Have you been inspired by One Direction or would you like to create your own direction in life with music as your cornerstone? Do you want to explore your musical talent and start making some money, too? Here’s how to start a band in Oman.
If you are a group of individuals – singers, musicians and technicians – who wish to start a band in Oman, it is important that you first declare your band to the authorities and get it registered. But even before you do that, you need to ascertain some key elements about your group and your band so as to create a clear-cut identity for your band.
Once you have settled on the members of your band and their respective roles, you need to establish an internal structure. This structure decides who is in charge, whether one individual or two, or if every member has an equal stake in ownership and proprietory rights. This would include joint ownership of all creative content created by the group (songs, sounds, music, albums, concerts, etc) so that you do not end up with loose ends and ugly claims when any member walks out of the group or if the group disperses or disintegrates.
Set the ground rules
Establishing internal ground rules and getting all members to abide by them and offer their written consent is very important before going ahead with any official procedures for declaration or registering. Hence, all members need to be part of brainstorming sessions to sort out all issues concerning the band and unanimously offer their unflinching consent, without any strings attached.
Once you have set up the internal structure and the ground rules, you need to also arrive at a name and common vision for your band – what you are and where you hope to get to, by and by, or in the long run. For this, you also need to decide on what type of band you are setting up with your musical talent – your sound, your inspiration and your mission. That would indicate your genre and prevent you from straying away from your core essence.
You also need to find a suitable place for practice, storage of instruments and other equipment as well as for official work. After this, you can begin writing your songs/music which is the most fulfilling part as it involve creative inputs from all members, coordination and cooperation to see lyrics turn into covers.
Sharing or responsibilities and efficient time management are also very important for inculcating a sense of discipline among all members. This should be applicable for rehearsals, planning logistics as well as for recordings/live performances.
Declare/register your band
The Ministry of Heritage and tourism promotes musical talent by facilitating the process of declaring or registering your band. The service is provided to citizens and residents who are practising music and wish to start musical bands. The following conditions are to be considered:
The applicant must be an Omani or a resident in the sultanate.
The band’s leader must be Omani.
The guardian’s approval, for those who are under the age of 18.
Employer’s approval, for non-Omanis.
The band’s name must not be a name of one of the members, regions, tribes or a name of an existing band practising the same activity.
The members must not be affiliated with other bands.
Who can request this service
Talented people who sing or play different musical instruments in Oman can avail of this service.
What documents are needed for registration
The completed forms for each member.
A copy of the ID card, resident card or passport.
An approval letter from the guardian and their ID card, for those who are under the age of 18.
A ‘No-objection’ letter from the employer (for non-Omanis).
CV, academic certificates and experience letter- if any.
The service is coordinated by the Directorate General of Arts -Folk Arts and Music Department – Music Section in the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism.
For help and clarifications: +968 24 6413 00
If you are a singer
If you are a singer and wish to get yourself registered, you can do so at the same department as mentioned above. The service is provided to citizens and residents who have a talent to sing and wish to obtain a license to practice singing. The applicant must be an Omani or a resident in the sultanate. A guardian’s consent is required for those who are under the age of 18 and a ‘No-objection’ letter from the employer is needed for non-Omanis.
What documents are needed for registration
The completed required forms.
A copy of the ID card, resident card or passport.
An approval letter from the guardian and their ID card, for those who are under the age of 18.
A ‘No-objection’ letter from the employer (for non-Omanis).
CV, academic certificates and experience letters- if any.
