Music for Social Justice

In the midst of the movement that began following the murder of George Floyd, faculty members in the MSU College of Music felt the need to speak out on issues of inequality. And they chose to do so through music with the video series Music for Social Justice.

This powerful series features performances by MSU artists with insightful, often moving comments from the artists themselves, and feature additional listening recommendations. All videos in the first episodes are in solidarity with the anti-racism movement in the country. While this will remain a prominent topic, this series is open to other significant social justice topics as well.

The 2020–2021 Music for Social Justice video series is generously sponsored by the MSU Federal Credit Union.

We are pleased to share that new videos will be forthcoming in an exciting expansion of this series in partnership with WKAR-TV. More to come!

Music for Social Justice | Episode I: Rodney Whitaker, Bass | "John Lewis"

Music for Social Justice | Episode II: Gwen Dease, Snare | "Rudimental"

Music for Social Justice | Episode III: Diego Rivera, Saxophone | "Alabama"

Music for Social Justice | Episode IV: Richard Fracker, Tenor | "Soliloquy"

Music for Social Justice | Episode V : Michael Dease, Trombone | "Spiritual Today"

Music for Social Justice | Episode VI: Yvonne Lam, Violin | "Watch Over Us"

Music for Social Justice | Episode VII: Randy Napoleon, Jazz Guitar | "Lift Every Voice and Sing"

Music for Social Justice | Ep. VIII: Melanie Helton, Soprano (feat. Rodney Whitaker, bass) | "You've Got to Be Carefully Taught"

Music for Social Justice | Episode IX: Xavier Davis, Jazz Piano | "Precious Lord, Take My Hand"

 

All videos in the MSU Music for Social Justice series have been filmed following safety guidelines and regulations as set forth by Michigan State University and the State of Michigan.