Music for Children of Ethiopian Descent

Music for Children of Ethiopian Descent

The Program

Established in 2004, Hassadna’s special program identifies children from the Ethiopian community who wish to explore music, and provides them with intensive support throughout their artistic journey. The program offers the keys to unlock the children’s full potential by providing a comprehensive track of high-quality musical education.

The Conservatory is proud that its students from this program have become part of Israel’s wider musical community. Based on values of equity and inclusion, the program has led many students to musical excellence, including: participation in excellence programs, masterclasses, competitions and festivals in Israel and abroad; service in the IDF’s outstanding musicians unit and the IDF’s performing ensembles; and acceptance into prestigious music academies.

About the Program

Musical Study

Students in this full-scholarship program benefit from individual weekly lessons on their chosen musical instrument, and also attend music theory classes and participate in chamber music ensembles and orchestras.

Lifelong Impact

Participating children gain substantial benefits that go well beyond their artistic achievements, including feelings of self- confidence, belonging, and becoming integral members of the Hassadna conservatory community.

Comprehensive Support

In order to achieve success, intensive and ongoing support is essential. Parents and children receive constant guidance with issues such as punctuality, dedicating time to practice, persistence in the face of difficulties, and more.

Hearts Full of Music

Watch us in many inspiring moments!

Voices from the Program

Ronit Berman, Artistic Director and Program Founder:

“Working with the children in the program is a deeply moving experience in every sense of the word. This unique program represents Jerusalem to me as I see it in my dreams: a Jerusalem of gold, happiness, human richness, and unity. I truly believe that, above all, music has the power to strengthen and unite all of these elements. There is something truly wonderful about the children and the special connection they form with music. Each one grows up in a very different environment, often facing physical, economic, and social challenges. And yet, they all find a second home at the conservatory, where music empowers them and brings joy, hope, and new aspirations.

I have been fortunate to accompany these families and children and witness the program’s impact on their lives, and countless unforgettable moments have been etched in my heart and memory!”

Avraham Terifa, Program Graduate:

Hassadna is home! Here I took my first steps into the world of music, and even though I came to learn an instrument, I feel I gained so much more. The professionalism and dedication of the students inspired me to persevere and make tremendous progress. The amazing teachers, who never give up, taught me the value of hard work and persistence. At the conservatory, I learned to respect, appreciate, and love. The incredible staff supported and guided me throughout my years there and even in my life beyond the conservatory. They made sure I lacked nothing, supported me during challenging times, gave me incredible performance opportunities on the most prestigious stages in Israel and around the world, provided financial and emotional support, instilled in me the motivation to keep going, and gave me love like that of family. It’s hard to put this perfect place into words. So, in the distant future, when I remember the conservatory, I won’t think about what they gave me or did for me—but about how they made me feel.“

Graduate Stories

Scroll, read, and see them grow alongside us, image by image 🙂

Naor Equba

Naor began studying at the conservatory at the age of 10, and from the very first moment, we recognized his true talent – a deeply musical child with endless love and curiosity for music. The clarinet suited him immediately, and it soon became his whole world.

Throughout his childhood and up to the present, the conservatory has been a second home for Naor. During his time here, his remarkable talent led him to many meaningful and inspiring musical experiences. He served as principal clarinet in the Israel Young Philharmonic Orchestra, won awards in the country’s most prestigious competitions, and participated in international masterclasses.

Naor completed his military service in the unit for outstanding musicians and then went on to pursue higher studies in Berlin.

Avraham Terifa

Avraham Terifa began his journey at the conservatory at the age of eight, studying violin with Michael Gaisler for about a decade. Over the years, Avraham grew and developed into a gifted and exceptional violinist. He has performed in numerous concerts across Israel and around the world, participated in international competitions where he won prestigious awards, and taken part in major classical music festivals.

Avraham served as an outstanding musician in the army, and after his service, his impressive musical path led him to Berlin, where he completed his studies at the renowned Barenboim-Said Academy. For Avraham, the sky is the limit. He is a shining example of an inspiring musical journey marked by determination, perseverance, and a deep love for music.

Ruth Getahun

Ruth joined the conservatory at the age of eight, a curious and enthusiastic child with a sparkle in her eyes. She began her journey studying piano, and even then it was clear to everyone that music ran through her veins—but something inside her longed to express itself in a different way. Then came the turning point: she switched to voice development. There, through singing, Ruth finally found her own unique voice. Since then, Ruth has flourished. A graduate of leading vocal teachers, Ruth has grown into a mature and experienced singer, developing a unique, deep, and moving soul style. Every performance touches the heart. For her, singing became not only an artistic path but also a source of personal expression, resilience, and confidence.

Ruth has already performed in major venues across Israel, including the Jerusalem Theater, where she sang with the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra, as well as at The Yellow Submarine, and many others.

Elisabeth Gebremedihn

Elizabeth joined us in third grade, following a heartfelt recommendation from her school librarian, who said she simply couldn’t keep Elizabeth away from the piano. It was clear something special was happening—and we immediately connected her with a piano teacher. Since then, the rest is history 🙂

Elizabeth’s big dream—to perform on major stages—gradually came true. Today, she holds advanced degrees from the Jerusalem Academy of Music, participates in prestigious festivals in Israel and abroad, and performs as a pianist on some of the country’s finest stages.

We are incredibly proud of her musical journey—and, most of all, of the big heart she brings to every note and every step along the way.

Avishag Neriah

Avishag began her musical journey at the conservatory at the age of seven—starting on the violin, and a few years later transitioning to the viola, where it was immediately clear: it was a perfect match. Over the years, she studied with some of the finest classical music teachers, demonstrating exceptional musical sensitivity and impressive artistic maturity.

After completing her studies at Hassadna, Avishag pursued ethnic music studies, expanding her musical world to encompass diverse styles and cultures. She is a graduate of the Maqamat School of Eastern Music and continues to create, perform, and play—both with orchestras and in solo performances that have achieved great success across Israel and at festivals around the world.

Mogas Abay

Mogas joined the conservatory at the age of 10 and immediately found his place behind the drum set. From the very first moment, his inner fire was evident – a natural groove, infectious rhythm, and energy that bursts out in every beat. During his years at the conservatory, Mogas performed in countless concerts across a variety of ensembles and styles, and even had the opportunity to attend the prestigious Berklee College of Music summer program in the United States – a truly unforgettable experience.

After completing his studies at the conservatory, Mogas chose a path of contribution and meaning, enlisting in a significant combat role. It was there that the seed of a dream was planted – one he now fulfills: leading and mentoring at a youth village, using the power of music to touch, empower, and open doors in the hearts of others – just as music opened doors for him.

Support the Program

Music: A Gift for Life

The cost of supporting a scholarship for a child in Hassadna’s special program for children of Ethiopian descent is $5500 per school year.

We make a tremendous effort to support these wonderful families and to give their children one of life’s greatest gifts: music. Thanks to the program, the children don’t just learn to play an instrument—they gain self-expression, confidence, a sense of belonging, and joy.

Every donation helps another child enter the special world of music, where they are not only welcomed—they thrive.

Support the Program