Redefining Who Belongs in Classical Music, Onstage and In Executive Roles

In last Thursday’s (2/27) Forbes, Pauleanna Reid writes, “Studies have shown that engaging in music, especially classical music training, enhances brain function in children … Yet, despite these benefits, music education is often treated as a privilege, not the fundamental right it should be. A reality that disproportionately affects youth from inner-city neighborhoods … This barrier extends into the professional classical music industry as well. In American orchestras, only about 2.4% of musicians are African American. Flutist and Associate Executive Director Akilah Morgan, who grew up in South Los Angeles, experienced this lack of representation firsthand…. Now, as a founding member of the Inner City Youth Orchestra of Los Angeles (ICYOLA)—the largest majority-Black orchestra in America—Morgan is actively working to ensure early and equitable access to classical music training for underrepresented communities…. ICYOLA is paving the way for its members to perform in the world’s most renowned venues and secure positions in major American orchestras…. Inclusion also means placing members from historically excluded groups in leadership roles. Women of color are significantly underrepresented in leadership across many sectors, including the arts…. When Morgan joined ICYOLA, the executive director, Charles ‘Chuck’ Dickerson, introduced her to the Essentials of Orchestra Management, a program by the League of American Orchestras. The training gave her the opportunity to accelerate her learning and advance her leadership skills…. Within ICYOLA’s nurturing environment, students find safety, support, and encouragement.”