A Historical Overview of the Faculty

The history of establishing the first higher institute for music in Egypt dates back to 1935–1936, when it began as a department within the Higher Elementary School for Female Teachers in Shubra. Its aim was to prepare female music teachers for girls’ schools at various educational stages. Admission required a baccalaureate certificate, and the study duration was three years. Later, this department was moved to the Institute of Fine Arts Education for Girls in Zamalek.

In 1942, by ministerial decree, it became a department within the Higher Institute for Female Arts Teachers in Bulaq. The duration of study in the music department became five years, after which students obtained a diploma from the Higher Institute for Female Music Teachers. That same year, a secondary section was added, admitting students who held a primary certificate and passed a musical aptitude test. This section offered six years of study, leading to a secondary music education certificate, qualifying them for the higher section, which lasted four years.In 1947, the institute, including both the secondary and higher sections, moved to an independent building on El-Mobtadian Street. By 1953–1954, the secondary section became only three years, admitting students with a preparatory certificate. In 1958–1959, the institute relocated to Ismail Mohamed Street in Zamalek. With the establishment of the Ministry of Higher Education in 1962, the higher section came under its supervision, while the secondary section remained under the Ministry of Education until it was later discontinued. A preparatory year was added, making the total study duration at the higher institute five years after high school, provided students passed an aptitude test. That same year, a boys’ institute was also established in Dokki.

In 1964–1965, the boys' and girls' institutes merged under the name: “Higher Institute of Music Education” in Zamalek. The study period was five years for general secondary school graduates, and four years for music section graduates of teacher training colleges. As part of the development and advancement of music education, postgraduate studies for master’s and PhD degrees began in 1968. Since 1975, the institute became a university faculty affiliated with Helwan University, under the name:
➤ Faculty of Music Education.