As music education continues to embrace DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) principles, those at every level in the field are pushing for greater representation and exposure of music beyond the boundaries of the classical, Caucasian-centered curricula typical of academia.
Washington University (WashU) in St. Louis, for instance, actively promotes DEI through platforms like KWUR Clayton90.3 FM, a student-run radio station that celebrates a wide range of musical genres and artists. Through initiatives like KWUR Week, students engage in live performances that showcase the richness of musical diversity, fostering a sense of community and belonging among listeners and performers.
Student DJs like Natalia León Díaz and Andrés Orbegozo use their weekly shows to spotlight unique and often underrepresented music genres, creating a space where underrepresented voices are amplified and celebrated.
“I just love doing it,” Orbegozo told the WashU Newsroom. “Even though I sometimes end up putting the playlist together at 1 in the morning, I just get sucked into doing it. It’s really a labor of love.”
By incorporating DEI principles into their teaching practices, educators create inclusive learning environments where all students feel valued and empowered, says Robert L. Bryant III, PhD, an assistant professor of music education at historically Black Tennessee State University.
Bryant’s emphasis on student-led recruitment and retention strategies underscores the importance of faculty support in nurturing diverse talent within music programs.
“I believe that it is important for our students to feel that they are truly at the center of everything we do,” Bryant said. “We must include and engage our students in all aspects of our program, for with greater inclusion comes new opportunities for us to improve our teaching, enhance student learning, and take our programs to the next level.”
Administrative backing — particularly through DEI offices — is essential in supporting greater representation in music.
Schools like the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) demonstrate a commitment to equity, inclusion, and community through programs like the CCM Inclusive Community Impact Project. By providing funding for projects that address DEI in the arts, CCM empowers students, staff, and faculty to drive meaningful change within the institution.
Collaborations with university wide resources further enhance DEI efforts in music education. Initiatives like the Hip Hop Hour at the University of Alabama at Birmingham’s Office of the Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion use hip-hop culture and music to engage students in conversations about social justice, identity, and expression.
By leveraging culturally relevant pedagogical practices, institutions can create inclusive spaces that resonate with students from diverse backgrounds.
Advancing DEI in music education requires collective efforts at every level of involvement. Students, faculty, and administration must collaborate to create inclusive learning environments, celebrate diverse voices, and empower students and community members to be agents of change.
