School's History

Founders and Leadership

פרופ' יהודה סומר כהן

Ono Academic College is a leading academic institution, serving as a model for transforming Israeli society through a consistent aspiration to create an inclusive, multicultural, and thriving community. The college places students’ professional success and personal fulfillment at the center of the academic experience, by emphasizing applied and socially conscious teaching and learning. To this end, Ono Academic College engages in research and practical instruction within professional programs that best prepare graduates for the workforce, guided by values of leadership, innovation, and social courage.

The School of Music at Ono Academic College began its journey in 1998 as “Hed” College in Yehud, under the leadership and founding vision of musician, conductor, and educator Prof. Yehuda Somer Cohen. Today, Somer Cohen serves as Chairman of the School and leads the development of graduate-level curricula and international collaborations.

In 2011, the college relocated to South Tel Aviv, where it trained dozens of musicians in performance, composition, and production, with a special focus on the evolving nature of the music industry in the digital era.

The academic program was led by top-tier faculty and musicians, including renowned composer and musician Rafi Kadishzon, who currently serves as the School’s Pedagogical Director.

רפי קדישזון
נועם שריף

In 2012, “Hed” College merged with Ono Academic College. The development of the academic curriculum toward official degree accreditation was guided by the late composer and conductor Prof. Noam Sheriff, who served as Dean of the School until his passing in 2018.

In 2015, the School of Music completed its move to a state-of-the-art facility in Kiryat Ono, considered one of the most advanced music education buildings in Israel and beyond. The facility features acoustically engineered classrooms, ensemble rehearsal rooms, individual practice spaces, a computer lab, recording studios, and a cutting-edge performance studio.

Over the years, the School has become a nurturing home for aspiring musicians seeking the tools and training necessary to enter the music industry as performers, creators, arrangers, composers, producers, educators, and therapists.

The academic curriculum and faculty focus on developing students’ professional identities and business skills, alongside nurturing their musical talent and artistic expression.

In 2021, composer, conductor, and pianist Yaron Gottfried was appointed Director of the School.
Gottfried himself embodies a multidisciplinary musical approach, blending jazz and classical traditions in his creative work.

In 2024, the School is expected to relocate once again — this time to a new, innovative, and prestigious campus at the Savion Junction, featuring expanded music facilities.

ירון גוטפריד

אישור הגעה ליום הפתוח

ono music

שליחת טופס זה, מהווה הסכמה לקבלת חומר פרסומי מבית הספר למוסיקה, הקריה האקדמית אונו.

תיאום שיחת ייעוץ

ono music

שליחת טופס זה, מהווה הסכמה לקבלת חומר פרסומי מבית הספר למוסיקה, הקריה האקדמית אונו.