FAQs


When does the next beginner music production course start?


The production course will run from Tuesday, April 11th to Thursday, May 18th, 2023.
Classes will take place Monday to Thursday from 10 am - 1 pm.
Please review your availability and only apply if you can commit to this course schedule.



When does the next beginner DJ101 course start?

DJ101 will run from Monday, April 17th to Thursday, May 25th, 2023.
Classes will take place Monday to Thursday from 3 pm - 6 pm.
Please review your availability and only apply if you can commit to this course schedule.



Where do classes take place?


The Mall (basement level), Westlands, Nairobi.



Are SEMA courses certified?


SEMA courses were tailored through a rigorous process involving partners such as Catalyst Music School in Berlin in consultation with other regional key industry players. 



Does attendance count towards being certified?


Yes. SEMA has an attendance protocol in place that stipulates this.


Can I enroll in 2 courses at the same time?


We dissuade anyone from taking on two courses at a time. You will really maximize your learning and money by focusing on one at a time.


How much is each course?


30,000 KES per course.


If I don’t finish the classes do I get my money back?


No. Funds once paid are non-refundable.


Are there flexible ways to pay?


A 10,000 KES enrollment fee MUST be paid in order to secure a slot on either course.
After this, if you are unable to settle your full tuition fee by orientation day,  e-mail admissions@santuri.org to request consideration for a payment plan. 


Can i attend a class/visit the space before I decide to commit financially?


Yes. You can come visit the space during our working hours from 10 am - 4 pm weekdays.

You are encouraged to settle the full tuition fee before the course begins. 

If you are unable to settle your full tuition fee by orientation day, e-mail admissions@santuri.org to request consideration for a payment plan.


I’m ready to settle my tuition fees. How do I pay?


You will have to fill in the SEMA admissions form first in order to make the payment.


I won’t be able to make it for the April courses. When can I join SEMA next?


Our next offerings will be communicated via our socials and newsletter so consider following us and signing up to be the first to know when they go live.



REQUIREMENTS



Do I need to be a musician or have any musical experience?


No. No previous musical experience is required.


Do I need a laptop? 


No. We provide iMac workstations for each student.


What software will you focus on?


Primarily Ableton with the skills acquired transferrable to other softwares.


Once I apply how long will it take to get accepted?


Approximately 3 - 5 working days after applying.


DJ course:

We will focus on Traktor software, but 95% of the software features exist in other software, and all teachings will be relevant and useful for using Serato, Virtual DJ, and Rekordbox.


Beginners Production Course:


We will focus on Ableton, but most of the features in this Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) exist in other DAW’s, and all teachings will be relevant and useful for using Logic, FL Studio, Pro Tools, etc.




GENERAL



What courses do you offer?


Santuri has offered production courses at beginner, intermediate and advanced levels. We have also offered DJ courses at the beginner level with intermediate and advanced levels to come. The curriculum is wide, taking in elements of music culture, business, digital distribution in addition to the main technical modules.



How much do they cost?


The entry-level classes we are currently offering cost Ksh 30,000 each. Intermediary and advanced courses may be higher in price when they are announced. Stay tuned!



When will the next course start after the round in April?


Soon after. Sign up for our Newsletter to be the first to hear about the application process and exact dates!



How do I get on the course?


Depending on the course level, you will need to share some information about your interest and experience in music production or DJing, show us that you share our core values, and be able to afford the fee. Santuri hopes to roll out minimal scholarship positions for applicants with limited means later in 2023.



What will I receive after completing the course?


You will receive a certificate from Santuri East Africa. Santuri’s reputation is global, having strong partnerships with the key music technology players in Europe, and a network of festivals, labels, music platforms, and further education establishments. You will also have the opportunity to join a lively Alums program that grants you access to studio time, gear hire, showcase opportunities, and continued support and guidance in your music career.



What can I do with the skills I have learned afterward?


Previous Alums have gone on to a variety of careers and opportunities. This ranges from producing professionally, signing to labels, regional and international tours, working in studios, teaching music production, and much more. Follow our socials for examples of what our Alums are up to.



Are Santuri and SEMA the same thing?


Santuri Electronic Music Academy (SEMA) is the educational wing of Santuri East Africa. Santuri is also active in offering studio services, gear hire, events, curation, research, consultancies, network development and much more.



What’s so special about SEMA anyway?


SEMA is designed and implemented by artists, producers, and DJs who have a deep connection to alternative and innovative music, and a strong sense of community purpose. We have a progressive pedagogy based on Project Based Learning, so students are always hands-on with their own studies - this is not a traditional classroom. Each student is challenged to surpass their own expectations and encouraged to develop critical thinking about the work they produce and the industry they wish to be a part of. Santuri also intentionally addresses the gender imbalance in the music scene and highly encourages applications from non-male-identifying practitioners.



Some direct questions we’ve received:


If a student is not able to clear the fees before orientation, are there other available plans to either, give them more time to clear, preferably before the final exams/graduation or availability of financial aid/assistance that a student can apply for if there's proof of their inability to pay?


It’s essential that students clear their fees prior to starting. However, we are a reasonable team, and if there are urgent or extenuating circumstances, we can look into it and find a solution in terms of payment plans. There is no financial aid / assistance available at this point.


In the case of a student undertaking both courses, is there an incentive to reduce the fee to ease the burden of payment or because of their difference in terms of course structure and teaching faculty, any changes would be difficult to look into?


As aforementioned, we discourage anyone from taking on two courses at a time. However, if you sign up for more than one course you will receive a 7K discount.


It being a premier paying class, are there any perks or differences compared to previous cohorts?


SEMA is the leading electronic music academy in the region. We have previously been offering students stipends to attend, and are now offering courses at fees way below their actual market value. The market-friendly fee is already a perk compared to regional and global institutions.


Perks:

- Access to the 100+ Alumni community and network-multiplier effects (Access to cutting-edge music equipment from Native Instruments, Ableton, Digitakt, Novation, Roland, and Adam Audio and more).
- Access to Santuri Film Club’s curated screenings.
- Guest list to music events.
- Free studio time at Santuri facilities for the duration
of the course.


Are there any plans to expand on the content i.e. Intermediate & Advanced levels?


Yes, we will run intermediate and advanced classes later in 2023.


Are there work placements or applied work experience that you receive with the course or is it purely educational without outside interactions?


There are many industry interactions through our extra-curricular and Santuri / SEMA-wide activities, events, and programs. These include opportunities to showcase your work via our networks, perform at local venues, interact with international communities and platforms such as CDR etc. For DJs, we have offered opportunities at pristine locations like Jenga Jungle, Unseen, The Mist, Shelter KE and Beneath the Baobabs festival. Our producer graduates have performed at international festivals like Suoni Per Il Popolo, Nyege Nyege and local venues. We have offered them live scoring, soundtracking, and collaboration opportunities.


If someone may have a day job or a full-time job, are there sessions that could be set up for them to learn either part-time, evening or weekends?


We are currently in the process of formulating alternatives that will be communicated through our socials and newsletter.



How can I get in touch with you?

If you need to get in touch with Santuri, reach out to admissions@santuri.org and we’ll try to answer any questions you may have.