About Capisterre Music
Building the Next Generation of Caribbean Musicians
Our Story
The Caribbean has produced extraordinary singers, composers, arrangers, instrumentalists, performers, and recording artists. Yet many developing musicians have had to leave the region to access advanced training, mentorship, technology, and professional preparation.
Capisterre Music was created to help change that.
Our Mission
To cultivate confident, disciplined, technically skilled, and professionally prepared Caribbean musicians through exceptional teaching, mentorship, technology, and performance.
Our Vision
To become one of the Caribbean's leading institutions for modern music education, artistic development, and creative-industry preparation.
"Our culture is our inheritance. Our excellence is our responsibility."
Clyde Richardson
Founder & Director
Medal of Honour
Federation of St. Kitts & Nevis
A Message from the Founder
Why Capisterre Music Exists
I have often asked myself a simple question: Why can't students from across the Caribbean benefit from the wealth of musical expertise that already exists within our region, brought together in one place?
Some of our finest musicians simply do not have the financial means to attend university summer programs or specialized training abroad. These experiences that often help young artistes discover their strengths, refine their craft, and choose the path that is right for them.
Capisterre Music was created as my answer to that question.
What began as a vision for a school of vocal music soon evolved into something much greater: a single institution where Caribbean musicians can receive a world-class education without losing sight of who they are. A place where discipline, technical excellence, creativity, innovation, and our rich cultural heritage exist side by side. A place where students learn from accomplished professionals who understand not only what excellence looks like, but what it takes to achieve it.
Capisterre was never intended to compete with universities. Rather, it was designed to complement them. To prepare students for the opportunities that lie ahead, to help them make informed decisions about their musical future, and to provide a level of practical, industry-focused training that has simply not existed within our region. Whether a student chooses to pursue a university degree, build a professional performance career, become an educator, or produce music from a home studio, Capisterre exists to ensure they begin that journey with confidence, competence, and a strong artistic foundation.
This Founding Edition marks the beginning of that journey.
Those who choose to join Capisterre in these early years will become far more than students. They will be the founding generation. They will help shape the culture, traditions, and standards of this institution, and their achievements will become the foundation upon which future generations of Caribbean musicians will build.
Every great institution begins with a small group of people who believe in a vision before the rest of the world sees it. My hope is that, years from now, people will look back on this moment as the beginning of something truly transformative for music education in the Caribbean.
"Music should inspire, not intimidate. When experienced musicians share not only their knowledge, but also the lessons they have learned through years of performance and teaching, the journey becomes less uncertain and the first step becomes far easier to take."
— Clyde Richardson, Founder
Mentor Spotlight
The Expertise Behind Every Student
Vocal Training, Choral Direction, and Arranging
Clyde Richardson
Founder | Vocal Coach | Choral Director & Arranger
Clyde Richardson is an award-winning musician, arranger, conductor, educator, and arts leader whose influence on music education and choral performance has been felt across the Caribbean for more than three decades. A passionate advocate for musical excellence, he has dedicated his career to developing singers, inspiring ensembles, and creating opportunities for emerging musicians to realise their full potential. His musical journey began in early childhood and has evolved into a distinguished career encompassing vocal performance, choral conducting, music education, arranging, and artistic leadership. Clyde has directed choirs for more than twenty years, performing and conducting throughout the Caribbean and internationally. He is the founder of Project Harmony, Musical Director of Voices of the Federation, and performs with widely acclaimed Quinlan Singers, based in Austin Texas. An accomplished arranger, Clyde has created numerous original vocal arrangements that celebrate Caribbean culture while embracing the highest standards of choral artistry. His work is recognised for blending technical precision with expressive storytelling, producing performances that are both artistically compelling and deeply authentic. Beyond the concert stage, Clyde has served for several years as Head Judge of the Federation's Panorama Competition, one of the defining highlights of the annual Carnival season. His appointment reflects the esteem in which he is held by the musical community and his expertise in performance, interpretation, and musical excellence. As the founder of Capisterre Music, Clyde envisioned an academy where aspiring musicians could learn directly from accomplished professionals actively shaping the music industry. His mentoring philosophy extends beyond technical instruction, focusing on artistry, discipline, collaboration, leadership, and the confidence to perform and create at the highest level. In recognition of his outstanding contribution to music and the arts in the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis, Clyde was awarded the Medal of Honour, one of the Federation's highest national honours. Through Capisterre Music, he continues his lifelong mission of nurturing exceptional musicians while demonstrating that Caribbean talent can achieve excellence on the regional and global stage.
Student Journey
From First Note to the Global Stage
Every student's path is unique, but the progression follows a clear arc — from discovery to leadership.
Discover
Identify musical interests, goals, voice, strengths, and creative direction.
Discover
Identify musical interests, goals, voice, strengths, and creative direction.
Develop
Build technique, theory, musicianship, confidence, discipline, and artistic foundations.
Perform
Develop stage presence, interpretation, preparation, and audience connection.
Record
Learn studio workflow, digital production, session preparation, and recording discipline.
Release
Understand metadata, publishing, distribution, streaming, copyright, and professional presentation.
Lead
Build a sustainable identity as a musician, producer, educator, performer, or creative professional.
Our Values
Principles That Guide Everything
Excellence
Discipline
Creativity
Cultural identity
Professionalism
Innovation
Mentorship
Integrity
The Meaning Behind the Name
Capisterre
The name Capisterre is derived from the windward lands found across the Caribbean, from St. Kitts to Guadeloupe, where the coast turns to face the trade winds. Capisterre Music believes greatness is not determined by where a person begins, but by the courage to face the wind and the care with which their gifts are cultivated.
This philosophy shapes everything we do. We meet each student where they are and develop their potential through rigorous training, mentorship, and professional preparation — rooted in Caribbean identity and aligned with international standards.
Caribbean Identity, Global Standards