By Gibron Rahim

MUSIC has a power all of its own. It can inspire reform or revolution or stem the tide of anger. Music brings peace and calm. It can even connect us to the divine. Yet, for all its might, it is often neglected and relegated to the background as is the case with other forms of artistic expression. There are groups and organisations in Guyana that are dedicated to nurturing interest in the arts in Guyana. ‘Foundation 7’ is one of these. The music school devotes itself to educating its students, especially young people, in the theory and practice of music.

Foundation 7 has been around for the last nine years. The Pepperpot Magazine contacted Sharon Sulaman, Administrator of the `Foundation 7’ Music School, who was able to give a background on the foundation and functioning of the school. `Foundation 7’, also known as `F7’, began in February 2008, as a sole-trader family business with a focus on offering hands-on training in playing musical instruments, as well as voice training.
The endeavour started off with three musically talented couples. They seized on the opportunity to share their talent for music with others when a building became available for lease. After serious deliberation on many options, the couples finally decided that music education was the best route. They had come to realise that music was becoming a fading art in Guyana with limited options for learning to play an instrument. They wanted to change that by sharing their knowledge and skills with Guyana.

The music education they wanted to offer would take a holistic approach. Today, this approach is reflected in the use of the phrase “Foundation 7 – Completely You”. The name of the school itself reflects the collaborative effort of the three couples who decided to found the school and their strong belief that true success comes from placing God in the center, in everything they do. Hence, the ‘seven’ in the name are the three couples and God.

`Foundation 7’ offers courses at three levels – beginner, intermediate and advanced. Each course lasts a total of eight weeks. Students are first taught the basics of voice training, as well as musical instruments and are given the opportunity to develop talent, enhance education and discover new skills. Training is offered in keyboard/piano, recorder, guitar and drums. Voice training is also offered as the voice itself is also a musical instrument.

Classes at `Foundation 7’ are usually held on weekdays and also on Saturdays. The school issues local and international certificates, especially for the benefit of students interested in going even deeper into music, or perhaps, even pursuing a career in music. And even if not, the school’s purpose is to “provide, at a reasonable cost, musical instruction that can be used in schools, churches, music clubs, etc.” This ties into Foundation 7’s catering to the needs of all ages. It was noted though that technical training begins from six years old, an age when younger children are generally able to grasp difficult concepts.

Indeed, age is not a barrier to music education. Foundation 7’s oldest student by far is Samuel Patrick Cordis who plays the classical guitar. Cordis, who is 94 years old, resides in Essequibo and travelled by speedboat to attend classes on Saturdays.

The `F7’ team consists of teachers who combined have over 100 years of experience. These knowledgeable instructors help students to develop a background in music that prepares them for a wide range of further educational and vocational activities, that include music as a component. They also gain knowledge of compositional techniques and performance practices of various style periods, while at the same time enhancing their appreciation of the arts. Hundreds of students have passed through the school over the last nine years. Noteworthy too, is the fact that some of these students have moved on to form their own bands.

The school is known for its two signature events. The first is its Summer Music programme offered during the August school holiday. Students can learn to play an instrument in as little as two weeks in the course of the programme. The second signature event is the annual recital/concert and musical production. The main purpose of this event is to give Foundation 7’s past and present students an opportunity to exhibit their talents in the areas of guitar, keyboard, drums and vocal training, all while accompanied by a live band.

This year’s musical production will be held at the National Cultural Centre (NCC) on December 2, 2017 at 19:00 hrs. Titled ‘Hope Alight’, the production is positioned right at the beginning of the Christmas season and is one for the entire family. This year `Foundation 7’ will be showcasing more than its musical talent – drama and dance will be included in what will be a theatrical production. It is Foundation 7’s tradition at the event to honour an organisation working with vulnerable persons in Guyana. The organisation selected this year is the Ruimveldt Children’s Home and Care Centre (RCHCC), a home which was established over 10 years ago to help orphans and vulnerable children.

Despite all the challenges associated with starting up a business that `Foundation 7’ has faced, the school has remained in business and has maintained a presence over the last nine years. Foundation 7’s vision is “to be the premier music school in Guyana through our unique and fun-training programmes offering local and international certification.”
Those interested in learning more about `Foundation 7’ may contact the school at 225-1151 or at Facebook.com/foundation7.