27 Liverpool Street, Freetown, Sierra Leone

Certificate program

Certificate. Studies in performance (Western, popular, traditional), harmony, music history, music of Sierra Leone, church music.

This not-for-profit Academy opened in 1995, aiming to teach music to a high professional level and to research and disseminate information on the musical heritage of Sierra Leone and West Africa. Its stated mission is "to provide a center for music and arts education and entertainment of indigenous and international content through practice, training and research to people in Sierra Leone, thereby providing a platform for nurturing talent to be internationally recognized." At present it is the only music education institution in Sierra Leone offering a wide range of music instruction courses to the public. The Academy is governed by a Board of Directors and receives modest funding from the Government. There are classes in music, African dance and drumming as well as a number of other performing groups who present regular concerts. Programs and courses in instrument playing and dance are provided for less-advantaged children. Theory courses follow the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music (ABRSM) in UK, with the examinations being conducted in Sierra Leone. There are also courses in the music of Sierra Leone and church music. The Academy awards its own certificates. Links have been forged with Wells Cathedral School in England and with German musicians.

January 2020