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.
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.
FindinG Written Music
Surveys the sources and references for eighteenth- and nineteenth-century written music. The “what” of early Black American music.
ListeniNg to Music
Catalogs specific expressive devices of voices and instruments, illustrated by sound examples. The “how” of early Black American music making.
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.
Creating a Space of BelOnging, sAfety and cOnfidence
What about a performer’s identity? Or an audience’s predominant identity?
Begin your exploration »