PRESS RELEASE: 14 June 2021
The Frances Clark Center appoints Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
The Frances Clark Center is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Leah Claiborne as Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Dr. Claiborne will lead programming and projects that support the promotion of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the field of piano.
“I am excited to step into this new role as Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at the Frances Clark Center and join the dynamic team of innovators in our field. DEI work and understanding is vital to the integrity and future of our field. I am honored to link arms with colleagues across the world to make impactful changes in piano pedagogy. ” – Dr. Leah Claiborne
Pianist, scholar, and educator, Dr. Leah Claiborne promotes diversity in the arts by championing piano music by black composers in her performances, research, and teaching. In 2017, Dr. Claiborne was the first pianist to be awarded the Rackham Predoc Fellowship at the University of Michigan, which allowed her to further her research in compiling, editing, and recording piano music by black composers.
Dr. Claiborne has performed across the United States, as well as in Germany, Italy, and the Czech Republic. Most recently, she performed at Hiroshima University in Japan with the Asia/American New Music Institute. Dr. Claiborne received her undergraduate degree from the Manhattan School of Music, where she received the Josephine C. Whitford graduation award. She received her Master of Music and Doctor of Musical Arts degrees from the University of Michigan. Dr. Claiborne serves as coordinator of Keyboard Studies at the University of the District of Columbia.