Where are all the black female
composers? A great question we should
all consider. Have we studied the black
female composers in music history? Have
they been included in women composer reference books or were they presented at
women composer and women in music conferences?
The answer to those questions is no.
A recently published book, “Where Are All the Black Female Composers?:
The Ultimate Fun Facts Guide,” written by Nathan Holder with captivating
illustrations by Charity Russell, answers the questions. Mr. Holder is a London based musician and
author. Ms. Russell, originally from
Zambia, now resides in Bristol, England.
Written for ages 8-14, the book covers over 150 years of music composed by Black Female Composers. Four young guides take the reader on a journey introducing each of the composers. They ask questions, share facts about the composers’ music and lives as well as offering titles of their compositions. Before you begin reading, scan the QR code in the back of book. Spotify will play the compositions of these women.
The reader experiences Florence Price, Errollyn Wallen, Margaret Bonds, Leila Adu, Julia Perry, Shirley Graham Du Bois and more. These women span the world coming from the United States, Ethiopia, United Kingdom, Brazil, Nigeria, Cuba and Jamaica.
Black Female Composers long forgotten, ignored or lost are brought to life in this 21st century book. Celebrating Black History Month and Women’s History Month will be made easier because we have Nathan Holder’s book that honors the achievements of black female composers.
Where Are All the Black Female Composers? is a gift to the world
and to music education for children and adults.
