Broadening the Repertoire, Expanding the Repertoire: Music of Black Composers by Leah Claiborne | Solo Piano

Hal Leonard's Expanding the Repertoire series aims to bring previously unsung piano literature to students and teachers for memorable discoveries. Two volumes are now available, including pieces in progressive order of difficulty, spanning elementary to intermediate-level. Each book contains styles ranging from early classical to 21st-century works, and includes pedagogical notes by Leah Claiborne.

Leah Claiborne is an expert in the field who works to promote diversity in the arts and to champion piano music by Black composers in her performances, research, and teaching. The pieces chosen address fundamental musical and technical challenges that young pianists encounter throughout their studies. This new collection of piano solos is an indispensable addition to every pianist's music library.

"The pieces in these books not only celebrate Black composers but also aim to celebrate diverse student populations studying classical piano music. When students see themselves represented in the music that they study, it encourages and normalizes their own musical pursuits. With such a wide variety of music spanning over two hundred years, students and teachers will gain great appreciation and enjoy learning these piano works by Black composers for beginning pianists." Leah Claiborne

Watch Leah Claiborne play 'The Unsung' from Expanding the Repertoire - Level 1' below.

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