Is there a free trial for music lessons?

Beginners unsure which instrument to learn can book a free taster of about 15 minutes. Children who already play can book a trial lesson, run as a full lesson; ask the provider for the cost.

How much does a music lesson cost?

AED 200 per 30-minute lesson. Term 1 2026-27 (15 weeks) is AED 3,000 for 30-minute lessons, AED 4,005 for 40-minute lessons and AED 6,000 for 60-minute lessons, including 5% VAT, plus a one-time AED 250 registration fee for new students.

What age can my child start?

For individual lessons: from 5 for strings and piano, from 7 for guitar, woodwind, brass and drums, and from 10 for voice.

Are there ensembles or choirs for children?

Yes: Beginner Ensemble, Junior and Senior Wind and String ensembles, Junior Jukebox, Jukebox and Glee, at AED 350 per term including music, materials and instruments. Most need no audition; Jukebox and Glee places depend on suitability.

Centre for Musical Arts

Q: Can lessons be taken online?

Yes, online lessons are charged at the same rate as in-person lessons.

Q: Where is Centre for Musical Arts based?

CMA has two sites: the Al Jalila Cultural Centre for Children (first floor) on Al Wasl Road, and the New Covent Garden Complex at Mall of the Emirates. Ask the provider which site offers your child's instrument and slot.

MusicMusic Lessons

Checked Oct 2026Details checked October 2026

Umm Suqeim

Free trial

Ages5+years and up
PriceAED 200a lesson, lowest price
OpenAskNot published yet
WhereUmm SuqeimOpen in Maps

Book online

Centre for Musical Arts (CMA) teaches instrumental and vocal lessons at two Dubai sites: the Al Jalila Cultural Centre for Children on Al Wasl Road and the New Covent Garden Complex at Mall of the Emirates. Individual lessons cover woodwind, brass and string instruments, classical, acoustic, electric and bass guitar, drums, piano and voice, with starting ages from 5 for strings and piano. Small-group lessons are available for every instrument except drums and piano. Children who want to play with others can join ensembles and vocal groups, from the Beginner Ensemble to Junior and Senior Wind and String ensembles, Junior Jukebox, Jukebox and Glee, at AED 350 per term. Families working towards graded exams can prepare for ABRSM, Trinity, Trinity Rock and Pop, MTB or Rockschool. Beginners who aren't sure which instrument to pick can book a free taster of about 15 minutes. Lessons follow a school-term calendar, with Term 1 2026-27 starting Sunday 30 August.

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The activity

Music Lessons, explained

Music lessons pair a child with an instrument (or their voice) and a teacher, one-to-one or in a small group, for a weekly session that builds reading, listening and playing skills over a term. Many schools offer a short taster so a child can try an instrument before committing, then move into regular lessons working towards graded exams (ABRSM, Trinity, Rockschool) if the family wants that structure. Ensembles and choirs often sit alongside private lessons once a child has some confidence. Starting ages depend on the instrument: string instruments and piano can start younger, while instruments needing more breath or hand strength, and formal singing lessons, usually come a few years later.

Who it's for

Children and adults, beginners to exam level. Minimum ages for individual lessons: 5 for strings and piano, 7 for guitar, woodwind, brass and drums, 10 for voice. Ensembles welcome CMA students, partner-school pupils and the wider community, and most need no audition.

What to expect

Beginners unsure which instrument to learn can book a free taster of about 15 minutes to try one out; children who already play can book a trial lesson, run as a full, focused lesson (ask the provider for the cost). Regular lessons are a fixed weekly slot of 30, 40 or 60 minutes, following the school-term calendar. Online lessons are charged at the same rate as in person. New students pay a one-time AED 250 registration fee, and all prices include 5% VAT. Book a taster by emailing [email protected] or calling 04 341 8872.

Highlights

Individual lessons from age 5 (strings and piano), 7 (guitar, woodwind, brass, drums) and 10 (voice) (cmadubai.com)
Free taster of about 15 minutes for beginners deciding on an instrument (cmadubai.com)
Ensembles and vocal groups, AED 350 per term, most with no audition (cmadubai.com)
Exam preparation for ABRSM, Trinity, Trinity Rock and Pop, MTB and Rockschool (cmadubai.com)
Two sites: Al Jalila Cultural Centre for Children (Al Wasl Road) and New Covent Garden Complex, Mall of the Emirates (cmadubai.com)
4.6 on Google from 17 reviews (Google listing)

Why parents rate it

What parents say on Google

CMA holds a 4.6 rating on Google from 17 reviews, with 13 five-star and 3 four-star ratings against a single one-star review.

The facts

Ages: Individual lessons from 5 (strings, piano), 7 (guitar, woodwind, brass, drums), 10 (voice) (cmadubai.com)
Prices: AED 250 one-time registration fee; AED 200 per 30-minute lesson; Term 1 2026-27 (15 weeks): AED 3,000 (30 min), AED 4,005 (40 min), AED 6,000 (60 min); ensembles AED 350 per term; VAT included (cmadubai.com)
Schedule: Weekly fixed-slot lessons on a school-term calendar; Term 1 2026-27 runs Sunday 30 August to Friday 11 December, with lessons continuing over the October half term (cmadubai.com/en/term-dates)
Trial: Free taster of about 15 minutes for beginners; trial lesson for students who already play (ask the provider for the cost) (cmadubai.com)
Where: Al Jalila Cultural Centre for Children, First Floor, Al Wasl Rd, Umm Suqeim Third, Dubai · New Covent Garden Complex, Mall of the Emirates, Dubai
How to book: cmadubai.com · +971 4 341 8872 · [email protected]
Opening hours: Mon–Thu10am–8pm
Fri10am–7pm
SatClosed
Sun10am–7:30pm

Guide · 7 min readRead: How many activities is too many? A guide by age

Questions parents ask

Good to know

Group lessons for all instruments except drums and piano; bring a friend of similar age and ability (cmadubai.com)
Online lessons cost the same as in-person lessons (cmadubai.com)
Fees are pro-rated for students joining later in the term (cmadubai.com)
Payment by online invoice, bank transfer, card at the centre, or cheque (cmadubai.com)
The Al Wasl Road centre is on the first floor of Al Jalila Cultural Centre for Children (cmadubai.com)
Wheelchair-accessible car park and entrance at the Al Wasl Road site (Google listing)