After 145 years, Alpha School of Music still breaking ground in music education

The Alpha School of Music in Kingston, Jamaica, is marking a historic moment this May. Just days after celebrating its 145th anniversary on May 1, the school is preparing to host two milestone live events that underscore its continued evolution as a leading force in music education in the Caribbean.

On Thursday, May 8, the spotlight will shine on the school’s first-ever graduating class, including some major firsts: the first student to matriculate from the Alpha Vocational Training Centre for at-risk young men, and the first woman to be accepted into Alpha’s music programme. The event, titled “Journey,” is the capstone live music showcase for these final-year students, featuring performers Ale, Zuri, Sanje, and Jonathan. More than a concert, Journey is the culmination of four years of intensive study in music performance and production, with students handling everything from the live mix to the stage performance.

A week later, on Thursday, May 15, the Alpha School of Music presents “Upward & Onward 2025”, its annual end-of-year concert. This all-encompassing showcase brings together students from all four academic years, the Alpha Community Band, and the Alpha Vocational Training Centre. With some performers having studied and played together for up to four years, it promises to be the most wide-ranging and collaborative performance event the institution has staged yet.

Founded by the Sisters of Mercy and officially launched in its current form in 2021, the Alpha School of Music is the only tertiary-level music programme in the Caribbean that emphasizes ensemble training. Offering Associate Degrees in Music Performance with a focus on both performance and music technology, Alpha blends deep-rooted musical tradition with state-of-the-art facilities, including new studios for practice, performance, and production.

With its blend of heritage and innovation, Alpha is not only honoring its past but clearly shaping the future of music education in the region. This month’s events stand as proof that even at 145 years old, Alpha is just getting started.

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