Chenoa Murphy: Black Representation in Classical Music

All Keyed Up

Chenoa Murphy discusses black representation in classical music. Topics discussed include colorblindness, scarcity versus abundance mindsets, diversifying private studios, an inside-out approach to DEI, the anxiety that many white teachers face on teaching issues surrounding race, historical and present-day black involvement in classical music.

In the interview, Chenoa offered many recommendations of piano pieces by black composers, which piano instructors can consider both for their own playing and/or their students: Sonata in E Minor by Florence Price, Piano Concerto in One Movement by Florence Price, 24 Negro Melodies by Samuel Coleridge-Taylor, Adoration by Florence Price (adapted for piano). She also recommended the following resources: Piano Music of Africa and the African Diaspora, Piano Music by African American Composers, and Music by Black Composers.