Aspire’s Commitment to Anti-Racism

It’s an uncomfortable truth in classical music: on our stages, in the recording studio, and at the top left corner of each piece of sheet music, Black musicians are underrepresented at every level. 

Nearly every classical musician you talk to believes in inclusivity. But if orchestras are typically full of musicians and administrators that welcome equality, why is ethnic diversity in classical music so lacking? 

In a country that was founded on the oppression and exploitation of Black bodies, Black musicians are disproportionately affected. In America today, Black households hold only one eighth of the wealth that white households do. When instruments, private lessons, and youth orchestra fees cost thousands of dollars, the barriers to entry into classical music can seem insurmountable.  

Even as more professional orchestras program outreach concerts for children, children of color watching these performances rarely see themselves represented on stage or in the repertoire performed. And it’s heart-breaking that when Black musicians make it to a professional level, they are often the only Black person in their professional circle.

Being a musician has introduced me to friends I never would have met otherwise. It's given me opportunities I never would have had otherwise. But the opportunities that were given to me should be granted to everyone. Everyone deserves the chance to express themselves creatively in whichever way they choose. Everyone deserves to create a career around their identity. 

That’s why Aspire is committed to tearing down out-dated business models that are oppressive to musicians of color. 

That's why Aspire is committed to amplifying Black voices. 

That’s why Aspire is committed to active anti-racism — both on the stage and off.