Early Black Music In Performance

A guide for musicians who learn, teach, interpret, and program

Original illustration for this project by Winston,  https://www.themarloweproductions.com/

This site helps build individual and educational community knowledge about Black American music. Readers are invited to listen closely to some of the earliest recordings of Black American song and instrumental music; to think critically about musical notation, performance context, classroom discussion, and programming; and to follow richly linked texts to many other helpful resources for further learning.

Painting of people dancing

Honoring History

Describes the contexts for African American music making primarily in the early nineteenth century. The “where” of musical sound of Black Americans at this time.

Painting of enslaved people in a dance celebration

FindinG Written Music

Surveys the sources and references for eighteenth- and nineteenth-century written music. The “what” of early Black American music.

Painting of enslaved people in a dance celebration

ListeniNg to Music

Catalogs specific expressive devices of voices and instruments, illustrated by sound examples. The “how” of early Black American music making.

Photo of Musicians in a String ensemble

PrograMminG

Reflects on the possible modern educational and concert approaches to giving this music and these techniques life. The “why” (or “why not”) for current performers, teachers, and students.

Photo of people singing

Creating a Space of BelOnging, sAfety and cOnfidence

What about a performer’s identity? Or an audience’s predominant identity?

Begin your exploration »