ABSTRACT
This chapter deals with black music in the context of multiculturalism by addressing the role that knowledge of black music plays in multicultural music education and in teacher education programs that prepare students to teach from a multicultural perspective. It addresses the need for inclusion of information about black music, a body of music that is traditionally under-represented in the curricula and materials employed in music education teacher-training programs. An understanding of the connection that exists between musical characteristics and the role and function that the music serves in black culture is critical for mastery of the study of this music. Before teachers can willingly include the black music in their curricula and give it an integral role in their music programs, at all levels and in all areas, they must first value this music. Music teachers need to develop appropriate analytical skills for examining the black music.
