Channel Islands Business Success Expands to Dubai

The School of Popular Music is set to open a new base at Expo City Dubai, with the launch expected to take place in April.

Founded in Guernsey 12 years ago, the music school later expanded into Jersey and has since built a reputation for a more informal approach to tuition. Rather than focusing on traditional lessons, the school encourages people of all ages to learn instruments by playing together and enjoying music as a shared experience.

Founder Tyler Edmonds said the decision to expand into Dubai followed several visits to the region in recent years.

He explained that family connections had brought him to the Gulf state regularly and that he believed it offered an ideal opportunity for the next stage of the school’s growth. He added that the organisation was proud of its work in the Channel Islands and confident the concept would translate well to Dubai.

The new venue will be based at Expo City Dubai, outside the main city, with construction due to begin shortly. Mr Edmonds said the pace of development in Dubai meant the project could be completed far more quickly than would be possible in the islands.

Initially, the Dubai operation is expected to employ around 10 staff, although the pre-launch team currently consists of two people.

Mr Edmonds said Dubai’s modern outlook made it a strong fit for the school’s philosophy, adding that while the city was known for its wealth, music education there remained relatively traditional. He said SOPM’s more relaxed and inclusive approach had the potential to be highly successful.

Alongside the Dubai launch, the School of Popular Music is also planning to expand its Jersey operation.