The Tribune

By ALESHA CADET Tribune Features Reporter Bahamian pianist Dion Cunningham dreams of opening a school where Bahamians can be exposed to world renowned music. Towards this end, he plans to continue advanced music studies at the Peabody Conservatory of Music at the Johns Hopkins University. This weekend, the 27 year old will host a two-day piano recital, hoping to make his dreams come true. "I hope everyone comes out because they are going to be blown away. We don't have the resources to fund his education, but he never stopped going forward. The proceeds from the event will go towards his education fees. Dion would appreciate any contribution made to assist in the realisation of his goal to impact the world of music, especially in the Bahamas," said Edris Cunningham, Dion's mother. Both of Dion's parents are musicians. The instilled the art of music in him from a very young age. "I was able to teach him about the piano from a young age. Once I began the process, he started taking it up in school. He was playing the piano since the age of four, also taking up formal lessons in school," she said. In his teenage years, Dion reached the highest level of attainment in piano at Trinity College of Music. He also succeeded in winning numerous national awards. As a member of Christ Community Church, he also spent his time playing at the church. According to his mother, he studied piano under the tutelage of Don Betts during his time abroad. He also served as accompanist for the Macalester Women's Choir. In the Bahamas, Dion has taught music at Kingsway Academy, C R Walker High School and Heritage Christian School. "While teaching, Dion continued professional studies and earned a Diploma in Education, with distinction, from the College of The Bahamas. Simultaneously, he was the accompanist for the Bel Canto Singers, chief musician and director of the worship team at his church. He also participated as violinist and cellist in the Bahamas Symphony Orchestra," she said. He went on to complete a Masters Degree in Music Education at Vandercook College of Music in Chicago, Illinois, through a Harry C Moore Scholarship, courtesy of the Lyford Cay Foundation. Ms Cunningham said Dion considers himself very fortunate. The event will be held at St Andrew's Presbyterian Kirk at 8 pm on Saturday and 6 pm on Sunday.