Photo: Courtesy of Dr. Brittany Trotter Dr. Brittany Trotter For Black musicians in Pittsburgh, there are often hoops to jump through to get the recognition, funding, and support that comes more easily to their white counterparts. On top of the already fraught world of underfunded arts programs, Black artists say they have to deal with bias and being pigeonholed as one kind of performer. “Because you’re Black, people think you only do jazz or you only do gospel, which is not the case. There are a plethora of amazing classical Black musicians out there,” says Dr. Brittany Trotter, a renowned flutist who lives in Pittsburgh.
Denele D. Biggs
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An initiative to support the musical and professional development of Black teaching artists in the Pittsburgh area has been launched.
The Black teaching artist-in-residence (BTAR) program is supported by UniSound, which bills itself as an alliance of organizations dedicated to creating a more accessible youth music ecosystem in Greater Pittsburgh.
Starting this week and lasting seven months, the inaugural residencies have been awarded to performance artist Lyn Starr and flutist Brittany Trotter.
The teaching artists will conclude their residency with a project they choose, such as a workshop, recital or lecture.