His long-term goal is to create a music school on the island but he is taking it in tiny steps, beginning with a two-week Summer Functional Music Program.
Prolific Writer, Music Teacher at the St. Mary’s Academy (SMA) and the Coordinator of the program, Ian Jackson, told Dominica News Online that the program is in its second year and is currently housed at the Calypso House in Bath Estate with classes from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm weekdays.
He said he eventually wants to replace the now defunct Kairi Shool of Music.
“I want to have something to replace Kairi School of Music. Since the demise, we have no Music school in Dominica for the general public,” he explained. “We have no national school for a country like Dominica that is so full of music and that is the vision. We are starting small and the vision is to get a place and have this program like a full-time program going on throughout the year. So you can come in and do your guitar program…”
Jackson stated that the idea of a music class was born when many students began approaching him for a summer program in music.
“Many students approached me and I thought it would be a good idea,” he stated. “So I begged, borrowed, I did not steal, and we put them together for our first workshop and we find it was successful last year.”
He stated that the Magistrate’s Court and Social Services were approached and ten students from the court and Operation Youth Quake are attending the classes.
The age range for students is 7 to 26.
Jackson commended the Calypso Association for the use Calypso House “free of charge” adding that the intent is to encourage positivity and productivity.
The program began on June 29th and culminates on July 11, 2015 with tutors such as Julie Martin, Hugette St. Hillaire, Denny Robin and Jackson himself.
Classes include theory sessions on Guitars, drums, keyboard and bass guitar, followed by the practical.
A minimal cost is attached in order to pay tutors.
Presently a total of 25 students are participating.
Bring back Kairi School of Music
I’m a jazz guitarist from nyc and will be visiting Dominica in July. Even in nyc where one expects total immersion in jazz, a person has to be so proactive to find resources. Sometimes it’s a single person who is holding down a situation out their personal passions. Having spent some time on Nevis, I understand and respect how tough it is to acces info and find gigs. In any case if any guitarist,young or old wishes to hang and play or take a few pointers, write me and I will be honored to share.
There might not be a “national” music school but as was mentioned in an earlier comment, there are a number of music schools on island. In additional, many of our schools now have music programs. Every year there is a School Arts Festival which features the musical talent of our youth developed through private and school based music programs. One only needs to attend such a festival to see that the musical talent of our youth is receiving attention. This attempt to target the interest of more of our youth is commendable, but the message should suggest that music programs are absent. Please note, that Mr. Marie is the coordinator of the music program at the Saint Mary’s Academy.
Dominica don’t really need a music school. They need to introduce music in our schools. A music school is not all that bad but access for interested ppl around the island would be difficult. We need music classes in our schools so music would not be 4 one set
That’s a shame. Dominica dose not have one musical school.I didn’t know that.Whatever happened to Christian musical school.He use to be upstairs in this building close to what I believe is now called the E.C.Loblack bridge.And yes I also know of Kairi.
Like the saying goes,music is the food of love. Let it play on..
Mr. Jackson take it on ..you can do it..go for it..
And great job by the way…
Please, Dominica actually has several music schools, one of which is the Christian music school which holds concerts annually. Watch Marpin for the constant replays. I commend Mr Jackson for his role in advancing music in our society; however, I hope it was a slip-up on the part of DNO to say that there are no existing music schools. Before the news is published, do research.
Admin: Although this is a direct quote referring to the absence of a national music school, your point is also taken. We could have done more to clarify his statement in the article.
Great investment in the youth and Dominicans at large.
Cool!
Its about time as this is long overdue. Jamaica has about 300 music school as compared to Dominica with only 1. And we wonder why our soca music is never leaving the shores of Dominica. Our soca music sucks really bad and it’s embarrassing. It’s all a bunch of noise with no melody.
This is a huge step in the right direction.
Jamaica has a population over 10 times that of Dominica. Such comparisons are without foundation.
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The Christian music school is still functioning and there are several music studios (e.g Pearle Christian) who offer lessons in the playing of various musical instruments.
Running a music school is much more expensive than one may realize. Kairi school of music approached the govt on several occasions for assistance but got none
Excellent and commendable effort. But it is so sad and pathetic that Dominica does not have a music school; nor a center for juveniles; neither a rehabilitation center; it does not have a track and field facility; nor does it have a public swimming pool and proper tennis courts for the kids to recreate; the list can go on and on; yet people say among the OECS we are the best we are leading while other countries envy us. I am wondering what are we leading? I sometime ask myself, is it a lack of funds and or resources? But it can’t be lack of funds and resources because while Jackson and others are scunting to make this genuine and special sacrifice to educate and train our youths and Danny and his committee is trying to develop Lindo Park, one man attempts to deposit 1.5million in an account, while another man decides Lindo Park project must be stopped. So it must be something else that is wrong. Wonder if any body out there can Help! identify what it that is wrong, Please?
For your info Dominica has five music schools.If you had followed the DAME awards you would have not said so but go ahead and talk your politics,pathetic as you are.
Wonderful! Can musical instruments be donated to the program?
Why not? Don’t ask just donate.
musical instruments is the easiest to get you need funding and volunteers and other supporters … teachers too !
I’m very proud of these efforts. Music is life! An escape from everything negative. Instead of being idle and ending up in trouble, these children will sit with their guitars….n strum the bad away. hear themselves grow into better players with each practice. CREATE THEIR OWN COMPOSITIONS! When my daughter begins to sing, at least I’ll know where to find a few good musicians! :D hahah. Focus and determination. I love this!! Cant stop saying how proud I am. I embrace the young musicians of this island! :D AMEN!!