Weeks after attending the 2026 Island Music Conference in New Kingston, students from the Alpha School of Music say the experience continues to shape how they see the future of music and their place within it.

Held from February 24–27, the conference brought together artistes, producers, executives, and digital media professionals from across the Caribbean and beyond.

Through support from Pepsi-Cola Jamaica, eight Alpha students were able to attend sessions, network with industry professionals and interact with artistes, including international recording artiste and conference chairman Orville “Shaggy” Burrell.

For Alpha student Jonathan “Kxngdrumz” White, the experience offered valuable insight into 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 on digital streaming platforms helped deepen his understanding of how the industry operates globally.

“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 sessions, the opportunity to interact with artistes made the experience 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 lasting takeaways has been the growing role of technology in shaping music.

“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 shifted how she thinks about 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 the conference 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 Alpha School of Music, said the exposure helps students better understand the realities of 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.

For the students, the experience has extended beyond the conference itself.

“It gives you a better idea of how to move forward,” Gourzong said. “You start to understand where you fit in the industry.

Jon-Christopher Wright (left), a student at the Alpha School of Music, interacts with international recording artiste Shaggy during the 2026 Island Music Conference in New Kingston.

Alpha School of Music students Tianna Bembridge and Jonathan “Kxngdrumz” White (right) greet dancehall artiste Teejay at the 2026 Island Music Conference in New Kingston recently.