“Inclusion elevates all“
-Elaine hall
About
For the most part, Western music theory focuses on the music of the common practice (1650-1900) with an intense focus on a small group of composers – Bach, Beethoven, Brahms, Mozart, Haydn, Handel, Schubert, and Schumann. These composers are by no means unworthy of study, however, the goal of the project is to expand the focus to other notable composers.
By having a diverse representation of composers and the repertoire they have created, female students, students of color, and students of non-European nationality will be more likely to see themselves in the music they analyze and create, thereby making the music they interact with more relevant.
By not including these composers into our curriculum, we ignore and forget their contributions to the great international and intercultural art that is classical music. Diversity expert, Verna Myers says, “Diversity is being invited to the party. Inclusion is being asked to dance.” With this idea in mind, I have created this website.
Dr. David Dean Mendoza
I wish to thank the impetus for this website, the…
Composer Diversity Project Working Group @ The University of Miami, Frost School of Music
Dr. David Dean Mendoza, Dr. Shawn Crouch, Olivia Kieffer, Ryne Siesky
Diverse Music Theory Examples 