Dubai, a city known for its grandeur and cultural diversity, has become a thriving hub for artists from all walks of life. Among them are musicians who have found their own unique rhythm in this vibrant metropolis.
I’m happy to say, whilst still surprisingly surprised after 12 years in the city, I am one of them. An Australian saxophonist in Dubai!
In this blog I give a brief rundown of my saxophone performance journey thus far from Sydney to Dubai.
1. The Allure of Life Beyond Australian Shores
From captivating audiences on the main stage to navigating the local music scene, my time in Dubai has been a melodic journey of a saxophonist who has found a home away from home. I was initially brought out as a Music Teacher for the burgeoning GEMS Music Academy. At the time I was teaching at St Mary’s Cathedral School & Loreto Normanhurst in Sydney Australia.
My time as an Australian Saxophonist in Dubai began with running private instrumental lessons & bands classes. After a season in Dubai I quickly evolved once I found myself immersed in a melting pot of cultures and collaborating with musicians from different cultural and ethnic backgrounds. Whether it’s was jazz, pop, or even traditional Arabic & Indian music, Dubai offered a platform to explore and experiment with various genres, expanding my artistic horizons. My saxophone performance was & still is well received across all genres & audiences!
2. A Melting Pot of Cultures
While Dubai presents a myriad of opportunities, it’s important to acknowledge the challenges that come with being an Australian saxophonist in this bustling city. Cultural nuances, language barriers, and fierce competition can make it daunting to establish yourself in the local music scene. At the time I arrived the scene itself was very much in its infancy. I was amongst a handful of musicians with just a few of offering saxophone performance. However, through perseverance and building connections with fellow musicians, event organisers, and music enthusiasts I navigated these challenges and created a solid foundation for my expat musical career.
I was Hot off my first international tour to Malaysia playing at the Miri Jazz Festival with the Sydney founded band ‘Alamode’. This where I got a taste of what an international crowd is like. I was intrigued by the myriad of nationalities and their unifying passion for music.
After some time, to my surprise, I realised Dubai is a city that appreciates art and entertainment, and audiences are always eager to interact with the performers, despite the varied demographics. I had a more capitalistic, consumeristic view which quickly changed with experience. Although this dynamic does exist & always will to some degree, the cultural offerings and appreciations of Dubai and the broader UAE has have quickly matured.
3. Overcoming Challenges, Growth and Friends
I started offering my services as a saxophonist for events. After an unfortunate circumstances of being defrauded a substantial amount of pay I started my own events agency to financially and legally protect myself and my musical colleagues. The gigs began to flow. At Events, jam sessions, big band rehearsals, in hotels & private parties my saxophone performance lead me to fellow expatriate musicians, captivated audiences, prospective clients and even new friends! 🙂
Core to the music scene, Dubai offers a vibrant lifestyle that can complement ones artistic journey and ‘professional career.’ From breathtaking architectural marvels and sprawling beaches to cultural festivals and late night restaurants and clubs, the city provides ample inspiration for me as a Saxophonist in Dubai.
4. Still an Australian Saxophonist in Dubai
Being an Australian saxophonist in Dubai offers a truly enriching and diverse musical journey. The city’s multicultural essence, late night disposition coupled with its appreciation for art and entertainment, provides an ideal platform to showcase my talent and explore new musical frontiers. Performing as a saxophonist for events has taken me to the corners of the earth. I’ve travelled from Italy, The Netherlands, England & Croatia to Lebanon, Oman, India, Saudi Arabia and Bangladesh. I embrace collaboration, overcome challenges, bite my tongue less than I should but in the end am proud and still inspired as an Australian Saxophonist in Dubai.
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