Dr. Gilbert S. Mouawad, born in Zgharta in northern Lebanon, first encountered the musical world at 13. Despite outdated methods and discouraging teaching techniques, he pursued his passion by moving to Beirut for a richer education. He earned a teaching diploma in Music Education from the Lebanese University in 2007 and a Master of Arts in Music from USEK in 2016, while also studying at music schools in Lebanon, Italy, and France.

In 2019, during his PhD studies at USEK, Dr. Mouawad won the National Research Day, leading him to the GISPA Lab in Grenoble, France ,where he studied the muscles related to voice anatomy and obtained his PhD high distinction degree in music education. In 2024, he obtained a diploma in Entrepreneurship and Innovation from the American University of Beirut, further fueling his vision for expanding music education.

In 2008, Dr. Mouawad founded École d'Art et de Musique, a private school dedicated to making music education accessible to children and adults in Lebanon, particularly in the North. The school became a haven for artistic and personal growth, fostering unity in a fragmented society.

Now, in 2025, Dr. Mouawad is the managing director of seven branches, with the school thriving after 17 years. He opened a branch in Byblos in 2024 and is actively expanding to more cities in Lebanon and abroad. His journey is a testament to perseverance and the transformative power of music and art.