The 'Magnificat' promotes the study of music and fulfils a double role:

As a place for dialogue and peaceful coexistance that permits human and social development;

As a place for the direction and professional preparation of music students to a high standard in the fields of teaching and performance.

The 'Magnificat Institute' is open for teachers, students, auxilliary personnel and musicians without discrimination of language, country, race or religion.

Today the school has 200 students receiving tuition from 18 teachers: among them are Israelis, Palestinians and Armenians, of Jewish, Christian and Islamic Faith.

At the 'Magnificat' we teach:

• Pianoforte
• Violin, Viola, Violoncello
• Organ
• Singing
• Guitar
• Composition
• Flute
• Percussion
• Choral Music - Solfeggio and History of Music.
• There is also a preparatory course in music for children from the ages of 3 to 8 years old.

The Magnificat has an agreement with the Conservatory of Music "A. Pedrollo" in Vicenza (Italy), where so far two students have obtained the diploma in Pianoforte; others have completed their studies in Organ or Musical Education in Italy, Germany or Israel. One pupil is currently studying at the Conservatory of Vicenza in order to obtain a master's degree in Organ.

The statute of the Magnificat Institute and the agreement with the Conservatory of Vicenza are acknowledged and approved by the Custos of the Holy Land and his Council. The Custos of the Holy Land, Rev. Fr. Pierbattista Pizzaballa is the current President of the Magnificat.

The Magnificat Institute is directed by:

A President and his Council;

A Director who is responsible for its educational, scientific, artistic and disciplinary progress.

The Magnificat Institute is supported by bodies, institutions, associations and individuals. These work together at the financial, artistic, professional and organizational levels. They include:

• The Custody of the Holy Land
• SIDA (Swedish International Development Agency)
• The Veneto Region, Italy
• The Marche Regione, Italy
• The Commune of Maiolati Spontini (Ancona, Italy)
• The Anita P. Tavasani Family
• The Qattan Foundation - Ramallah, Palestine
• Premio Vallesina (Jesi, Italy)
• Paltel Company (Palestinian Tele-Communication)
• The "Donna Olimpia" School of Music - Rome, Italy
• Il Meridiano di Vincenzo Cascarano - Foggia, Italy
• Borse di Studio dalla Rettoria Arcivescovile 'S. Cristoforo' - Siena, Italy

These are some of the initiatives held every year at the Magnificat Institute:

• The 'Carlo Tavasani' Piano Competition reserved for Palestinian students (9th in the series 10-13th January 2008).
• The International Award of the Commune of Rome 'Roma for Jerusalem' (4th in the series 10th January 2008).
• Prize Concert 'Encounter on the Keyboard' - for the winner of the 'Tavasani' Competition (Vicenza, Italy - 6th March 2008); Concert at Sacile (PN) (1st March 2008).
• The Annual 'Magic Lantern' Festival: 12 songs composed by young Palestinian musicians (5th in the series 30th March 2008).
• The 'Yasmin' Choir: The student choir of the Magnificat (first tour in Italy 20-27th April 2008, when a CD of Arabic songs was recorded, accompanied by the Orchestra of the Conservatory of Vicenza).
• The Magnificat Polyphonic Choir of the Custody of the Holy Land, who sing in Bethlehem and Jerusalem at the main feasts of the liturgical year (Italian tour 6-10th December 2007).
• The 'Yasmin Buds Choir': a choir of children aged nine and below.

Publications:

• A History of Music in Arabic: 3 volumes.
  
• The Hymnal: organ accompaniment for 600 liturgical songs performed in the Latin Church.
  
• Zahr El-Rayhan: 12 Arabic songs for voice and piano.
  
• Mathaq El-Sharq: pieces with an oriental flavour for piano and 4 hands.
  
• Let Us Play Together: Arabic songs for piano and 4 hands.
  
• Al 'Alam As-Saghir: piano method based on songs from the Middle East.
  
• Sing and Play: songs to mime and play with piano and 4 hands.
  
• The Magic Lantern: 61 childrens' songs for voice and piano (in 5 booklets).