Lebanon National Overview
Updated in November 2016 by Ghassan Yammine, Director at for International Relations and Art Activity at the Prague Academy of Performing Arts, Music and Dance Faculty.
Overview of Higher Music Education System
Higher Music Education in Lebanon is taught in the following institutions: Ecole des Arts Ghassan Yammine, the National Conservatory, Universite Saint Esprit Kaslik, the Antonine University and the Notre Dame University.
It falls under the Ministry of Education and diplomas that are issued follow national guidelines.
| Total number of institutions |
5
|
| Total number of music students |
Unknown
|
| Funding |
Only the National Conservatory is funded by the government. All other institutions are funded by tuition fees.
|
| Curricula | Curricula are created by the different institutions but have to be recognized by the government through the Minister of Education. Within the curricula the focus is on the study of instrumental and vocal training, by which the lessons are given one on one. |
| Genres |
Unknown.
|
| 2-cycle system | 1st cycle: 3 to 5 years 2nd cycle: 2 to 4 years |
| Qualifications |
A Bachelor degree is awarded at the end of the 2nd cycle. During the years of study, the student is supposed to have finished music theory, reached the 5th level of solfege and dictations, analysis, harmony and the basics of counterpoint
|
| Entry requirements 1st cycle |
There are no particular requirements for entry to the 1st cycle.
|
| Entry requirements 2nd cycle |
The student should have already finished his diploma of 1st cycle, the music theory, 3rd level of solfege and dictations, and chamber music.
|
| % of students who continue with 2nd cycle | approximately 15% |
| 3rd cycle |
3rd cycle studies are available at the conservatoires, with an independent department for research.
|
| Credit point system |
Unknown.
|
| Internationalization |
As Lebanon is not in the EU, there is no link with the Erasmus programme, although agreements exist between Lebanese institutions and other European higher music institutions.
|
| Quality assurance |
There is no official method of quality assurance in place: For example, at Ecole des Arts Ghassan Yammine, the affiliations with European higher institutions is a proof of its Quality Assurance.
|
| Employability |
Unknown.
|
| Academic Year |
It depends on the institution: for some it’s October-June, for others the whole year (including a Summer session).
|
Overview of the Pre-College Music Education System
There are several possibilities in Lebanon to be musically trained prior to entering higher education. All programs have modified 12 years ago, but they’re still less than the average required, in order to prepare students for entering professional music education. All the universities have music schools. However, the music schools focus more on amateur training. They offer music theory, solfege and teach the different instruments. Lessons are primarily given in big groups.
Types of Pre-College Education |
|
| Music Scool |
The 3 universities listed on the top.
|
| Private Music School |
Ecole des Arts Ghassan Yammine
|
| Conservatoire |
The National Conservatory
|
Additional Information |
|
|
Many institutions give summer sessions during July. Only Ecole des Arts Ghassan Yammine works 12 months without any interruption. There is no real distinction between pre-college education and amateur training on the level of primary or secondary school. |
|
| Music and Arts in General Education |
Music is a obligatory subject until the age of 11.
|
| Students entering Higher Music Education |
Almost all students come from the aformentioned music institutions.
|
| Special Facilities for Talented Students at Pre-College Level |
There are some venues where talented students can perform or get master classes or follow workshops, but they don’t learn (as courses).
|
Overview of Music Teacher Education System
Instrumental/Vocal Music Teacher Education |
|
| Institutions |
In Lebanon, the trainings are provided by some institutions mentioned on the top. Basically, they invite European or American musicians to give seminars, workshops, master classes, trainings, etc..
|
| Structure and Curriculum |
No information available.
|
| Employability |
Student are trained for positions as teachers and educators. They can find a position in public and private schools when they have received their Bachelor Degree.
|
| Continuing Professional Development (CPD) |
No information available.
|
Education for Music Teacher in General Education (primary and secondary school) |
|
| Institutions |
It takes place in the same insitutions as mentioned before. There is no real diploma, but a certificate is awarded after finishing.
|
| Structure and Curriculum |
No information available.
|
| Employability |
No information available.
|
| Continuing Professional Development (CPD) |
No information available.
|
