(For Teens) Writing Sounds of Blackness: Flute Turned Pop

Register here! No prior experience is needed.

Black women have voiced and penned some of the most popular songs in American music history. From Gertrude “Ma” Rainey to Lizzo, Respect Her Crank!: Writing Sounds of Blackness examines the delicate craft of songwriting through influential Black women singer-songwriters. Renowned singer-songwriter Amber Mimz facilitates multiple songwriting workshops designed to comprehensively teach elements of quality songwriting in various genres of music

The flute is among the smallest instruments and yet it has been deployed as a secret weapon. From jazz to pop, you will examine the work of artists like Bobbi Humphrey and Lizzo to understand how to create feel good melodies using wind and brass instruments. Then, create your own melodies using wind and brass instrumental loops on Soundtrap.

ASL translation will be provided for this program. If you have any questions about accessibility for this program, please email hirshhornexperience@si.edu.

This project received support from the Smithsonian American Women’s History Initiative