The Alpha School of Music, best known for continuing Alpha’s 100+ year legacy in music education, is now opening its doors to overseas music students who wish to take classes on Alpha's campus with Alpha instructors.
The “Jamaican Music Experience” (JME - click for details) at the Alpha School of Music is designed for musicians outside of Jamaica who wish to take classes taught by Alpha School of Music instructors and with Alpha School of Music students. JME students may choose to attend for one (1) semester (Fall or Spring) or one (1) full academic year (Fall and Spring semesters). The opportunity, says Alpha Bandmaster, Gay Magnus, is ideal for musicians who have some experience and are passionate about [Jamaican] music and culture.
“The JME is a wonderful opportunity to learn about Jamaican music by learning alongside Jamaican students, teachers and performers,” said Magnus. “Alpha has a 100+ year legacy in music education. Our alumni have impacted every genre of Jamaican music. We expect our current students to be a part of the future of the music industry. The JME programme is a one-of-a-kind experience and a great way for overseas musicians to engage with Jamaican culture and work with Jamaican musicians.”
JME students enroll in practical and theoretical courses in Jamaican Music History, Jamaican Sound System Performance, Ska, Reggae, Rocksteady and Mento bands, and Caribbean Ensemble. Courses are taught by some of the world’s most qualified instructors. All students have access to state-of-the-art practice rooms, small & large group rehearsal rooms, a recording studio and performance venue. The programme also caters to audio technology trends with disc jockey set ups, a 24/7 streaming radio station, an audio production lab and a sound system right on campus.
Music executive Steve Wilson says Alpha is at the forefront of music training. “Alpha has taken the big steps needed to add the necessary modern practice, production and performance spaces for its students,” he said. “Alpha is certainly the most comprehensive music education programme in Jamaica.”
The Alpha School of Music invites overseas musicians to apply today for the opportunity to further develop their skills against the background of Jamaica’s vibrant culture and within the Alpha community. Prospective Jamaican Music Experience students must have some prior experience, be between the ages of 19-28 and complete a virtual audition process in order to demonstrate competencies in playing a primary instrument and reading notated music.
For more information, visit our website www.alphamusicja.com, send a DM to @alphamusicja, or email info@alphamusicja.com.
Jamaica Nice. is a proud supporter of Alpha Boys School Radio and the Alpha School of Music. Part proceeds from the sale of every Jamaica Nice. top and accessory supports the community. Jamaica Nice. funds music scholarships for tertiary students, workshops and educational experiences for Jamaicans at the high school and college level, teaching residencies for foreign music educators at schools in Jamaica and international exchanges for students and teachers. Click for our latest activities.