Weeks after attending the Island Music Conference in Kingston, students from the Alpha School of Music say the experience is still influencing how they view the future of music — and their role within it.
Held from February 24-27, the conference brought together artistes, producers, executives and digital media professionals from across the Caribbean and beyond.
With support from Pepsi-Cola Jamaica, eight Alpha students attended sessions, networked with industry professionals, and interacted with artistes, including international recording star and conference chairman Shaggy.
For Alpha student Jonathan ‘Kxngdrumz’ White, the experience provided critical exposure to the business side of music.
“Attending the conference meant gaining knowledge about the music industry,” White said. “It was an opportunity to learn directly from people who are shaping it and understand more about how the business works.”
He said sessions focused on digital streaming platforms broadened his understanding of how the global industry operates.
“The session with Yomi Desalu really stood out because it gave insight into how Apple Music works and how artistes can position themselves on digital platforms,” he said.
Beyond the formal sessions, White said engaging directly with artistes made the experience even more impactful.
“I was able to meet and speak with musicians and artistes I usually only see on social media,” White said. “Being able to ask them questions gave me a better understanding of what the industry is really like.”
For fellow student Jada Gourzong, one of the most significant takeaways was the increasing influence of technology on music creation.
“There was a big discussion about AI, and it really changed how I see where music is going,” she said. “It’s something that’s coming fast, and as artistes we have to start adapting to it.”
Gourzong said the experience also reshaped how she approaches her own creative process.
“AI doesn’t have to replace the artiste, it can assist with things like writing, production and even help shape your sound,” she said.
She added that the opportunity to attend made the experience even more meaningful.
“Getting the opportunity to attend through Pepsi made it even more exciting,” she said.
Dr Joshua Chamberlain, special projects manager at the Alpha School of Music, said such exposure is critical as students prepare to enter the industry.
“As Alpha students transition from music student to music professional, being able to observe and engage in conversations with international peers and experts strengthens their understanding of the industry and their potential within it,” Chamberlain said.
