International Music Institute Group

The International Music Institute Group has been a cornerstone of music and dance education in Abu Dhabi since 1994. Founded over three decades ago, the institute has grown into the leading music school in the capital, operating three branches across the city: the International Music Institute in Khalidiya City on Zayed The First Street, the Juli Music Institute in Al Bandar at Raha Beach, and a Saadiyat Island branch located at Manarat Saadiyat. With professionally trained instructors selected from around the world, the International Music Institute Group offers a comprehensive range of music instrument lessons, vocal training, and dance classes for students of all ages and skill levels.

What sets the International Music Institute Group apart is its official status as Abu Dhabi's representative of the ABRSM — the Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music. This prestigious designation followed consistently excellent results in student examinations, and it means that IMIG students can take practical and theory examinations administered by the ABRSM twice a year directly through the institute. The school has built a strong community of performing arts enthusiasts by organizing concerts, performances, and events throughout the year, giving students valuable stage experience at venues such as the Cultural Foundation, Brighton College Auditorium, and Nord Anglia Auditorium.

Programs & Classes at International Music Institute Group

The International Music Institute Group offers two primary streams of education: music instrument lessons and dance classes. Both streams cater to all ages and levels, from young beginners to advanced students preparing for diploma-level examinations.

Music Instrument Lessons

IMIG provides instruction across a wide range of instruments and disciplines:

• Piano — from beginner to ARSM Diploma level
• Strings — including violin, cello, and other string instruments
• Woodwind — flute, clarinet, saxophone, and related instruments
• Drum and Percussion — drum instrumental lessons
• Vocal Training — singing lessons for all levels

Students work with experienced and qualified tutors who guide them through ABRSM graded examinations, from Grade 1 through Grade 8 and up to the ARSM Diploma level. The institute's track record of student achievements is impressive, with multiple students earning Distinction marks on their ABRSM examinations in piano, cello, theory, and diploma-level performance.

Dance Classes

The dance program at IMIG covers multiple disciplines and methodologies:

• Classical Ballet — following both the RAD (Royal Academy of Dance) and Vaganova methods
• Contemporary Modern Dance
• Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT)
• Stretching Classes

All dance classes are taught by qualified, experienced dance teachers and are available for all ages and skill levels.

Pre-Music Classes for Young Children

For families looking to start their children's musical education at an earlier age, IMIG offers pre-music classes designed to introduce young learners to the fundamentals of music in an engaging and age-appropriate format.

The Youth Orchestra Abu Dhabi

One of the most distinctive programs offered by the International Music Institute Group is the Youth Orchestra Abu Dhabi, organized in collaboration with the Department of Culture and Tourism — Abu Dhabi. This project-based orchestra program is open to all music students who pass an audition process. Selected members receive weekly training and rehearsal sessions, participate in concerts at major venues in Abu Dhabi including the Cultural Foundation, and receive a certificate of participation. The orchestra accepts students at two levels: the Junior Orchestra for students at ABRSM Grade 3–5, and the Senior Orchestra for students at ABRSM Grade 6 and above. The Youth Orchestra also performs seasonal concerts, including winter concerts and special tribute performances such as their Jazz tribute event.

Student & Parent Reviews

The International Music Institute Group holds a 4.6-star rating on Google Maps based on 112 reviews. Google Maps reviewers consistently highlight the quality and dedication of the teaching staff. One reviewer, Niroshini Demel, noted that her son has been learning piano at IMI for nearly two years and that all the teachers at the institute are fantastic, giving special thanks to instructors Gladys and Kevin for their helpful, attentive, and friendly approach. Nabanita Nag, a Local Guide reviewer, described IMIG as one of the best places in Abu Dhabi to learn music and discover a love for it, even while acknowledging that the building itself is rather plain and old-fashioned in appearance. Some reviews have mentioned administrative challenges, particularly regarding response times for orchestra audition applications, with one parent noting a three-month wait for a response despite repeated follow-ups. This feedback suggests that while the instructional quality is highly regarded, prospective orchestra applicants should allow ample time for the audition process.

Additional Services at IMIG

Beyond its core educational programs, the International Music Institute Group provides several supplementary services that support the broader performing arts community in Abu Dhabi:

• ABRSM Practical and Theory Examinations — conducted twice a year through the institute's official ABRSM representative status
• Instrument Sales and Rental — sale and rental of all types of musical instruments for personal use or public events
• Music Bookshelf — a wide selection of musical books and texts, both for ABRSM examination preparation and for personal enjoyment
• Event Musicians — musicians available for private and public events
• Student Concerts and Performances — organized throughout the year at prominent Abu Dhabi venues

Location & Enrollment

The International Music Institute Group operates three conveniently located branches across Abu Dhabi. The main International Music Institute is located on Zayed The First Street (also known as Khalidiya Street), opposite Grand Stores, in the Khalidiya City area. The Juli Music Institute branch is situated in Al Bandar at Raha Beach, offering waterfront convenience for residents in that area. The Saadiyat branch is located at Manarat Saadiyat, serving the growing Saadiyat Island community. All three branches share the same contact email at contact@imig.ae, with the Khalidiya branch reachable at +971 2 621 1949, the Juli branch at +971 2 557 7602, and the Saadiyat branch at +971 2 585 2786. Operating hours across all branches are 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Prospective students are encouraged to contact the institute directly to check teacher availability and book a time slot for their first class.

Common Questions

What instruments does the International Music Institute Group teach?

IMIG offers lessons in piano, strings (including violin and cello), woodwind instruments, drum and percussion, as well as vocal training. Lessons are available for all ages and skill levels, from beginners to advanced diploma-level students.

Does IMIG offer ABRSM examinations?

Yes. The International Music Institute Group is Abu Dhabi's official representative of the ABRSM (Associated Board of the Royal Schools of Music). Practical and theory examinations are conducted twice a year, and students regularly achieve Distinction-level results.

How many branches does the International Music Institute Group have?

IMIG operates three branches in Abu Dhabi: the International Music Institute in Khalidiya City on Zayed The First Street, the Juli Music Institute in Al Bandar at Raha Beach, and a branch at Manarat Saadiyat on Saadiyat Island.

What dance classes are available at IMIG?

The institute offers classical ballet following both RAD and Vaganova methods, contemporary modern dance, Progressing Ballet Technique (PBT), and stretching classes for all ages and levels.

How can my child join the Youth Orchestra Abu Dhabi?

The Youth Orchestra is open to music students who pass an audition. There are two levels: Junior Orchestra (ABRSM Grade 3–5) and Senior Orchestra (ABRSM Grade 6 and above). Contact IMIG directly for information about upcoming audition dates and registration.

Does IMIG sell or rent musical instruments?

Yes. The institute offers both sale and rental of all types of musical instruments for personal use or public events. They also maintain a bookshelf with a wide selection of musical books and texts for ABRSM exam preparation and personal study.

What are the operating hours for all IMIG branches?

All three branches — Khalidiya, Al Bandar, and Saadiyat — operate from 9:00 AM to 8:00 PM. Contact the specific branch directly to confirm current schedules.

How do I enroll at the International Music Institute Group?

Prospective students should contact the institute via email at contact@imig.ae or call the relevant branch to check teacher availability and book a time slot for their first class. The Khalidiya branch can be reached at +971 2 621 1949, the Juli branch at +971 2 557 7602, and the Saadiyat branch at +971 2 585 2786.

Whether you are a parent looking for quality music lessons for your child, an adult wanting to revisit a childhood instrument, or a dancer seeking structured ballet training in Abu Dhabi, the International Music Institute Group offers decades of experience and a proven track record of student success. Compare music schools and performing arts educators on Ilistify to find the right fit for your learning goals.