Island Innovators Bahamas
2026 Flagship Program
A two-week selective program in Nassau, Bahamas. July 2026.
6
Students Completed
5
Educational Guest Sessions
2
Weeks of Instruction
Program Overview
The 2026 Music Performance and Production Intensive was Island Innovators Bahamas' first dedicated flagship program. Students received daily instruction in both music performance and music production, working toward a public showcase at the end of the two weeks.
Throughout the program, students participated in five educational guest sessions led by conservatory graduates, current conservatory students, and the Oberlin Conservatory Admissions Office. Students also attended Jon Batiste's Jazz Club as an educational field trip, experiencing live jazz in an intimate setting and participating in the musical environment.
The program concluded with IIB's first public student showcase, attended by families and the Nassau community.
Educational Guest Sessions
Students participated in five educational guest sessions throughout the program: two led by recent conservatory graduates, two led by current conservatory students, and one presented by the Oberlin Conservatory Admissions Office.
Jazz Club Field Trip
Students visited Jon Batiste's Jazz Club for an educational field trip, experiencing live jazz in an intimate setting. Christopher Hilton performed alongside professional musicians, and the group participated in the musical environment.
Public Showcase
The 2026 program concluded with IIB's first public student showcase, attended by families and the Nassau community.
What They Said
After the program ended, we surveyed students, guardians, and instructors. Quotes are used with permission.
Guardians
"What stood out to me was watching my son play individually."
Parent of a 2026 participant
"Comradery and skills to improve his overall life in music."
Parent of a 2026 participant
"Confidence in pursuing music."
Parent of a 2026 participant
Students
"I learnt that jazz can open lots of opportunities including music scholarships and lots of college options."
2026 Student
"A song, friendships, and I learnt about one of the most important progressions in jazz."
2026 Student
"I learned the importance of letting notes ring out properly when playing scales to capture its full essence."
2026 Student
"It made me more confident to chase those dreams."
2026 Student
Instructors
"Giving the students free rein to create whatever track they chose, and giving them access to functional equipment to aid in their creation."
Lamar Williams · Music Production Instructor
"The ending session showed how far everyone came in terms of their musicianship."
Lamar Williams · Music Production Instructor
Island Innovators Bahamas
Future programs across creative and technical disciplines are in development. Tell us what you'd like to see.
Are you a student who wants to contribute? Join the student interest roster.