Paula Grissom-Broughton "Beyond The Notes"

Spelman Professor Paula Grissom-Broughton, Ph.D., Explores the Power of HBCU Music Education in New Book

For generations, historically Black colleges and universities have played a significant role in shaping American music and developing generations of musicians and scholars. Yet, much of what happens inside HBCU music classrooms, studios and rehearsal spaces remains underrepresented in music education scholarship.

Paula A. Grissom-Broughton, Ph.D., C’1997, assistant professor of music at Spelman College, explores that history and its broader significance in her new book, “Beyond the Notes: Teaching and Learning Music at Historically Black Colleges and Universities.”

The book grew from Grissom-Broughton’s personal experiences as a member of a multigenerational HBCU family and as a music student and faculty member at Spelman.

“My inspiration for writing 'Beyond the Notes' comes from my lived experiences,” Grissom-Broughton said. “I’m a proud member of a multigenerational HBCU family where music was the heart of our community. Before I fully understood the significance of higher education, the HBCU “sound” was my first introduction to HBCU life.

Her connection to HBCU music education deepened at Spelman, where she was mentored by Joyce Finch Johnson, Ph.D., a distinguished Fisk University alumna and one of Spelman’s longest-serving faculty members. Grissom-Broughton said Johnson demonstrated that impactful teaching extended beyond classroom instruction.

Those experiences led Grissom-Broughton to consider a larger question: How have HBCUs contributed so much to American music and music education while remaining underrepresented in research? “Beyond the Notes” seeks to answer that question by examining the educational experiences that take place beyond performances and accomplishments and exploring why those experiences matter.

Grissom-Broughton also challenges traditional definitions of excellence in music education. She said music education has often been evaluated through a narrow lens rooted primarily in Western classical traditions and particular ideas about musical achievement.

"HBCUs offer another way of thinking. They show us that rigorous musical training can exist alongside cultural affirmation, community responsibility, history, faith, identity, and social consciousness," she said. "I also want readers to see that race, gender, and identity are not separate from the way students learn music. Students bring their histories, families, communities, and lived experiences into the classroom with them. HBCUs have understood that for generations. Rather than asking students to leave those parts of themselves at the door, these institutions often use them as sources of strength."

She hopes the book encourages educators and institutions to recognize HBCUs not only for producing accomplished musicians, but also for the teaching practices and educational philosophies they offer to the broader field.

For students, educators and scholars, Grissom-Broughton hopes “Beyond the Notes” expands the definition of what it means to be successful in music education. While technical skill remains important, she said identity, belonging, mentorship, cultural knowledge, confidence and purpose also play critical roles in students’ development.

“If the book encourages educators to think more deeply about the whole person sitting in front of them, not simply the musician they are trying to train, I think that would be an important impact,” she said.

Her work at Spelman is central to that perspective. As an alumna of the College, Grissom-Broughton said her experience as both a student and faculty member has shaped how she understands the role of an HBCU music education.

“At Spelman, we are developing musicians, but we are also developing Black women who understand their voices, their histories, their abilities and their capacity to lead,” she said.

Writing the book has also influenced how she approaches her teaching and scholarship. Grissom-Broughton said “Beyond the Notes” has helped her put language around an idea she has experienced throughout her career: Music education can prepare students for careers and entrepreneurial opportunities while also helping them understand who they are and what they can contribute to the world.

Through “Beyond the Notes,” Grissom-Broughton invites educators and institutions to look beyond the performance itself and consider the deeper educational, cultural and personal impact of music education at HBCUs.

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