Greek philosopher Plato once said: “Music gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.”  

Music is a universal language that brings people together. No matter the differences in culture, music unites.

The sound of music is like a medicine that heals the heart and soothes the soul. Kamoy Gordon knows this all too well, the passionate musician is on a mission to spread joy and happiness through beautiful music.

Kamoy is a violinist whose music will transport you to a place of pure bliss, washing away all the worries of everyday life to bring you pleasure.

Gordon’s journey with the violin began when he was around 14 years old. He was introduced to the instrument while at Kingston College through the National Youth Orchestra of Jamaica.

“It was while at KC that one of my friends invited a group of us to come and check out the programme, it was an after school programme and that was where I first got interested in the violin,” Gordon told Our Today.

With a taste of music, Gordon continued going to the programme to develop his new found love.

“I kept going after school and I saw the violin and I just fell in love with the instrument,” he shared.

Like many Jamaica musicians, Gordon was first introduced to music at church.

“Growing up my father would ensure that my sister and I would go to church every Sunday morning; music in church was a big part of growing up so definitely I have always had a love for music.”

“I was already involved in music somewhat because at church I learnt to play my first instrument, the drum set after which I learnt the keyboard, so music has always been a part of my life,” the violinist shared.

Having two instrument under his belt, Gordon was quick to grasp the opportunity to explore another when it came along.

 “The violin isn’t as popular as other instruments in Jamaica, it was only natural for me to take advantage of that opportunity.”

Being exposed to the violin opened several doors for the young musician, one of which allowed him to travel to the Luzerne Music Centre in New York courtesy of the National Youth Orchestra.

While at the prestigious summer camp which facilitates musicians ages 9 to 18 from around the world, Gordon received lesson from renowned instructors – an experience that further solidify Gordon’s desire to become a musician.

“I met several other musicians from all over the world, even though we all dint speak the same language we came together and were able make great music while training and being in the orchestra together. It was an amazing experience seeing the students and how passionate they were about music and the fact that we were all from different parts of the world,” Gordon excitedly shared.

Gordon continued sharing that: “While at Luzerne, I realised that most of the student artistes were versatile in playing jazz, pop and a lot more genres at that time. I was still somewhat in a box because, if it wasn’t on paper at the time, I couldn’t read it.”

Wanting to learn more and become more versatile he turned to the local music scene to further develop his craft.

“I began examining our music, the reggae music as well as popular music and so I place more effort into learning my music and bringing it to the violin and that was just different and right there I saw an opportunity for growth and that decision came easy after.”

It was this experience that caused a shift in his thinking, which led to him researching the Jamaica landscape of violin players.

Once he completed his research, Gordon saw a big opportunity in becoming a professional violinist, despite obtaining 10 Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate subjects – mostly in the sciences – and his mother’s dream for him to become a doctor.

“After I left Kingston College I got a scholarship for my first [year] of study at the Edna Manley College, through the friends of the National Youth Orchestra in Canada to complete a prerequisite study,” Gordon shared.

Upon completing prerequisite studies, he started his bachelor in Music Education, a four-year programme that he successfully completed.

He shared with Our Today that the journey was not without challenges, but that he was grateful to all those who supported him during this time.

“I still went ahead and got the student loan for first year even when most people tried to dissuade me from doing so. The GraceKennedy Edna Manley College of visual and performing arts scholarship covered full tuition for year three and four and for that I am grateful,” the musician pointed out.

Being the outstanding musician that he is, Gordon received several awards during his tenure at Edna.

“I graduated last year November with several awards- the Chairman’s Award for the Edna Manley College, the Principals Award for the Edna Manley College, the Deans Award for the School of Music, Most Outstanding Student in Music Education and Most Outstanding Student in Performance,” a proud Gordon shared.

Gordon, who loves the violin because of its exclusiveness, said: “The violin isn’t one of the more common instruments here in Jamaica, it’s unique, and it’s different so it definitely has a certain kind of crowd that it appeals to.”

Over the years, Gordon continued to work on his skills and hone his talent. Today he is a professional violin player earning his ‘bread and butter’ by doing what he loves.

“Primarily I do a lot of corporate events, private events such as weddings, anniversaries, proposal, cocktail parties, private parties. I have also played on Sumfest, the Pepsi refresh tour, I played with Ikaya on the launch of Pesi refresh tour,” Gordon noted.

The 24-year-old has been involved with the Jamaica Reggae Industry Association (JaRIA) for several years and, through the organisation, Gordon has worked with several artistes over the years playing at the annual JaRIA awards show.

His talent has spanned far and wide from King’s House to Jennifer Bolt’s 60th birthday celebration.

There is no question that Gordon loves his work and gives it a passing grade of 10 out of 10.

“I love the work that I do, I love playing. My work allows me to travel, I have seen some of the most beautiful locations in Jamaica. I love travelling and meeting new people. It allows me be among great people and, apart from that, I mean, I am doing what I love and nothing tops that.”

Even though Jamaica is a country famously known for its music, Gordon believes more needs to be done in terms of music education.

“Music education is a big deal, it’s an area that needs growth, it needs to be highlighted and it needs to be pushed. We need good music teachers and that is why my aim is to contribute to national development through music education,” he noted.

Choosing a career that is outside of the traditional professions can be a daunting thing to do. Because of this, many individuals turn away from their true passion and find themselves in a job that they don’t love.

Gordon had the courage to stick to his passion and his advice to those out there who want to choose a career path that is not popular is that they should go for it!

“I would say, go for it, go for it, go put in the work and be the best that you can be. Believe in yourself and what you’re able to accomplish, trust the process, trust God and put God in the midst.”

He pointed out that, while someone might not get the support from their family and friends and some people might discourage them, if it is something that they are passionate about, if it is something that they, they should push ahead.

He added that persons should put in the time and work to develop their skills to the point where they can earn and sustain themselves from it.