This proseminar reveals the many contributions among African American women to styles of African American music and classical music from the 1800s to present day. It begins during the Antebellum Period in America, 1830s, when slavery was still a dominant institution particularly in the southern region of the United States. It is at this time a type of entertainment was being forged, rooted in African slave music and dance practices, though exaggerated, that nonetheless led to America’s first popular entertainment performed on the public stage. Namely, Blackface or Ethiopian Minstrelsy, this form of entertainment reveals the obvious and not so obvious portrayal of African slaves that led to stereotypes among African slaves and African Americans. More specific to this course is how this, and other aspects, negatively affected the perception of African American women as viable, competent, and competitive vocalists and instrumentalists. This course reveals circumstances women have had to, and still do, face in the music industry, yet persevered (and preserver) with undeniable talent, stamina, and grace.
- Nauczyciel: Stan Breckenridge