Manama: Music and arts clubs in Jeddah in western Saudi Arabia said that girls would be allowed to join only if they have the approval of their fathers or legal custodians.
The new rule was introduced after some parents complained that they were not aware that their daughters were enrolled in music clubs and learning to play on instruments, Nizar Rami, a supervisor in one of the clubs, said
The father or legal custodian must be physically present as the application to join or to take courses in music or arts is submitted in order to ensure they do not wade into difficulties with families, the clubs said, Saudi daily Okaz reported on Thursday.
Fees for joining a music or art club in the Red Sea city are 3,000 Saudi Riyals (Dh2,938) and the musical training of members includes the use of the piano, the organ and the guitar.
“The coaching of the girls will be carried by Arab women trainers on an individual basis and the cost of the one-to-one training is SR400. The full course consists of seven different training sessions,” Nizar said.
The supervisor said there was recently a surge in the numbers of Saudi girls and young women who are interested in learning how to play musical instruments.
“They are often looking for enhancing their skills and aptitudes in the arts and music particularly, and the clubs provide them with training on the piano, organ and guitar,” he said.
