Photo: Singing Down the Barriers 2024 In-Person Participants

Singing Down the Barriers (SDtB) is an intensive exploration of the repertoire of African American, African and African Diaspora concert composers for the university student, apprentice, teacher (private, high school or university), coach, choral conductor, church musician, professional singer, or organization administrator. The institute offers an approach to performance that is designed to provide a historical perspective along with discussions to examine our contemporary attitudes toward performing/understanding this music. Questions such as “who is allowed to sing this repertoire” are examined and addressed in sessions throughout the two-week institute.

*Week 1 (online) is an intensive introduction to this repertoire. In tandem with a directed curriculum of readings, resources, recordings, and reflective exercises, the SDtB Institute in Week 1 seeks to help participants overcome the barriers that prevent successful engagement with and eventual performance of African American and African Diaspora concert repertoire including art song, opera arias 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, attendees will leave with a stronger understanding of the cultural context and performance practices needed to successfully sing, teach, coach and present this repertoire.

*Week 2 (in-person) is designed as a follow-up to Week 1 (or previous participation in the SDtB Institute) and will focus on performance aspects and practical application of the information from Week 1. Daily coaching and lessons (individual or group), sessions to help navigate singing/teaching dialect, as well as guided readings, discussion groups, and sessions on special topics (including individual composers), will continue to enrich knowledge of repertoire from artistic, administrative, and vocal practitioner stances.

The Singing Down the Barriers Institute is an adult summer intensive offered through U-M’s School of Music, Theatre & Dance and is offered in partnership with the Hampsong Foundation via the Classic Song Research Initiative. 

*Those who have not participated in the program previously and want to register for Week 2 should complete Week 1 of the program first. Tuition options for each individual week, as well as a combination of both weeks, can be found in the Tuition and Housing Information section below.