About the Project

Black Composers 101 is an educational initiative by D-Composed, a Chicago-based Black chamber music collective, developed as part of the Music Inclusion Hub in collaboration with Boulanger Initiative and Castle of Our Skins.

Inspired by D-Composed's signature concert series, the project features ten on-demand performance videos and accompanying curriculum guides designed for students in grades 6–9. Spanning music from the 1700s to the present day, the series explores the breadth of Black musical creativity through five themes: Early Creators, Beyond Classical, Music of the Diaspora, Music for Storytelling, and Experimentation & Improvisation.

Through culturally responsive lessons, guided listening, historical exploration, and creative activities, the curriculum encourages students to examine the intersections of music, identity, culture, and society while challenging traditional narratives of Western classical music.

My Role

Curriculum Developer | D-Composed

Alexis Peart developed the educational curriculum accompanying the series, translating musical performances and historical research into accessible, interdisciplinary learning experiences. Designed for classroom educators and teaching artists, the lessons combine critical listening, historical and cultural context, reflective discussion, and creative exploration to deepen students' engagement with the music and legacies of Black composers.

Project Information

Organization: D-Composed
Collaborating Organizations: Boulanger Initiative and Castle of Our Skins
Initiative: Music Inclusion Hub
Format: Digital educational video series and downloadable curriculum
Audience: Grades 6–9
Curriculum Developer: Alexis Peart
Scope: 10 lessons across five thematic areas