Ecole d’Art et de Musique (EAM) began its journey in 2008 when Gilbert S. Mouawad, an educator and musician from Zgharta, North Lebanon, founded a modest music school in collaboration with his friend Michel Acolat. The school, initially named Acolat de Musique, was established with the dream of making quality music education accessible to all.

By 2011, the school recognized the growing demand for comprehensive music education and was rebranded as Ecole d’Art et de Musique (EAM). This marked the start of its mission to nurture a new generation of musicians and artists in Lebanon.

EAM continued to expand, opening a branch in Kfarsaroun, Koura, in 2014, followed by the launch of a summer school in Ehden in 2016. These developments solidified EAM’s presence as a leader in music education in northern Lebanon.

A significant milestone was achieved in 2017 when EAM was officially recognized by the Lebanese Ministry of Education under decree 143 on February 17.

Growth remained a cornerstone of EAM’s vision. In 2018, the school opened a branch in Batroun, franchised to Dekwaneh, Beirut, and launched an online learning system in 2019, embracing modern education methods.

EAM’s influence reached new heights in 2021 when it expanded internationally, opening a branch in Erbil, Iraq, under the name "بيت الفن والموسيقى."

In 2024, EAM celebrated two groundbreaking achievements: becoming a Trinity College London examination center (N.73119) and launching the first technology-friendly music school in the MENA region. The new branch, Ecole d’Art et de Musique NewGen, was established in Byblos, Jbeil, setting a new standard for innovative and tech-integrated music education.

Today, EAM continues to inspire students across Lebanon and beyond, fostering a love for music and art while empowering them to achieve their artistic dreams.

Gilbert S. Mouawad was born in Zgharta, a charming town in North Lebanon, where his passion for music ignited at the age of 13. As a young musician, Gilbert quickly recognized the limitations of outdated teaching methods and curricula in Lebanon. Determined to pursue a deeper and more enriching education, he moved to Beirut, where he earned a Teaching Diploma in Music Education from the Lebanese University of Beirut in 2007 while simultaneously studying at the Lebanese National Institute of Music.

Never one to rest on his achievements, Gilbert completed his Master of Arts in Music at the Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK) in 2016. To further broaden his expertise, he participated in music workshops across Lebanon, Italy, and France, gaining global insights into music education and artistry.

In 2023, Gilbert achieved a significant milestone, earning a Ph.D. in Music with high distinction from USEK. His research, conducted in collaboration with Grenoble University in France, earned him recognition as the winner of the National Doctoral Research Day in Lebanon. The same year, he expanded his knowledge in entrepreneurship by earning a Diploma in Entrepreneurship and Innovation from the American University of Beirut, blending his passion for music with a vision for sustainable educational growth.

Driven by his dream to make music education accessible to everyone, particularly in northern Lebanon, Gilbert founded Ecole d’Art et de Musique (EAM). His vision was to create a space where students of all ages could express themselves, develop their artistic talents, and find inspiration. Under his leadership, EAM has grown into a beacon of artistic and musical education, providing innovative, technology-friendly learning environments in a country where such opportunities are critically needed.

Today, Gilbert’s dedication continues to guide EAM, inspiring students across Lebanon and beyond to pursue their musical dreams and realize their full potential.