A music academy nurturing Kurdish talent has concluded the final day of a celebratory festival hosted in Turkey’s southeastern province of Diyarbakır (Amed), leaving a lasting impression on Kurdish music enthusiasts.
Ma Music Academy, established in 2017 is a beacon of Kurdish music education. With a focus on preserving and promoting Kurdish musical traditions, the academy has provided countless children and young people with opportunities to pursue a passion for music. The event, which took place from 7 to 11 June, showcased the remarkable talents of young students and graduates from the academy.
A highlight of the Ma Music Days festival was the graduation ceremony, where students received “Bawername” certificates. To date, the academy has 6,000 graduates, a testament to their commitment to nurturing talent and fostering musical excellence.
In addition to the annual event, Ma Music engages in various projects to further its mission. The academy’s Gerok Ma project provides music education to children in earthquake-affected areas, while another of the school’s projects, Bîra Muzîka Kurdî, aims to create a digital music archive of anonymous Kurdish songs. The academy is also working on a comprehensive violin method book to support those interested in learning the instrument.
Looking ahead, the academy’s coordinator, Şerko Kanîwar, extended an invitation to the public to join in more festivities on 6 July, marking the second anniversary of the Zarok Ma children’s choir. Kanîwar called upon everyone to attend the scheduled events, promising a joyous celebration of music as a testament to the growth and achievements of Ma Music Academy.
A dedication to Kurdish culture and language is the driving force behind Ma Music’s work. The academy brings the rich tradition of oral Kurdish music into the academic domain through systematic research, theory, and practice.
