Cultivating passion, a hands on experience at IAID

A few weeks ago, Qatar Living visited the IAID Summer Workshop to check out their range of youth classes for the summer.

This week we were invited back to the globally recognized performing arts academy, but this time to participate in some of their regular classes to get the full experience.

On the agenda, Classical Piano & Electronic Keyboard, Western Vocals and Visual & Studio Arts class. 

The Academy, which works off their principle of the three “P’s” of Passion, Pride and Positivity, welcomed us back to the institute and immediately put us to the test. 

All potential students must first complete a skills test for their chosen interest in order for their level of understanding and capability to be assessed. This is done by a highly qualified instructor, who not only monitors their technical proficiency, but also looks for how passionate the student is about the discipline. 

First up for me, was the keyboard and piano class. Music Instructor, Ms. Hazel Baro-Reducto started off with a basic rhythm test. Before I could get behind the ivories, I needed to duplicate a series of clapping tests in order to assess my ear for music. After impressing with 100%, it was finally time for my first piano lesson.

After learning the basic concept of which fingers represented which numbers, it was time to play a tune. Ms. Hazel asked if I recognized the tune I had just played. Of course yes, it was “Old McDonald”…no wait, it was “Three Blind Mice.” It was clear that my ear for music had taken a turn for the worse as the song I was playing was in fact “Mary had a little lamb”.

Next up was what I feared most…Western Vocals! Surely, I would not have to stand on stage and sing. This of course being a skills test meant that it was the only way to evaluate my vocal ability (or lack thereof).

My Western Vocals Instructor, Ms. Maryann Pietersz, was warm and welcoming, knowing she was about to put me through my paces. After a brief introduction and explanation to the technical aspects of vocals, I took part in a rhythm test similar to the class before. This time however nerves got the better of me and I was less than impressive, missing several beats. Ms. Maryann corrected my posture, guided me through some vocal warmups, and then had me belt out a stirring rendition of Frank Sinatra’s “Fly Me To The Moon”. And by belt out I mean shout out, and by stirring, I mean startling.

Last up, was art class. Thinking back to high school when it was “suggested” to me by the teachers that I don’t take art further, I was eager to get back onto the canvas.  IAID Visual and Studio Arts Instructor Mr. Michael Fajardo explained how everyone was accepted into the art classes and what are the related activities being implemented by IAID to provide students the opportunity to showcase their talents. My colleague and I then selected a photo image and replicated it using a combination of pencil and watercolor paints. Our work would certainly not be framed in a gallery anywhere, but the experience was definitely relaxing after a hard day’s work. 

The Academy’s international affiliations like the London College of Music (LCM) University of West London UK, British Theatre Dance Associations (BTDA) and more has supported IAID in offering quality and world-class training in the field of Performing Arts. Students are also provided with the proper skills, techniques and the continuity of learning that they need in their respective courses. More importantly, this International affiliations provide students with Universities and College Admissions Service (UCAS) entry points towards admissions in reputed universities around the world from Grades 6-8 respectively. 

All courses in the Academy are constantly evaluated to ensure they are providing the best possible education to all students. Each class focuses on both personal attention and group involvement, ensuring each student learns from one another.

The classes range from ages 3 years to adults, and IAID’s philosophy rings true through each and every aspect of the experience. The instructors are quick to point out that with IAID it’s all about cultivating the passion. And that is exactly what we left IAID feeling – passionate. 

If you have a passion for the arts and would like to sign up for classes, call 44320974 / 44411234 / 55860644 or visit the IAID website www.iaid.qa.