Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission Launches Free Five-Day Music Development Masterclass

The Antigua and Barbuda Festivals Commission has announced the launch of a free five-day Music Development Masterclass aimed at strengthening the nation’s creative industries and equipping local talent with the skills needed to compete professionally in the global entertainment industry.

The intensive training programme will run from June 8 to 12, 2026, from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. daily at the Eustace Hill Campus in Coolidge, formerly ABIIT.

Designed for both emerging and established creatives, the Masterclass will cater to artistes, producers, DJs, songwriters, dancers, managers, writers, visual creatives and other music industry professionals seeking to elevate their craft and build sustainable careers.

Participants will receive training in key areas including songwriting, mixing and mastering, music distribution, copyright and intellectual property, marketing, and visual branding.

The initiative will feature sessions led by regional and international entertainment industry professionals.

Music producer, songwriter and manager Daryll Gervais of Gervais Music will lead sessions focused on songwriting, music placement and building records with international appeal. Organizers say Gervais will provide practical guidance on creating music with longevity and global commercial potential across multiple genres, television and film.

International DJ, producer and entertainment executive Int’l Stephen of DSM Music Group will explore the connection between music, culture and market development. His sessions are expected to focus on building sustainable careers in entertainment, expanding into international markets, developing hit records and understanding the global business of music and Carnival culture.

Visual branding specialist Titan VCD of NXUS Collective Agency will provide training on brand development and marketing strategies for artistes and creatives. Participants will learn how to strengthen their social media presence, align their visual identity with their brand message, and create impactful content capable of standing out in the competitive digital marketplace.

Minister of Sports and Creative Industries Dwayne George described the initiative as part of the government’s wider effort to professionalize the country’s creative sector.

“This Masterclass represents another important step in our mission to professionalize and empower the creative community,” George said. “By bringing experienced industry leaders to share practical, real-world knowledge free of cost, we are investing directly in our artistes, producers, writers and music entrepreneurs.”

He added that the goal extends beyond Carnival entertainment, noting that the programme is intended to help creatives build year-round careers and businesses capable of competing internationally.

Chairperson of the Festivals Commission, Elizabeth Makhoul, said the programme reflects the Commission’s commitment to investing in local creative professionals and expanding opportunities for Antigua and Barbuda’s music industry beyond the local stage.

Registration forms are available at the National Festivals Office on the first floor of the Cecil George-John Building at Corn Alley and Redcliffe Street in St. John’s.

Interested participants may also register by submitting their full name, email address, contact number and professional area of focus via WhatsApp at (268) 727-9201 or by email at [email protected].