Renowned pianist – a big boost for Guyana’s music teaching

Dear Editor,
I am somewhat disappointed that much more was not done. I grieve at the fact that ‘he came and went’ and very few people can say that they were aware. Recently, Dennis DeSouza passed away, and now the man has slipped from memory (it seems).
You see, Editor, I make mention of this because internationally renowned Guyanese pianist, Dr Ray Luck returned to the country of his birth (Guyana), and hosted another five-day piano workshop (which he dubbed a success), and this went almost unnoticed. This workshop ended on a high too, as a courtesy call was made to President Donald Ramotar.
In Guyana, there is indeed paucity in music specialists. Therefore, when a man like Dr Luck comes, it is truly grand, and all Guyana must pay attention. The man is a phenomenon. His early schooling in music started at Queen’s College, and he then went to the Royal College of Music in London, this after receiving the Licentiate of the Royal Schools of Music (LRSM) and the Fellowship Diploma in TESOL Education Studies (FTCL) diplomas. Dr Luck subsequently won the first prize in piano and chamber music from Paris’ Conservatorie National Superieur de Musique and later graduated from Indiana University of Bloomington, USA. Guyana really did not quite capitalise.
However, I am happy for the sessions, that were conducted in the morning and afternoon hours, and which targeted a batch of 40 students and their tutors. These special participants showed keen interest and the renowned pianist was moved.
The just concluded workshop is the second for the visiting pianist, who within the last eight years has been engaged in similar ventures throughout the Caribbean.
The last time Dr Luck was here, he performed renditions at the National Cultural Centre (NCC). This time that did not happen.
The artiste would have loved to perform in front of a live Guyanese audience again, but a faulty piano at the venue hindered the process. This should never be. A disappointed Dr Luck then highlighted the issue to President Ramotar during his courtesy visit. I think the president knows what he has to do.
Guyana, I have to admit, is doing some good catching up when it comes to music teaching. The recently commissioned National School of Music is up and running. It is the place to be when it comes to music education. The Culture, Youth and Sport Ministry has a programme of activities that will see students at the school sitting external examinations, until Guyana can develop its own certificate programme. This is really a good start.
Yours truly,
Keiron Arthur