Ten Black History Month resources for music teachers

Thursday, October 6, 2022

MT champions Black music educators and their work throughout October and beyond.

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In celebration of Black History Month, MT is collating a selection of resources to help teachers bring Black history into the music classroom. 

We are also revisiting articles from the archives that champion Black music educators and their work, as well as pieces that highlight the crucial work being done to diversify and decolonise music education.

1. Alexis Ffrench interview: 'I like to think of myself as somewhat of a disrupter in all that I do'

Recently appointed as ABRSM’s first artistic director, classical soul artist Alexis Ffrench meets MT to discuss his ambitions for the role and being a ‘disrupter’ in music education.

Read Alexis Ffrench interview: 'I like to think of myself as somewhat of a disrupter in all that I do'

2. Book Reviews: Where are all the instruments? West Africa

Where are all the instruments? West Africa is the latest publication by Nate Holder as part of Why Music series. 'Perhaps the question should be, where are all the books like this one?' says Ruth Coles as she reviews the publication. 

Read Book Reviews: Where are all the instruments? West Africa

3. Quiet strength: Sheku Kanneh-Mason

MT’s editor meets 22-year-old role model Sheku Kanneh-Mason following the publication of his new collection of cello music. The cellist discusses everything from creativity, playing for enjoyment, to Brexit, music education and luck.

Read Quiet strength: Sheku Kanneh-Mason

4. Sheet Music Reviews: YolanDa Brown's Collections

Michael Pearce takes a look at a collection of ‘Inspirational works by Black composers’ selected and edited by saxophonist and broadcaster YolanDa Brown, with books available for flute, clarinet, alto saxophone and tenor saxophone.

Read Sheet Music Reviews: YolanDa Brown's Collections

5. Examining change: What are major UK exam boards doing to decolonise?

Roger Wilson investigates progress at the London College of Music Examinations, ABRSM and Trinity College London as part of our series on what major UK exam boards are doing to decolonise.

Read Examining change: What is LCME doing to decolonise?

Read Examining change: What is ABRSM doing to decolonise?

ReadExamining change: What is Trinity College London doing to decolonise? 

6. Q&A: Samantha Stimpson

With 20 years of experience in arts and music education behind her, Samantha Stimpson’s recent research for Music Mark addresses the question of how Music Education Hubs (MEHs) can instigate change to become more inclusive, diverse and representative.  

Read Q&A: Samantha Stimpson

7. A paucity of colour: Black Lives in Music Report

Ahead of publication of the first Black Lives in Music Report, the editor speaks to director of operations Roger Wilson about what the survey results reveal about racial inequalities in music education. 

Read A paucity of colour: Black Lives in Music Report

8. Helen MacGregor interview: 'Listen & Celebrate' in primary music

On the publication of a new resource for the primary classroom, co-author Helen MacGregor speaks to Harriet Clifford about how 'Listen & Celebrate' can support specialists and generalists to open up a world of music.

Read Helen MacGregor interview: 'Listen & Celebrate' in primary music

9. The problem with lists: Using the MMC's Musical Traditions list

How should teachers go about using the repertoire lists in the Model Music Curriculum? Kay Charlton from the Bollywood Brass Band takes a look at the MMC's Musical Traditions list, clears up a few confusions, and suggests a plan of action to ensure each music genre is addressed fairly and equally in the classroom.

Read The problem with lists: Using the MMC's Musical Traditions list

10. Book Reviews: Who is Florence Price?

Who is Florence Price? is the story of composer Florence Price as told and illustrated by children from Kaufman Music Centre's Special Music School in New York. Rachel Shapey reviews the text.

Read Book Reviews: Who is Florence Price?​

Black History Month resources

If you have any further resources to add to this list, email hattie.fisk@markallengroup.com.  

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