Dubai music centre celebrates two decades of music education as founder Tala Badri prepares to step back from day-to-day operations
Dubai, UAE, September 15, 2026: The Centre for Musical Arts (CMA), founded in 2006 as Dubai’s first Emirati-run music centre, is marking its 20th anniversary with a leadership transition and a year-long programme of performances and community activities.
Founded by Emirati musician and educator Tala Badri, CMA has worked with more than 10,000 students through its own programmes, partner schools, ensembles, workshops and events. It currently supports music programmes in 22 schools across Dubai and Abu Dhabi and has collaborated with more than 50 schools over the past two decades.
The centre offers lessons in orchestral instruments, rock and pop, singing, musical theatre and oud. Its ensembles include wind and string groups, rock bands and Glee, giving students opportunities to rehearse and perform together.
CMA’s students and ensembles have performed at venues and events in the UAE and abroad. Its Senior String Ensemble performed for then-Prince Charles and Camilla as part of the UK in UAE programme, while its Senior Wind Ensemble has taken part in workshops and performances at Walt Disney World and Full Sail University in Florida.
The centre has also collaborated with organisations including the Guildhall School of Music & Drama, ABRSM, Trinity College London, Rockschool, the British Council, BBC Symphony Orchestra, New York University Abu Dhabi and Abu Dhabi Music & Arts Foundation.
A new chapter
The anniversary also marks a change in CMA’s leadership. Badri is taking on the role of Director of Learning and Engagement at the UAE National Orchestra and will gradually step away from CMA’s day-to-day operations while remaining involved in its strategic direction.
Brian Cunningham, who has been with CMA since 2008 and previously served as Director of Teaching and Learning, will become Executive Director and CEO. He will lead a restructured management team focused on building on the centre’s existing programmes and expanding its reach.
“Building an organisation should ultimately mean building something that can grow beyond its founder, with a strong team, a shared purpose and the ability to evolve,” Badri said.
“I am not leaving CMA. It will always remain part of who I am and what I have built.”
Cunningham said the focus would be on preserving the centre’s original purpose while continuing to develop its programmes and reach new communities.
CMA will celebrate its 20th anniversary through a year-long programme featuring performances, community activities and opportunities for its ensembles to perform in the UAE and internationally.
