In June 2024, during Black Music Month, I will launch Melanie the Violinist’s Black Musician Academy (hereinafter “Academy”) which will educate underserved youth from Wards 7 and 8 on the history, impact, and repertoire of Black classical composers.

The remarkable contributions of Black classical composers has historically been suppressed. During this four week Academy, participants will learn about the lives of musicians such as Florence Price, Joseph Bologne, Clarence Cameron White, and Scott Joplin, be introduced to their repertoire, and complete activities to apply the knowledge learned. At the conclusion of the Academy, participants will have the opportunity to perform a piece of their choosing composed by one of the Black musicians covered during the Academy.