Music workshops for young Fijians

To help nurture Fiji’s emerging musical talent, the New Zealand High Commission is funding a series of workshops to be conducted by visiting musicians taking part in the International Jazz and Blues Festival.

The workshops will give young Fijians the opportunity to study both theory and performance for guitar, bass, piano, drums and vocals with professional musicians. There will also be a session on the music industry and event management and production.  

Participants have been drawn largely from the University of the South Pacific and Fiji National University, but individuals from outside the two institutions are also participating.

Up to 100 participants are expected at the Suva workshops, which will be held at the Fiji National University’s Raiwai campus on Wednesday 9 May.  

Similar workshops will also take place on Friday 11 May in Denarau during the festival.

Catering and tourism students will also be gaining work experience through assisting with festival activities over the period 10-13 May.

Fiji 2012 International Jazz and Blues Festival director Billy Te Kahika thanked the New Zealand High Commission for providing the opportunity for young Fijians to grow their musical talents and engage with musicians from New Zealand, the United States and Australia.

“This is a great opportunity for me personally to see the festival give something back to the very talented young people we will see at these workshops,” said Mr Kahika.

NZHC Trade Commissioner, Peter Lund said the workshop will further strengthen people-to-people linkages between New Zealand and Fiji and create a stimulating musical exchange.