Equity
In the Suzuki community, the teachers are having discussions about fostering an environment that is positive and nurturing. Yet there has been recognition that this has not been entirely true. We must build an equitable environment with greater intent and purposefulness.
It is the 100th anniversary of the Suffrage movement in the USA when women were finally granted the right to vote through the 19th Amendment to the Constitution. However, another amendment was proposed in 1972 -- the Equal Rights Amendment -- to ensure lawful protection of equal rights among men and women. How far have we progressed towards this Equity* today?
In my view, I can recognize that learning classical music is not innate to all cultures. Interestingly, the origins of the Suzuki approach to learning began in Japan by a person and a society that recognized the beauty of Western European classical music. A beautiful melody can be appreciated and be heartfelt even if it is not from one's own culture. I believe that familiarity plays a huge part. If one listens to music of another culture to the point where it is familiar, or when it is performed with such mastery, then it can penetrate cultural differences. We begin to realize that already the Japanese were learning about another culture as they embraced the "Suzuki Method."
Fast forward to the current times -- Suzuki teachers are realizing that we are all responsible for creating an equitable environment. In our discussions of repertoire, we are more aware of the opportunities of learning non-Western European music or music by Women composers. In the entire Suzuki repertoire including 14 books for Flute, 10 books for Violin or Cello, 9 books for Guitar or Viola, 7 books for Piano, 5 books for Harp -- I only know of two pieces that were written by women composers.
We are preparing our second faculty concert to be held on January 30, 2021 and the need to make intentional choices of repertoire has brought together some interesting pieces including a Fantasy for Violin and Piano written by Florence Price, an African American woman composer who graduated from New England Conservatory in the early twentieth century.
Another intentional way in which we are trying to build more equity into our community is the James Thornblade Memorial Scholarship Fund. We have financial divides that make it very difficult for some families to take classical music lessons. Through our scholarship program we are able to support lower income families, which is important because giving the gift of music and the gift of learning can provide a gateway to a successful future.
These are the conversations we are having, and we are taking intentional steps to build diversity and bring more equity into our environment. I hope you can join us for our upcoming Faculty Concert in January. I also urge you all to seek out new music and explore works by women composers or by musicians of other backgrounds. The journey of discovery can be a wonderful way to spend family time over the holidays.
It is my wish that 2021 will bring a better world. Enjoy a safe and healthy holiday season.
With best wishes,
Sachiko Isihara
*The Equal Rights Amendment approved by Congress in 1972 was only ratified by the 38th state (Virigina) in January 2020. Thus, it still has not yet become an Amendment due to the long duration that it took to receive its ratification by 38 state legislatures. This may come to fruition in 2021.