Source: http://www.trinidadexpress.com/20170405/features/a-musical-dream-becomes-reality
Published on April 5th, 2017
Alexander School of Music and Performing Arts (ASMP) was birthed out of a desire to inspire, empower and transform the lives of young people through music education and culture.
ASMP was founded by Alex Alexander, an astute businessman, seasoned musician and musical director with a wealth of over 30 years experience in the music industry. Born and bred in Gasparillo, Alexander at the tender age of 16 left the shores of Trinidad and Tobago on a full scholarship in pursuit of a degree in music from Lee University in Cleveland, Tennessee. After successfully attaining a Master’s degree in Music, he was determined not to be mediocre or opt for a typical mundane eight-to-four job but was prepared to jump out of the box by delving into the unfamiliar.
An avid risk-taker and adventurous by nature, Alexander along with his university comrade from India started a Canadian pop band, named Phylio, meaning “tribe of nations”. The band comprised a fusion of artistes with diverse cultures spanning various parts of the world like Russia, Portugal, North America, Canada and the Caribbean. Phylio became a successful and popular pop band, prized with touring North America, privileged with performing opening acts for notorious and iconic artistes like Sting, U2 and Dido. Alexander was also fortuned to work with singer; Atta Baafo, one of Africa’s finest gospel artistes in the capacity of musical director. This collaboration afforded him the opportunity to travel the entire Caribbean and by extension various countries of the world. As a result of his extensive travel around the world, he became intrigued with learning different musical styles married with diverse cultures. This in turn ignited the desire to share his knowledge with others through education.
Despite Alexander’s success and having since returned to Trinidad, he was determined to leave an indelible mark on the world by making it better than he found it. As such, he felt the need to give back to society by creating a school of music and performance arts to empower and equip young persons to fulfil their God-given potential through the arts. Consequently, the Alexander School of Music and Performing Arts (ASMP) was born. Alexander firmly believes that music, fused with culture, can afford young persons the ability not only to become excellent musicians but also build their cognitive, social and academic skills, allowing them to blossom into well rounded, productive individuals of society. More so, like the Mozart effect. Given the current atmosphere of hopelessness in the country amongst the citizenry, Alexander knows that music can be a vehicle for social change which can improve young people’s emotional intelligence thereby allowing them to shy away from peer pressure and gang violence. He also believes that music is not about learning to play an instrument but understanding its purpose, having a connection with it becoming one with it.
Nestled in the heart of Chaguanas and located on Market Street (commonly known as Market Plaza), ASMP provides professional training by highly skilled and talented teachers in music education, drama, dance and vocals. Classes are held in a creative, energised, nurturing and safe environment and are tailored for students ages five to adult. Moreover, the intimate classroom setting allows for students to be provided with individual attention.
The school also equips students with techniques to excel in different genre of dance and is geared towards developing students’ inner talent. Dance classes cover gospel, ballet, Latin, inspirational, Indian classical and African. The school also provides special training sessions for churches throughout the country.
Classes are held weekly 3.00 p.m. to 6.00 p.m. and on Saturdays from 11.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.
For enrolment information please email aschoolofmusic@gmail.com