2025 Theses Doctoral

An Exploration of the Experiences of Black Male Wind Musicians in Classical Music and Music Education

Fields, Richard Alphonso

This narrative inquiry and autoethnographic study examined the unique experiences of four Black male classical wind musicians who underwent K-12 music education in the United States and currently identify as professional classical musicians. The autoethnographic approach was used to share researcher positionality and highlight the nuanced challenges Black male wind musicians face in breaking into the classical music industry.

This study extends its focus to explore broader implications for classical music education, including constraints within classical music, access issues, and diversity in the larger societal context, as well as in K-12 education, higher education, and professional practice. The researcher conducted two rounds of interviews with each participant, covering topics such as family upbringing, experiences in K-12 and collegiate music education, financial and equity challenges, habits and discipline, and career trajectories. '

The data collection spanned two years, with the initial interviews conducted in fall 2022 and follow-up interviews in summer 2024. The interviews were analyzed to identify key themes that provide deeper insight into the lived experiences of the participants. Major themes that emerged included Leaning on Others, Institutions Learning to Love Us, We Can Do Better, and Systems at Large. Sub-themes included mentorship, family support, strategies for seeking support, lack of diversity, institutional racism, microaggressions, financial challenges, and a focus on Black-centric perspectives.