Rachel E. Riggs Achorn’s Post

Latest Insight Report: Disabled Musicians. Disabled musicians enrich every corner of the music industry, yet they face staggering barriers daily. The report shows that disabled artists earn significantly less, often struggling to afford basic career costs like transport and equipment. Over 94% of those who disclose disabilities report discrimination affecting their careers. This isn’t just a statistic. it’s a call for action. We must dismantle ableism, invest in accessibility, and ensure a future where every musician can thrive. https://lnkd.in/d7-bdM69

Taylor Swift, an iconic figure in the music industry, has captivated audiences worldwide with her talent, creativity, and authenticity. As fans continue to follow her career and personal life, one common question arises: “How old is Taylor Swift?” This article explores her age, significant milestones in her life, and what to expect in the coming years.

Taylor Swift, an iconic figure in the music industry, has captivated audiences worldwide with her talent, creativity, and authenticity. As fans continue to follow her career and personal life, one common question arises: “How old is Taylor Swift?” This article explores her age, significant milestones in her life, and what to expect in the coming years.

Understanding the Perception: Black People and Taylor Swift's Music The perception that Black people do not like Taylor Swift's music is influenced by a variety of social, cultural, and personal factors. Here are some key points that help explain this phenomenon: Cultural and Social Context 1. **Representation and Relatability**: - Taylor Swift's music and public persona often represent a predominantly white, middle-class experience. This can make it difficult for some Black listeners to relate to her music and the themes she explores. - The lack of visible Black fans in her fanbase and at her concerts can also contribute to a sense of alienation among Black listeners. 2. **Racial Sensitivity and Controversies**: - Swift has faced criticism for being racially insensitive on several occasions. For example, her music video for "Wildest Dreams," which was shot in Africa, was criticized for its colonial imagery. - Additionally, her perceived silence or delayed responses to issues of racial injustice have also been points of contention. For instance, her response to being labeled an "Aryan ideal" by a neo-Nazi was seen as insufficient by some. 3. **Community and Identity**: - Within the Black community, there can be a strong emphasis on supporting Black artists and cultural figures. This can lead to a perception that listening to artists like Taylor Swift is a form of cultural betrayal or distancing from one's racial identity. - Black Swifties (Black fans of Taylor Swift) often report feeling isolated or having to defend their musical preferences both within their community and the broader Swiftie fanbase. Personal Experiences and Preferences 1. **Musical Taste**: - Musical preferences are highly personal and can be influenced by a variety of factors, including cultural background, personal experiences, and exposure to different genres. Some Black listeners may simply not resonate with Swift's style of music, which has evolved from country-pop to more experimental pop sounds. 2. **Community Reactions**: - Black fans of Taylor Swift often face skepticism or criticism from their peers. This can create a sense of conflict or shame about their musical tastes, leading some to hide their fandom or distance themselves from Swift's music. Broader Implications 1. **Intersectionality**: - The intersection of race, gender, and cultural identity plays a significant role in how music is perceived and enjoyed. Black women, in particular, may feel a unique set of pressures and expectations regarding their cultural affiliations and the music they support. 2. **Evolving Perspectives**: - Despite these challenges, there is a growing recognition of the diversity within Swift's fanbase, including more Black and other POC (People of Color) fans who appreciate her music and are working to create inclusive spaces within the fandom. In summary, the reasons why some Black people may not favor Taylor Swift's music are multifaceted.

🚀 New report launch: Industry Analysis and the Value of Black Music Black music is a cornerstone of Canada’s music industry, driving revenue through #recordsales, #streaming, #liveperformances and more. Its influence extends beyond music, shaping fashion, advertising and film while fuelling collaborations that boost profitability across industries. Despite these profound contributions, systemic racism and under-representation remain critical barriers for Black musicians and industry professionals in Canada. Our newest partner-led report with ADVANCE explores these inequalities and prejudices through a societal and organizational lens and offers critical recommendations to address disparities. Key findings: ➡️ 75% of Canada’s top 100 songs on Apple Music in 2019 were Black music. An analysis of Apple Music’s top 100 songs in Canada from 2019 to 2022 highlights the undeniable influence of Black music. ➡️ 47.5% Nearly one-half of Black business owners surveyed have not received financial support or investment. ➡️ Over one-third of survey participants (39.1%) felt that their work was undervalued because of their race. How can we dismantle these barriers and build an industry that values its musicians? Explore the findings and recommendations in the full report: https://bit.ly/3CEowTt. ✒️Report authors: Dr. Charlie Wall-Andrews, Dr. Wendy Cukier and Dr. Mohamed Elmi #equity #Diversity #Inclusion #BlackEntrepreneurs @thecreativeschl #TMUBold

Thanks to Natalie's post and National Association for Music Education (NAfME) action center page, I was shocked to see a decrease in Title I funds and possible elimination of Title II (professional development) funds! As someone who strongly supports post-graduate professional development opportunities, I encourage you to fill out this quick form on NAfME's website and share your support. Here's the story I included on my form as I hope it inspires you to share your thoughts and stand up for music education and it's teachers! "I've been a public school music teacher for eight years as well as a professional development clinician for ten years. Title II funds are an essential piece to ensuring student and teacher success, and the threat of budget cuts or possible elimination of them is sickening. To provide some perspective, four-year teacher preparation programs only partially prepare teachers for todays classroom. Due to the extraordinary amount of credits required in an undergraduate degree program, college students do not have enough practical time in the classroom to be adequately prepared to teach young students. Some of these topics include teaching students with physical or emotional disabilities, teaching with technology, integrating new methodologies (project-based and STEM-based learning), fostering diversity and inclusion, avoiding teacher burnout, fundraising, copyright and so much more. Part of the reason teachers are leaving the profession is due to lack of funds supporting post-graduate learning opportunities. It's in-person and online profession development opportunities that provide teachers with the education, mentorship, collaboration, confidence, and support to be successful in the classroom. My own experience presenting nationally and internationally to various education communities has allowed me to better refine my craft as a K-12 educator and provide resources for teachers that wouldn't have otherwise had them. Presenting allows for refinement of skill, fosters the birth of newer pedagogies, and aids in the modernization of teaching tools. It also invites the collaboration of industry companies in support of crafting high-quality and effective teaching tools for the classroom. Attending and presenting at conferences gives me the intrinsic motivation to continue to do this great work, despite being underpaid and overworked. I hope you will consider supporting funds for Title II, I and IV to ensure a positive future for our educators and our students."

Welcome to the July edition of BPI’s Diversity Roundup! 1) UK Music Ltd have released the 2024 Diversity Report, outlining areas of progress across gender and ethnicity while highlighting areas where more progress is needed. bit.ly/3xM5rfV 2) University of Westminster's Black Music Research Unit have announced their symposium on 12th July at the British Museum reflecting on the historical context that defines Black British music bit.ly/3XIe71w 3) The PRS Foundation POWER UP programme have announced the Year 4 Participants. Check out the 40 Black music creators and industry professionals who have been selected to become part of POWER UP’s now 160-person strong network. bit.ly/3RTDppP 4) DONNE | Women in Music have launched their report: Equality & Diversity in Global Repertoire. The report examines music played by 111 Orchestras across the 2023/2024 Season and reveals a stagnation in the diversity of repertoire programmed globally. bit.ly/3RUK3vL 5) Attitude is Everything are recruiting a Head of Commercial Services. Check out the exciting opportunity to join the Attitude is Everything Team bit.ly/3XPnCMm 6) Parents & Carers in Performing Arts have launched the Balancing Act:Take Two report highlighting deepening struggles for parents and carers in the performing arts amid industry uncertainty. Read more of the report here bit.ly/4cokxHG Hailey Willington

Here's something I wrote about musicians, peer groups and contact bias theory. Do exclusive groups help or hinder, especially when it comes to musicians, should we segregate into specific factors? What about genre? As musicians are we more divided culturally, by genre, by our musicking roles. In these modern times of great divide, is it really helpful? Who knows?.... https://lnkd.in/eX6Cx-e4

Publication update! Thrilled to share my latest co-authored article, “Jazz music: From black pride to political consciousness to social change in the United States”, with Professor Jeremy Sarkin, now published in the Journal of Policy & Society! This piece is a bit different from our usual academic work, but it was fascinating to explore the role of music in political movements and social change. Our article delves into the powerful and transformative impact that jazz music has had on the African American struggle for equality and inclusion in American society. For centuries, African Americans have faced marginalisation and discrimination, yet jazz emerged as a potent vehicle for Black pride, political consciousness, and social change. Here, we analyse the works of iconic jazz musicians like James Brown, John Coltrane, Billie Holiday, and The Temptations, highlighting how their music has been a driving force in the fight for political freedom and economic empowerment - a fight that continues to this day. We also use comparative examples from South Africa in this article, and taking an interdisciplinary approach, we delve into human rights and notions of reconciliation. This exploration shows that movements for peace and equality can take all shapes and forms! Check out the full article here:

June is Black Music Month and being someone who grew up listening to great Black Musicians my entire life can truly appreciate a month dedicated to the music that has been integrated into my existence. Music has a profound impact on individuals, influencing emotions, cognitive functions, and social interactions. One of the most notable positive effects is its ability to reduce stress and anxiety. Listening to calming music can lower cortisol levels, helping to alleviate feelings of stress and promote relaxation. Music can enhance cognitive performance. Studies have shown that background music, especially classical compositions, can improve focus and memory retention. This phenomenon, known as the "Mozart effect," suggests that certain types of music can stimulate brain activity, aiding in tasks that require concentration and critical thinking. I play opera or classical musical when deeply engrossed in my work. Socially, music acts as a powerful connector, fostering a sense of community and shared experience. Group activities like singing in a choir or participating in a band can improve social bonds and enhance cooperation among members. These activities also boost self-esteem and provide a sense of accomplishment. I was part of my church choir for over 25 years. Emotionally, music has the ability to evoke and regulate emotions, providing a healthy outlet for expressing feelings. It can elevate mood, provide comfort, and even help process grief. I have plenty of songs that make me think of my granny, mother, and special people in my life. In educational settings, integrating music into the curriculum can enhance learning outcomes. My fourth grade teacher used music for us to learn concepts that I still find myself singing subconsciously when triggered by certain words. It aids in the development of language skills, improves mathematical abilities, and promotes creativity. Music is a wonderful tool, aid, and experience and definitely something that can be used and has been used in public health efforts. #publichealth #blackmusicmonth #june #music #diversity