TAIF — Musicians in the Kingdom are waiting with bated breath for the Ministry of Labor and Social Development's approval to issue license to the Saudi Musicians Society. Society spokesman and musician Mohammad Al-Sannan said the society will start in the Eastern Province and later spread to other regions. "The society is expected to have over 1,000 members. Even though the musical scene in Saudi Arabia has existed for a very long time, many of the musicians seek education opportunities in other Arab countries. There aren't any musical institutes or music classes in the Kingdom," said Al-Sannan. He added the purpose of establishing the society is to give musicians, lyricists and singers a platform to nurture their talent and passion. "The society is open to anyone with an interest in music. We have submitted an official proposal to the Ministry of Labor and Social Development requesting to be a licensed society. We are still in the process of getting the approval," said Al-Sannan. He added the cultural and arts centers in the Kingdom take in artists of all sorts including theatrical performers, illustrators, poets and others. "Our society is specialized in musicians and people involved in producing music only. The society aims to support musicians, protect their rights and provide musical education from local and international academics," said Al-Sannan. He also said there is a great need for academic musicians in the Kingdom. "99.9 percent of the musicians in the Kingdom are uneducated musically and do not have enough experience to be musicians. The society is founded by 12 people who are musicians and artists with an interest in music. There is no official executive committee yet as we are waiting for the ministry's approval," said Al-Sannan. He added the society in the Eastern Province will be a model for other societies to open in other areas in the Kingdom. "We had aimed to open the society in various areas in the Kingdom but writing the proposal required for it to be pertained to a particular province. The founders must be musicians local to the province. Therefore, we are focused on getting the approval and then other areas in the Kingdom can follow in our footsteps," said Al-Sannan. He added that becoming a member of the society is not limited to an age or gender.
