The Teacher's Forum
Welcome to "The Teacher's Forum" hosted by David Harris, a veteran educator with 30 years of experience in private, public, and charter schools. This podcast is your platform to hear the voices of educators from the United States and around the world, with a special focus on educators of color, who are often overlooked in crucial education discussions today. Join us as we dive into important topics, and experiences of K-12 educators, and get a chance to hear from David’s former students, as they share their stories, insights, and experiences. Be sure to tune in and let's celebrate the dedication and excellence of educators together!
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The Teacher's Forum
A Note to Self: Adrian Gordon’s Journey as a Black Composer in Classical Music
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In this episode of the Teachers Forum, host David Harris interviews Adrian Gordon, a distinguished music educator and composer and one of only a handful of Black composers of classical music in the nation. Adrian shares his unique journey in music, from his early influences growing up in a Jamaican household to his experiences in music education and composition. He discusses the challenges of representation in classical music, the importance of mentorship, and the need for diverse voices in music education. Adrian emphasizes the significance of introducing young students to a variety of musical styles and the role of composers in shaping the future of music education. In this conversation, Adrian Gordon discusses his involvement in the Canon Project, which aims to diversify music education and promote young black composers. He reflects on his multifaceted career as a composer, performer, teacher, and author, emphasizing how these roles inform one another. Adrian also shares insights from his book 'Note to Self,' which addresses the challenges of transitioning into new teaching environments and the importance of mental health and authenticity in education. He also explores the concept of imposter syndrome, particularly among educators of color, and discusses the current state of inclusivity in classical music.
To contact Adrian you can reach him at Adriangordonmusic.com
You can also listen to Adrian's composition, "A Tender Moment in Time" on YouTube
For more on black composers in classical music click here.
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