Immersive Learning Experiences
Boulanger Initiative offers in-depth learning and professional development opportunities. Interested in bringing our immersive learning experiences to your classroom? Fill out the form at the bottom of this page.
Graphic Score Workshop
Graphic notation can empower anyone to connect to their inner creativity. Starting with a simple line drawing, we will work through the compositional process, ending with the thrilling experience of performing a piece written by YOU! A discussion will also be held to frame the workshop, asking listeners to consider the question of ownership in composition, their relationships to their own bodies and other sources of creativity. All ages are welcome; bring coloring materials and optionally, a musical instrument!
Research 101
Our introductory research workshop focuses on the how, where, and why behind the research. This session covers early stages of starting research, where you can go to find resources, and how to use both physical resources in a library and online resources. We will dig into how different resources are valuable and how they can be applied to different practices and paths including finding repertoire, researching composers, and everything in between.
Curation 101
The follow-up to our Research 101 workshop, this session focuses on how to use your new research skills to find repertoire and begin creating a program of great music! We will learn about inclusive programming, intentionality, and things to consider when building variety into programs and performances. We include activities to engage participants in learning about underrepresented composers and creating their own programs for their instruments.
Wikithons
Wikipedia is one of the most accessible platforms for raising awareness of underrepresented composers; however, many articles overemphasize women composers' families and relationships while severely deemphasizing their professional achievements. This session takes our research skills and allows attendees to make tangible changes to improve Wikipedia pages of gender-marginalized composers, including adding works, updating language, and providing more extensive information about the composer. You do not need to have prior experience as we provide a full tutorial and editing support!
Creating Original Music as a Tool for Change
This session goes in-depth into why creating original music is important, especially for students, and will include a hands-on activity that will help unlock their inner composer. We’ll ask questions like “What is a composer?” and “What stories and cultures need to be represented today?” We’ll explore which genres and instruments participants think best represent these issues and what method of composition is most suitable (written, aural, etc). There will be examples of transformative music through history with discussion of why this music was important and how it affected change. The session will culminate in participants taking everything they’ve discussed and beginning to write their own music for change.
Where are the Women?
How many women composers can you name? Wondering why you don't hear more music written by women at concerts? This session examines why, in the 21st century, the classical music industry is still not inclusive of music by women. Discover how we got here, what needs to be done, and what you can do to create a more level playing field for the future of classical music.
Women Composers and Creating Music
How many women composers can you name? Wondering why you don't hear more music written by women at concerts? This session examines why, in the 21st century, the classical music industry is still not inclusive of music by women. Discover how we got here, what needs to be done, and what you can do to create a more level playing field for the future of classical music.
DEIA and Building an Inclusive Practice
How as musicians can we continue to make DEIA work a priority in our practices and not just an afterthought or a box to be checked? This session covers how we can continue to build a vibrant, safe, and inclusive space for all, making sure we continue to move music forward through our language and programming. We will discuss the importance of avoiding tokenization while incorporating intentionality in all we do in music performance, education, and administration.
Teacher Training
Elementary through college teachers work hand-in-hand with BI Staff to learn how to teach culturally responsive music composition and history workshops, among others. They will learn how to build an inclusive practice in many ways and practice teaching several of our workshops in simulation with our staff. Teachers will learn about invaluable digital and print resources and how to incorporate these into their own classrooms. Once trained, BI Teaching Artists have the option to be contracted for paid opportunities and school visits as they arise.
Are you interested in bringing our immersive learning experiences to your classroom, either virtually or in person? Let us know!
Curriculum Guides
Beyond the Box is a curriculum guide series designed to bring to life women and gender-marginalized composers and musicians who have historically been relegated to one paragraph inserts or boxes in standard music history textbooks. In these pages you will find information about not just music, but history, science, literature, art, fashion, cuisine; in other words, the worlds in which these composers lived!
Classroom Posters & Booklets
The Women Composers Alphabet Poster pays homage to some of the great women composers often left out of music history and performance. You can help correct the narrative of music history by hanging this poster in a classroom, living room, or music studio. This poster size is 24" width x 18" height.
The companion booklet details facts about each composer on Boulanger Initiative's Women Composers Alphabet Poster, with a page dedicated to each composer and a QR code to a playlist listening link featuring music by the composers. Perfect for all ages, inside and outside of the classroom.
