Overview

Never has there been a more urgent time to foster cultural humility, diversity, and community dialogue while addressing systemically exclusionary teaching practices in vocal music. Singing Down the Barriers offers readers from all ethnic backgrounds a space in which to better understand the historical and cultural barriers to researching, programming, and performing repertoire by composers from the African diaspora. Emery Stephens and Caroline Helton present a pedagogical guide for singers, singing teachers, students, and administrators that will assist not only with programming but also in creating sustainable, brave spaces for critical conversations on race, equity, and American music. The book is divided into three parts: Part one presents historical context for African American song from the 19th century to the 21st century. Part two examines the culture of academic institutions and provides a framework for positive change. Part three provides strategies to foster integrated communities that can explore this repertoire with respect and mutual support as well as ways to incorporate Afrocentric music into the canon. This book is a seminal resource for higher education, community music programs, private studios, and beyond, and will help support DEI initiatives for vocal music programs.

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9781538169919

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Singing Down the Barriers, which is intended for people of all races, challenges assumptions and provides a thoughtful road map intended to correct the glaring omissions in our vocal canon. Their work presents a respectful approach to music and approaches difficult conversations about our racialized, exclusionary past while offering practical advice intent on engendering authentic conversation.--Louise Toppin, professor of music, voice, The University of Michigan

"""Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it"" is an aphorism that is often cited to underline the importance of studying history. In Singing Down the Barriers, Stephens and Helton present the same advice, but with a positive spin. Those who learn from the past can improve the present, and lay the foundation for a future that is rich and respectful. Everyone should read this book because it is instructive and enriching. The volume is also empowering, not only to the composers and culture of Black song, but to anyone who aspires to be a collaborative partner in the performance of this repertoire. -- ""Journal of Singing "" Singing Down the Barriers, which is intended for people of all races, challenges assumptions and provides a thoughtful road map intended to correct the glaring omissions in our vocal canon. Their work presents a respectful approach to music and approaches difficult conversations about our racialized, exclusionary past while offering practical advice intent on engendering authentic conversation. --Louise Toppin, professor of music, voice, The University of Michigan"

Author Information

Emery Stephens, baritone, is an assistant professor of voice at St. Olaf College. He has delivered presentations for the College Music Society, Race and Pedagogy National Conference, African American Art Song Alliance, National Association for the Study and Performance of African American Music, and the Singing Down the Barriers Institute. Caroline Helton, soprano, is a clinical associate professor of music at the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance. Through her teaching, recordings, and publications, she is a tireless advocate for integrating the canon of song repertoire to reflect and respect its true diversity. Along with Emery Stephens, she co-founded the Singing Down the Barriers project.

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