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Singing Down the Barriers
Online Summer Institute
(Summer 2021)

June 28, 2021 – July 2, 2021

The application deadline has been extended to June 1, 2021!

“Singing Down the Barriers” is an intensive introduction to the repertoire of African American composers for the college student, apprentice, voice teacher, coach, choral conductor, or professional singer. In tandem with a directed curriculum of readings, resources, recordings, reflective exercises, and performance, the Institute seeks to help participants overcome the barriers that prevent successful engagement with and performance of African American concert repertoire including art song and spirituals.

Attendees will take part in lectures and panels with scholars and artists specializing in this repertoire, join in discussions on practical topics, and explore repertoire in small group breakout sessions. From poetry analysis and historical background to surveying the songs of contemporary African American composers today, attendees will leave with a stronger understanding of the cultural context and performance practices needed to successfully sing this repertoire.

SDtB Institute is an adult summer intensive of the U-M SMTD and is offered in partnership with the Hampsong Foundation via the Classic Song Research Initiative. For 2021, this institute will be administered completely online.

Session Dates: June 28, 2021 – July 2, 2021
Application Open: December 2020
Application Deadline: June 1, 2021
Admissions Notification: June 10, 2021

Register or apply here:

U-M SMTD: Engagement and Outreach

Learn more about this summer institute, including how to register or apply!

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More information about SDtB

Tuition
Performer Track: $500
Auditor Track: $300


Faculty
Louise Toppin, Director, Professor of Voice & Music, University of Michigan
Christie Finn, Hampsong Foundation & Classic Song Research Initiative, University of Michigan
Caroline Helton, Associate Professor of Music, University of Michigan
Scott Piper, Associate Professor of Music / Chair of Vocal Department, University of Michigan
Emery Stephens, Assistant Professor of Music, St. Olaf College

With Special Guest, Thomas Hampson

2021 GUEST TEACHING FACULTY
Donnie Ray Albert
Lawrence Brownlee
Marquese Carter
Roderick Dixon
Michael Harper
Alisha Lola Jones
Randye Jones
Tammy Kernodle
Marquite Lister
William C. Nyaho
Kenneth Overton
Marcia Porter
Rosephanye Powell
Robert Sims
Jean Snyder
Lauren E. Stewart
Darryl Taylor

2021 GUEST PANELISTS
B.E. Boykin
Julia Bullock
Julia Wright Costa
Cedric Dent
Ashe Gordon
Denyce Graves
Anthony R. Green
Max Jefferson
James Lee, III
Jessie Wright Martin
Shawn Okpebholo
Melissa Rose
Braxton Shelley
George Shirley
Nicole Sonbert

In cooperation with

Office of Engagement & Outreach of the:

University of Michigan School of Music, Theater, & Dance

Partner since 2015

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Part of

Classic Song Research Initiative