Breaking new ground: Transforming music education in Barbados
Kellie Cadogan, LCME Representative in Barbados, shares how she's changing perceptions about music exams and celebrating the inspiring success of musical talent in an unlikely business setting.
When Kellie Cadogan decided to become an LCME Representative in Barbados, she had a clear vision: to offer something truly transformative to her students and the wider Caribbean music community. "I wanted to offer more than a vocal showcase to my voice students," Kellie explains. "I wanted to partner with an examining body that would help me add value to the work we were doing and provide us with a unique selling point."
But Kellie's ambitions went beyond simply adding qualifications. She saw an opportunity to change how people think about music exams altogether. "I believe that by becoming a representative, the efforts would slowly start to improve the perception of voice and music exams from being only provided for classical singers/musicians, or that exams and examiners are cold and unfriendly," she says. "I saw this as my way to bring something very diverse to a music market in Barbados and the wider Caribbean."
A game-changing partnership
For Kellie, LCME's flexible approach has been crucial to success in her region. "What I find most rewarding about representing LCME in my region is that we are expanding exam offerings as well as upgrading and changing the way that exams are being seen and done," she says. "The access to physical and digital exams has been a game-changer for us, especially during COVID-19. I like that LCME is in sync with the market changes and advancements."
The joy of seeing students and teachers progress through their LCME journey is what keeps Kellie motivated. "It's the joy of the preparation and completion of the exams by teachers and candidates, and hearing the excitement as they prepare for the exams."
The Chillax Band: A corporate success story
One of the most inspiring stories from Kellie's work in Barbados comes from an unexpected place: a corporate insurance company. "At East Point we are always interested in breaking new ground and innovative approaches to music examinations," Kellie says. When she learned about the Sagicor Insurance Chillax Band, she saw an opportunity to showcase how LCME qualifications can work for non-traditional groups.
The band's musical director, Jason Morris, explained to Kellie how the group came together. "The band was formed around COVID - it was the idea of the Executive Vice President Paul Innis, who had a hunch that there was talent beaming inside of the company and he wanted to find a way to expose the talent," Kellie shares. "It's designed as a community/give back band and has developed from 10 members to 23 members to date, ranging from clarinet, brass, vocalists, guitarist and a full rhythm section."
After Kellie presented the benefits of LCME exams to band leader Paul Innis, the response was immediate. "He was sold," Kellie recalls. Though COVID dynamics delayed the process, the timing proved perfect. "The achievement for the band is perfect, especially as they are celebrating a 5-year milestone as a band."
When the Sagicor employees learned about the opportunity to pursue formal LCME qualifications, their response was enthusiastic. "Very positive! They were all excited!!" Kellie remembers.
A proud moment of achievement
When the Chillax Band achieved their Level 4 Ensemble qualification, it was a milestone that resonated deeply with everyone involved. "I can describe the moment when the band achieved their Level 4 Ensemble qualification for both of us as a proud moment of relief and validation," Kellie says.
The achievement demonstrates that LCME qualifications aren't just for traditional music students—they're for anyone with passion and dedication, from insurance professionals forming workplace bands to vocal students looking to add value to their training.
Looking to the future
Kellie's vision for LCME in the Caribbean continues to grow. "I see LCME's presence growing in Barbados and the Caribbean, with Barbados centre being the central hub for examinations," she explains. "As we continue to strengthen our offering and build our operation in Barbados, we want to see our model of operation extended to the Caribbean, where sub-centres are growing and operating with excellence in the years to come."
This year marked an important milestone for East Point School of Music. "We are a small centre with a big vision and we were very happy this year to have 2 weeks of exams for the first time in Barbados," Kellie says proudly. "We are looking forward to the continued increase of candidates as well as to receiving international candidates who wish to try a new location to take their exams and go right into a holiday vacation right here in beautiful Barbados."
From changing perceptions about music exams to celebrating corporate bands achieving formal qualifications, Kellie Cadogan's work in Barbados shows how LCME is empowering diverse communities of performers across the Caribbean - one achievement at a time.
To find out more, please contact Kellie Cadogan at East Point Productions Inc. or visit the Caribbean & Central America page.