A FESTIVAL THAT PREPARES THE NEXT GENERATION
The Gnaoua and World Music Festival not only brings world class artistry and diverse musical traditions to its stages in Essaouira, but also creates numerous initiatives to support artistic development and professional musicianship. These initiatives are inspiring the next generation of Gnaoua musicians, many of whom are women. Among these engagements are educational programs and training workshops.
It is our perpetual quest for innovation and excellence which leads us to enter into a partnership with the prestigious Berklee College of Music, one of the most renowned institutions in the fields of music and the performing arts.
For the 26th edition, the Festival is launching a new educational opportunity through our partnership with Berklee. The program will create an opportunity for aspiring musicians from Morocco, Africa and across the globe who demonstrate artistic and musical potential to immerse themselves in a rewarding learning experience taught by Berklee’s most recognized artist and educators.
This strategic partnership represents an exceptional opportunity to support and train musicians from Morocco, Africa and beyond. The collaboration aims to combine the resources, skills, and opportunities offered by Berklee College of Music to enrich the educational, cultural, and artistic initiatives of the Festival.
This partnership also makes it possible for Berklee College of Music to draw upon the world renowned reputation of the Gnaoua and World Music Festival, a one-of-a-kind event that benefits from a strong global reputation and exceptional media coverage. And also to raise awareness of new talent and offer musicians a singular experience.
It is important to highlight that in February 2024 Essaouira joined the UNESCO Network of Learning Cities. Already recognized for its significant role in the world of music, the city expands its influence with this new label, underscoring the importance of continued learning in all fields. This distinction echoes the partnership between the Gnaoua and World Music Festival and Berklee College of Music.
Under the title of “Berklee at the Gnaoua and World Music Festival”, this program will take place in Essaouira from June 16th to 20th (5 days), designed for Moroccan and foreign musicians who wish to learn from professors from the world’s greatest music institution. Candidates must be at least 18-years old to participate in the program, and must have played their instruments for at least two years.
The deadline for applications is on April 14th, 2025
Candidates will then be selected by professors from Berklee College of Music after a rigorous evaluation process.
Application fees for the program are 420$ / 4200 dirhams per participant.
To submit an application, just click on the following link and follow the posted instructions :
https://www.berklee.edu/berkleeontheroad/berklee-at-the-gnaoua-and-world-music-festival