By: Nathan Chen

Over the years, US orchestras have made a gradual effort, but it seems that progress has been slow when it comes to hiring black musicians. Despite the growing awareness surrounding racial inequality and the calls to action in the wake of George Floyd’s death in 2020, the lack of diversity in orchestras persists, particularly when it comes to black classical musicians.

According to the New York Times, only about 1.8 percent of musicians in U.S. orchestras are black, even though black people make up about 13 percent of the population. Some orchestras have taken steps to address this issue, but many have yet to catch up.

One of the main obstacles for black musicians is the lack of access to training and resources. Many music schools and conservatories lack diverse faculty and curricula, resulting in a homogenous classical music education that prioritizes the Western canon and perpetuates an elitist culture.

Moreover, there is often a bias in orchestra auditions in favor of players who fit the mold of the stereotypical classical musician, which is often white and male. This puts black musicians at a disadvantage, as they may not “look the part” or play in the same style as their white counterparts.

Despite these challenges, many black musicians are advocating for change in the industry. The Sphinx Organization, a non-profit aimed at increasing diversity in classical music, has been instrumental in providing resources and support for black musicians. Other black classical musicians have taken to social media to share their experiences and call for change.

As the United States continues to grapple with issues of racial inequality, it is important for the classical music industry, including orchestras, to reflect the diversity of the country’s population. The progress made so far is laudable, but more work needs to be done to ensure that black musicians are given equal opportunities to shine in the world of classical music.