Academics, artists and students gathered during Ibagué’s 476th anniversary academic session of Ibagué Suena a Música to discuss strengthening music education, cultural identity and the music industry in the city known as the Musical Capital of Colombia.
Tolima Online reported that participants agreed the best gift for the capital of Tolima would be to reinforce training, professionalization and job opportunities for artists, teachers and students.
James Fernández, rector of the Conservatorio del Tolima, emphasized the need to connect music education with creation, production and the economic dynamics of the sector. He said training should be the center that energizes and generates synergy for all processes, both of training and production, referring to building a sustainable music industry. Fernández also highlighted the Conservatorio’s potential to contribute to professionalizing musicians and meeting the country’s artistic training needs.
Musician Julio Ernesto Estrada, known as maestro Fruko, noted the deep bond residents of Ibagué have with music as an emblem of life.
Iván Ramos, a cello student at the Conservatorio from Sincelejo, stressed the importance of promoting the music economy and generating opportunities for those training professionally.
The session concluded that preserving Ibagué’s musical tradition requires strengthening education, promoting professionalization and creating job opportunities for artists, teachers and students.
For more information, visit tolimaonline.com.