GUYANA’S performance in music at the 2026 Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examinations is a turning point for the programme in Guyana, according to the Senior Education Officer with Responsibility for Music, Joel Gonsalves.
This year saw the largest cohort of students writing the examination, achieving an outstanding 100 per cent pass rate.
Gonsalves credited this success to the unwavering support of the Ministry of Education, the dedication of teachers, parents, and local musicians, and the commitment of the students themselves.
The official emphasised that this is only the beginning of “exciting times” for music education, pledging continued growth through teacher training and workshops, expanded performance opportunities to build skills and confidence, and the ongoing provision of resource materials.
He expressed optimism that these initiatives will inspire even more students to pursue music at the CSEC level, further strengthening the role of the arts in Guyana’s education system.
This publication was able to speak with six of this year’s candidates, who contributed to this remarkable achievement.
Thalia Jerrick, a St. Rose’s High School student stated that she was motivated and encouraged by her mom, dad, and grandfather to pursue music. In preparation, she studied from music theory textbooks and practiced daily on the keyboard. While there was no permanent music teacher at her school, the Ministry of Education assigned someone to give students the necessary support and guidance.
Jerrick said the most rewarding part of the experience for her was the performance aspect, since that was the area, she worked the hardest on, earning her an ‘A’ grade. Additionally, the teen said studying music has contributed to her personal growth, and creativity, as it allowed her to compose her first piece.
Aside from this, she noted that she was always called on to play the keyboard for school events and competitions, which supported her success at her music exam.
Encouraging other students interested in music to study music theory and history, Jerrick noted that music should play a role in helping with talents and personal growth and not as just an extra-curricular activity.
Building on this achievement, Jerrick said she hopes to teach music to students, and create an impact in this area.
Simon Nauth, a former West Demerara Secondary School student, stated that one of his biggest challenges in the lead up to the examination was balancing music studies with his other CSEC subjects. Music, he expressed, required a balance between practicing and studying the content. He noted that he welcomed feedback from his music teacher Miss Lisa Adams.
Like Jerrick, Nauth’s most rewarding experience was being able to perform on the piano and recorder, which provided him with a “sense of accomplishment and confidence.”
He said he already had an interest in music and wanted to develop his skills in that area. “Music has definitely helped me become more disciplined and patient. Learning an instrument certainly doesn’t happen overnight, so I had to learn to keep practicing even when it was difficult at times. It also helped build my confidence…I became more comfortable performing in front of others,” he said.
With the support of his parents, teacher Ms. Edwards, and several other people, Nathan Joseph, a Queen’s College (QC) student, described his preparation period as a tedious time.
By remaining calm, he said he was able to handle the exam with more ease. His interest in music came from his dad, who was his biggest motivator. He encouraged other students who are interested in pursuing music to be consistent in their studying.
Joseph Daniel, another QC student, shared that his teacher, Mr. Cameron, saw his interest in the subject, and encouraged him to write the examination. Studying music, he said, has provided him with a deeper understanding of how it works.
As a participant in the Ministry of Education’s Unit of Allied Arts stage production ‘ A River Remembers,’ which was organised for the country’s 60th Independence Anniversary, Daniel gained a higher level of confidence in himself, allowing him to play a more active role in church.
He stated that music should be extended to more schools to introduce young Guyanese to cultures beyond the ones they know.
“Music itself provides a great connection between all the people and helps us to understand what its like and to truly bond over such simple things. I would say that music itself is something that all schools should teach, maybe not to write through CSEC, but…to learn about these cultures,” he said.
Meanwhile, Chinaka Harte, a former student of St. Stanislaus College, and current student at The Bishops’ High School, in her comments said her main motivation for selecting music was passion.
Beyond this, her decision was strongly influenced by a supportive environment and guidance received from her teachers: Sir Pickett and Ms. Analyse, and of course, her family.
The music programme, particularly at St. Stanislaus College, offered opportunities and mentorship from musical experts, who recognised her incredible potential based on her skills on the guitar, and her vocals. They continuously encouraged her to refine her technique.
Just like Harte, Jadah Jackson attended the St. Stanislaus College and now attends The Bishops’ High School. She has been involved in music since age five, and plays the piano, recorder, bass and tenor steel pan, electric and acoustic guitars, bass guitar, and she can sing.
Her main motivation to pursue music academically came from her late piano teacher, Miss Andrea Mentor.
“She gave me the confidence to apply my knowledge in other sectors of music rather than just classical piano,” Jackson said adding, “My general love for music and knowledge gained from the Music Producer Incubator Programme funded by Kross Kolor Records and the Ministry of Education further pushed my decision to write music.”
While encouraging other students interested in pursuing music to not be deterred, Jackson said music has helped her in other subject areas such as Caribbean History, Geography and Mathematics.
