Where talent found
an opportunity.

Kampala Music School began with a simple belief: talent should not be limited by circumstance.

In the mid-1990s, British music teacher Fiona Carr came to Uganda and discovered something that would change the course of her life. While listening to the choir at Namirembe Cathedral, she heard extraordinary musical talent - but also saw how few opportunities existed for young Ugandans to receive professional music education.

She began teaching young musicians from her home. What started as a small act of service soon became a much bigger vision. Together with Ugandan music educator Simon Peter Yiga and others, Fiona helped establish Pianos for Uganda, bringing donated instruments into the country and placing them where aspiring musicians could learn and practise. But it soon became clear that Uganda needed more than instruments. It needed a place where talent could be nurtured, disciplined and given room to grow.

In 2001, Kampala Music School opened its doors at the YMCA in Kampala. Over the years, our students have gone on to become performers, teachers, music leaders and mentors in Uganda and beyond. Many have returned to give back to the next generation, continuing a beautiful cycle of learning and opportunity. But our story has never been only about producing accomplished musicians.

It is about opening doors. It is about giving a child access to an instrument they could never afford, giving a talented young person the chance to receive professional training, and creating a place where music can build confidence, discipline, creativity and hope, for you, your friends and family.

More than two decades after we first opened our doors, that vision continues.

We believe Uganda has extraordinary musical talent.

Our role is to help it be heard.