School History

Foundations and a Long-Held Dream

The city of Ferizaj, as one of the largest centers in Kosovo, had long felt the need for a place of professional music education. This need arose not only from the lack of specialized staff in general schools, but also from the desire of its citizens for a richer artistic and cultural life.

Although this dream faced many political and administrative difficulties of the time, it began to take shape in 1996. Until then, students from Ferizaj were forced to travel to other municipalities to pursue professional training, facing major economic challenges and a shortage of local instructors.

The First Steps and the Lower Cycle (1996)

The principal credit for the opening of the music school in Ferizaj belongs to Mr. Sabri Berisha, who in June 1996 submitted an official request to the Municipal Council of Education. With the support of the then-mayor, Mr. Rrustem Sefedini, the request was approved and forwarded to the Ministry of Education in Prishtina, where it received the immediate backing of Mr. Rexhep Osmani, who led the education system of the Republic of Kosovo at that time.

Thus, in September 1996, the Ministry of Education issued the decision to establish the school. The first premises were assigned at "Gjon Serreqi" Primary School, and the first director was Mr. Sabri Berisha.

Classes at the Lower Music School officially began on 10 October 1996 with a total of 38 students in the first generation. Teaching started in three classrooms, with four main sections:

• Piano
• Violin
• Guitar
• Flute

Auditions were conducted by teachers who came mainly from Prishtina, Gjilan, and Ferizaj, attracting students not only from Ferizaj but also from neighboring municipalities such as Shtime, Shtërpca, and Kaçanik. The first teaching staff was largely from other municipalities, and with great dedication they overcame the difficulties of those early days.

The Opening of the Middle Cycle as a Separate Branch (1998)

The success achieved after two years of work at the lower school strengthened confidence in the continued development of music education in Ferizaj. On this basis, in 1998, the Council of Education in Ferizaj — following requests from the "Gjon Serreqi" primary school and the lower music school — formally requested the opening of the upper cycle (the middle school).

The Ministry of Education of the Republic of Kosovo approved this request, allowing the Middle Music School in Ferizaj to begin work in September 1998 in the general track — at that time as a separate branch of the "Prenk Jakova" Middle Music School in Prishtina.

In that first year, a total of 24 students enrolled. The number of students and teachers grew quickly, thanks also to the great contribution of staff from other municipalities who made sacrifices for the development of musical life in Ferizaj.

Institutional Independence and the Name "Çesk Zadeja" (2000)

After the end of the war, in the 1999–2000 school year, students began to study the clarinet as well (initially as a second instrument alongside piano). The first four generations of the middle school graduated in the Musical Associate track.

Since the school already met all the conditions to operate on its own, a request for independence was submitted by parents, the school administration, and the Director of the Education Department in Ferizaj, Mr. Shyqeri Hasani. This request was approved by the Department of Education and Science (DASH) in Prishtina — a process greatly assisted by the UNMIK Deputy Ambassador, Ms. Diana Pezzini.

By official decision No. DASH 8/2000 of 24.08.2000, the institution was given the name of the distinguished Albanian composer, "Çesk Zadeja". On 15 November 2000, the "Çesk Zadeja" Music School became fully independent from "Gjon Serreqi" Primary School and from the "Prenk Jakova" school in Prishtina, moving into a new school building.

Further Development and the Diversification of the Arts

Over the years, the school enriched its educational programs:

• School Year 2002–2003: The Ministry of Education granted the school a license for the Instrumental Track, adding the sections: Piano, Solo Voice, Flute, Violin, Viola, Guitar.
• School Year 2008–2009: The instrumental track was expanded with wind instruments: Trumpet and Bassoon.
• Year 2016: The school took a major step toward diversification by opening the Applied Figurative Art track, on the initiative of city artists — transforming the institution into an inclusive school of the arts (Music and Visual Arts).

School Leaders Through the Years

The work, sacrifice, and success of this institution bear the mark of the leaders who guided it with dedication through different historical stages:

• Sabri Berisha
• Shaqir Govogri
• Lindita Isufi
• Melihate Kelmendi
• Bardhyl Abazi
• Pranvera G. Sylejmani (Current Director)