Dr. Lisa Walker founded the Jamaica Symphony Orchestra (JSO) in 2008, revolutionizing Jamaica's classical music scene with a unique blend of classical and Caribbean sounds, including a steel pan section. In 2025, she expanded her vision by launching the JSO Academy, a premier training institution offering specialized programs in strings, woodwinds, brass, percussion, and more. Open to all ages and skill levels, the academy is dedicated to nurturing talent and shaping Jamaica's orchestral future.
Complementing the academy is the Special Music School, which provides a robust music education integrated with academic excellence. With programs tailored for elementary, middle, and high school students, the school ensures young musicians receive comprehensive training while excelling academically. Together, the JSO Academy and Special Music School are transforming Jamaica into a hub for world-class musical talent.
About JSO
Dr. Lisa Walker, Jamaica
executive director
Courtney Walker, Jamaica
BUSINESS ADVISOR
Luke Walker, Boston
music composer
Jada Walker, New York
creative writer
Our Team
Florida: “. . .you are an unbelievable teacher . . .and any student of yours who has the opportunity to learn from you has a golden gift/ opportunity. There is no teacher like you! That I am 100% sure of!” Jorge Castillo, Attorney-at-Law
Jamaica: “You open up possibilities and inspire people to go much further than they ever would have imagined.” Dr. Diana Chen
Egypt: “You (are) really as great as everyone says you are!” Nour El Shabrawishi
Japan: “Riho and I were very lucky to have you as our first violin teacher . . .it was a real privilege for us” Chiari, Tokyo
United Kingdom: “What an amazing opportunity for her to be taught by you . . . it was a real privilege. ” Nicky and Amelie
Florida: “A diamond shines wherever it goes! Lisa is one of a kind” Manuel Berberian, Alegro Music Centre
Italy: “I've never seen my son David so enthusiastic about anything until he started taking extra violin this year” Silvia Strata
California: “. . . the greatest teacher I have ever known.” Jennifer Maestro Moore
New York: “It would truly be a great loss not to experience the great teachings of Dr. Walker” Jessica Li, Manhattan School of Music
Jamaica: “I am really grateful that . . . Lisa came into my life and pushed me to be the person that I could become . . . and saw potential in me that I perhaps didn't see in myself" Kadeem Leslie
Florida: “Lisa Walker is an asset to the South Florida music community” Catherine M. Gavin, Chairman, Florida Federation of Music
California: “Lisa Walker is one of the most dynamic, determined and capable people I've known . . . and if she says she'll create an orchestra, then that's what she'll do!”” Dr. Rachel V. Huang, Professor of Violin, Claremont Graduate University