Dominican Musician urges return of music education

Dominican musician Cornell “Fingers” Phillip has called for the reintroduction of music education in schools across Dominica, stressing its cultural and social importance. Speaking on the Creole Heartbeat Program recently, Phillip stressed that music is not only a creative outlet but also a vital part of shaping society.

“We need to bring that back as part of the curriculum for sure,” Phillip said. “We all know what music does to us. Music puts you in a mood, music does whatever it needs to do to you, and music is part of raising a society.”

He said music is deeply tied to Dominica’s heritage and should be reinstated on an official basis within the school day.

Phillip’s call for music education aligns with Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit’s vision of a more holistic and practical curriculum, suggesting that cultural enrichment and creative learning could play a central role in Dominica’s educational overhaul. In May 2025, Skerrit described the current education model as outdated and harmful to student development. At a press conference on May 26, Skerrit criticized the primary school curriculum for burdening students with up to 13 subjects, calling it “ridiculous.” He proposed a streamlined approach focusing on core subjects such as English, Mathematics, Social Studies, History, and Social Science, while integrating practical life skills like agriculture, carpentry, art, and civics.

“We’re not building a culture of collaboration. We’re not building a culture of cooperation. We’re not building students with analytical skills and critical thinking and comprehension,” Skerrit said, highlighting the need for a system that recognizes diverse talents and learning styles.

The Prime Minister also stressed the importance of extracurricular activities, including music and sports, as essential for fostering teamwork and collaboration. He warned that without urgent reform, Dominica risks losing an entire generation to what he described as “depressing situations” in schools.

Skerrit further noted that the education system must adapt to modern realities, including technological advancements and the rise of artificial intelligence, to better prepare students for the future.