Birdsong Academy should be the model for all community music programmes everywhere. It successfully combines music tuition, music making and a space of sanctuary at the heart of community. Yet unlike any other community music programme I know of anywhere in the world, Birdsong Academy also offers the opportunity for its most talented students to aspire to university places here and also in some of the most prestigious music schools in the world. Birdsong achieves that rare balance of community at heart and a network of internationally active musicians only too willing to support its excellent work. Why isn’t everyone setting up a Birdsong Academy?

- Katy Gainham, Professor of Music, UTT

Birdsong Academy was my first experience of musical life in Trinidad and Tobago when I visited in 2009. I was Professor of Flute and Music at a highly prestigious, world-renowned music conservatorium in London at the time. The amazing musical work Birdsong Academy was engaged in was pivotal in my decision to move from London to Trinidad later that same year.

 Here’s what happened that day in April 2009. I stepped out of a maxi with some colleagues and into the Birdsong Yard. A rehearsal was in full swing, with children of all ages playing well-known tunes. Their music making, most expertly directed and encouraged by Mr Richard Quarless, was energetic, joyful, rhythmical and above all highly musical. I felt swept up in the atmosphere. A few minutes later, there were some introductions, and we were invited to meet the members of the band and join in. We played, we chatted, we exchanged views, we assisted the students with any issues with their playing and we felt immediately part of the Birdsong community – a feeling which has never left me to this day.

 I see Birdsong create relationships with international visiting musicians time and time again. It is my belief that they are able to do this because they have a model of working, which embeds Birdsong Academy at the centre of its community, offering not just musical tuition, but also sanctuary, for so many young people. Its students have a constructive safe space where they can make music and develop their skills. For the most able and talented, the sky is the limit – through Birdsong’s carefully developed musical networks and excellent training, students are prepared for University entrance in Trinidad and Tobago and also for competitive entry to some of the world’s finest music schools. I cannot think of another community-based music programme like this anywhere in the world, which can so successfully meet the very highest aspirations and ambitions of its students. Nothing is out of reach for them.

 And Birdsong achieves this on a shoestring: a Yard; some instruments; willing, capable tutors; superb support staff. This is no fancy state of the art academy! Yet the work they do echoes such. Their inspired model of working should be studied and developed for all areas of Trinidad and Tobago and beyond. Instead, I find I have been asked to write to plead for them to be allowed to remain in their yard – a yard which has become a centre for the community as a whole; making music for participants and community alike; a nerve-centre for musical development for talented youngsters, of which there is as yet no equivalent in Trinidad and Tobago.

 Birdsong Academy should be receiving awards for excellence, and funding to match. People should be flocking to offer them a yard. Instead, it is being taken away.

 I implore you, please allow Birdsong to remain in their home. Generations past, present and future will feel gratitude in their hearts forever if you can do this. At the very least, support them until they can relocate, if that is what they have to do. Do not lose the birdsong at the heart of this community.