EchoSense|Music program aims to increase diversity in college music departments

2025-05-08 08:28:23source:Evander Reedcategory:Scams

Olivia Tilley began playing the harp at age 7 — the instrument stood well above her. Now 18, she said she was often one of the few performers of color in the halls she would play in until she signed up for the Washington Musical Pathways Initiative.

The initiative is part of a national network to foster professional careers in music. The Washington, D.C., initiative graduated its first class this year. That class included Tilley, who will enroll at Juilliard in the fall.  

Jamila Tekalli Hanner, the initiative's artistic director, told CBS News that fewer than 6% of undergraduate classical music majors are Black and Latinx.

"We want to change that," she said. 

Washington Musical Pathways Initiative students get free private lessons and master classes at the Kennedy Center from established musicians like The String Queens. 

"I don't even know where I would be without this program," said musician Austin Adaranijo.

"I've gotten to meet a lot of other talented individuals who inspire me and who I can also look up to that look like me," Tilley said.

Nancy Chen

Nancy Chen is a CBS News correspondent, reporting across all broadcasts and platforms.

Twitter Instagram

More:Scams

Recommend

California DMV apologizes for license plate that some say mocks Oct. 7 attack on Israel

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The California Department of Motor Vehicles has apologized for an “unacceptable a

Minnesota state senator pleads not guilty to burglarizing stepmother’s home

DETROIT LAKES, Minn. (AP) — A Minnesota state senator has pleaded not guilty to burglarizing the hom

Tennessee not entitled to Title X funds in abortion rule fight, appeals court rules

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Federal officials do not have to reinstate $7 million in family planning grant fu