Presenting an innovative and affordable approach to music education in Southern Africa, the Music Crossroads Academies aim to provide young musicians with the skills they need for a career in music, while contributing to the development of the local music sectors.

Set to open in April 2013, the MC Academies in Malawi, Mozambique and Zimbabwe are offering students a chance to immerse themselves in a yearly Professional Certificate Program, based on African and African-descendent music, with newly designed curriculums, modern teaching methods, internationally trained teachers and well equipped rehearsal rooms & Music Labs in Lilongwe, Maputo and Harare.

Aiming to help turn huge young talent and exceptional musical traditions into local career opportunities, between 2013-2015 this non-profit program will train at least 270 highly motivated students (with over 25% female participants), mostly aged 18-30, as well as 30 MC Academy teachers - to enable them to pursue a career as professional musicians, primary/secondary school teachers or access higher music education. During this period, the project also seeks to secure the long term self-sustainability of the Music Crossroads Academies.

In addition, Music Crossroads endeavours to partner with Southern African cultural and music education stakeholders as well as local governments to maximise the social impact of the program.

Applications are open for the MC Academies Professional Certificate Program - Year 1! If you are aged 18-30 and have basic music knowledge (i.e. can play at least one instrument or sing), apply now for an affordable 1-year course in basic/intermediate music, due to start in April 2013 (cities of Lilongwe, Maputo and Harare). Click to find out more and apply in English / Português.

Read here about some of the young and upcoming Southern African artists which have been involved in Music Crossroads Programs.

The Music Crossroads Academies Project has the generous support of the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.