Music by Black Composers

Young classical musicians seldom, if ever, have the opportunity to study and perform music written by Black composers. Music by Black Composers (MBC) supplements the current instrumental training methods by publishing books of music exclusively by Black composers from around the world. Each orchestral instrument, starting with the strings, will be the subject of multiple volumes, graded by difficulty from beginner to advanced concerto-level playing. Each volume also includes biographies for every composer, feature articles on Black music making throughout history, and profiles of Black role models in music, past and present. Violin Volume I for beginner and elementary-level students was released in October 2018. Seven more violin volumes are planned, and the creation of series for cello and viola, followed by bass, will also begin soon.

In its ever-expanding efforts to cultivate diversity in classical music, MBC is also creating an online database which will provide information about works written by Black composers. The database will contain facts about each composer and about individual pieces, information about where to find the music, links to recordings, and more. Other online resources include a list of children’s literature, a bibliography of publications about Black classical music making, a discography, and a directory of living composers for those commissioning new works or simply seeking information. Additional pedagogical materials include a coloring book with illustrations by artist and violinist Sho-mei Pelletier that features 40 of the most important Black composers from the 18^th-21^st centuries, and a timeline poster created in partnership with the Sphinx Organization that features more than 300 Black composers from around the world.