs.
Consider online/hybrid programs from accredited universities abroad that allow remote learning.
As of now, no major Saudi university offers a fully accredited PhD specifically in Music or Dance.
Fields like Musicology, Ethnomusicology, or Cultural Heritage may be covered under broader PhD programs in Humanities, Culture, or Fine Arts.
King Saud University (KSU) – Riyadh
Offers PhD programs in Cultural Studies, Arabic Literature, and Heritage Studies, which might allow for research on traditional Saudi music or dance as part of a thesis.
Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University (PNU) – Riyadh
May offer arts-related research degrees focusing on Saudi cultural heritage, with the possibility to explore female roles in traditional music/dance.
The Royal Institute of Traditional Arts
Not a PhD-granting body yet, but deeply involved in research and preservation of traditional Saudi performing arts.
Might collaborate with universities for advanced research.
Many Saudi students pursue their PhDs abroad in Music, Dance, or Performing Arts. Good news? These are often fully funded through government programs like:
Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques Scholarship Program
Ministry of Culture Scholarships
Top international PhD destinations for Music/Dance:
UK: University of Oxford, Royal College of Music, Trinity Laban
USA: NYU, UCLA, Indiana University (Jacobs School of Music)
Europe: Sibelius Academy (Finland), Conservatories in Germany, France
High school certificate or equivalent
Must be 18 years or older
Some programs may require auditions or portfolio (e.g., for music instrument or dance skills)
Basic understanding of music theory or traditional performance (depending on program)
For Saudi nationals and sometimes open to residents/expats
Royal Institute of Traditional Arts
Saudi Music Hub (run by Music Commission)
Cultural centers in Riyadh, Jeddah, or AlUla
High school diploma (Thanawiya Amma) or equivalent
Passing entrance exams or interviews
May include:
Audition
Music/dance portfolio
Basic English proficiency (if course is in English)
Female applicants may find more options currently (e.g., at Princess Nourah University)
Bachelor’s degree in a related field (music, arts, cultural studies)
GPA requirement (usually 2.5/4 or higher)
Interview or proposal submission
Audition or practical demonstration may be needed
Proficiency in English (TOEFL/IELTS) if required
Master’s degree in a relevant field
Research proposal approved by supervisor
Academic transcript and GPA (typically 3.0+)
Proficiency in English or Arabic depending on program
Possibly published research or academic writing sample
September (Fall Semester) – Primary intake for most diploma and training programs
Some short courses/workshops may have rolling admissions year-round
Usually between April to June
Some specialized workshops open applications 1–2 months before they begin
Cultural institutions may run seasonal programs (Winter, Ramadan, Summer intensives)
Applications open early, and spots are limited, so apply ASAP
Fall Semester (September/October) – primary intake
Spring Semester (January/February) – occasionally available for some programs
Undergraduate programs: typically March to May
Postgraduate programs (Master's/PhD): between February to April
Announcement and application process often handled through the university’s admissions portal
Some programs (especially newer ones in arts/culture) may open admission only once per year
Multiple times a year – often in Fall (Sept), Winter (Jan), and Summer (June/July)
Best for those looking to join non-degree programs, private classes, or certificates
Usually 1 month before the course starts
Many offer rolling admission for short-term or individual classes
Undergraduate (Bachelor’s): Often free or low-cost for Saudi citizens
Postgraduate (Master’s/PhD): May range from SAR 10,000–30,000 per year (~USD 2,600–8,000)
For international students: Higher fees may apply, if allowed to enroll in the program
These universities focus more on cultural heritage, Arabic music traditions, or humanities than Western-style performing arts.
Many programs are government-subsidized for Saudi nationals.
Short Courses/Workshops:
SAR 500–3,000 per course (~USD 130–800)
(Depends on duration: 1 week to 3 months)
Diploma Programs:
SAR 10,000–25,000 per year (~USD 2,600–6,600)
Some programs are fully funded or scholarship-supported by the Ministry of Culture
Traditional instruments training
Saudi folk dance (like Ardah or Samri)
Music theory and history
Performance arts production
Group classes (per month): SAR 800–2,000 (~USD 210–530)
Private lessons (per session): SAR 200–500 (~USD 50–130)
Semester programs: SAR 6,000–12,000 (~USD 1,600–3,200)
These are often not degree-granting but focus on skill development in:
Piano, oud, violin, singing
Ballet, hip-hop, jazz dance
Music production or songwriting
The Ministry of Culture offers scholarships for Saudis to study music, dance, and performing arts abroad.
Some local programs are partially or fully subsidized for promising Saudi students.
