- CONTRIBUTED
Eric Wills (standing), music professor at the State University of New York University, oversees a recording session with two aspiring musicians at a studio in Ocho Rios, St. Ann.
PROFESSOR ERIC Wills has been an inspiration to aspiring musicians through his 'musical social work' across the island.
He told The Gleaner he has been 'voluntouring' in Jamaica for seven years.
"In 1999, I came to Jamaica and got involved musically as a guest drummer with bands which applied their trade at hotels on the north coast," he revealed." Playing with unpopular local musicians, I realised that they were poorly paid. I then decided to record their live performances on CDs I produced free, which they could sell to increase their earnings."
Since then, Professor Wills has been a source of unfounded talent in areas such as Negirl, Ocho Rios and Portland.
The Claudia Williams Life Centre, funded by the Rotary Club of Port Antonio, incubates his recording studio which allows aspiring musicians to create their own CDs - using the state-of-the-art computer-based recording equipment.
"Studio time at professional studios in Jamaica is as expensive as those in the United States of America," the professor argued, adding that he provides a free opportunity for poor musical aspirants to promote themselves.
When Volunteer Today asked the professor what ignited his desire for the concept of 'voluntourism' he said it was a desire to give back to a community and culture that he enjoys.
-J.C.
