By Harold Ayodo

Moses Omiti plays his piano effortlessly in the music room at Nairobi’s Trinit Academy of Contemporary Music.

He wanted to become a pilot until he discovered he was talented in music as a student at Moi High School Kabarak three years ago.

But now, he dreams of becoming an opera singer.

Omiti is among 80 students at the only formal music college in Kenya.

"I did music in high school and joined the academy after KCSE last year," he says.

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His youngest schoolmates are aged four.

While in high school, the pianist produced a gospel hit song — Bwana Mchungaji.

"Instruments at Trinit are adequate and learners get hands on experience," says Omiti, a member of the sing group Blea and member of the Seventh Day Adventist (SDA) Central Church.

Mr Raphael Njuguna, the director says the college wants to promote professionalism in the music industry.

"Some parents discourage their children from pursuing their musical talents because they do not believe it can be a profession. We want to link music education and professionalism in the music industry," he says.

He says graduates from the institutions will be equipped to employ their education globally and launch music careers.

Students learn several aspects of contemporary music including rock, pop and jazz. They are taught vocals and playing instruments including guitar, bass, drums, piano, violin and saxophone.

"We also have dance and drama in the two-year curricular," Njuguna says.

Musician Eric Wanaina is among the artistes honed their skills at the college.

The certificate programmes includes 18 courses and a project.

Vocal

"Courses are divided into four parts: beginner, debut, intermediate and technical with each stage comprising four to five units," Njuguna explains.

The college is in the process of certifying requirements of the Government to sit the Kenya National Examinations Council examinations.

"Most of the students are talented musicians," says production and vocals tutor Ms Viola Karuri – a graduate of Berklee College of Music.

Karuri who is a seasoned vocals performer says talent is nothing without determination, drive and hard work.

Admissions are not pegged on academic qualifications. "We hold auditions to select talented learners," Njuguna says.

The very young students are first taught to play several instruments before they specialise after two years.

The director says the schools also admit students who want to learn music for leisure in the part-time programme.

Full-time students pay Sh30,000 a term for the two-year course while children between four and five pay Sh10,000 a term for weekend lessons.

"We charge Sh15,000 a term for junior courses tailored for six year olds," Njuguna says.

The director says the institution spent Sh20 million on its state-of-the-art equipment for every student.

With a capacity of 2,500 students and 12 instructors, Njuguna says, the college struggles to keep costs down in the face of increased cost of musical instruments.