ARTS EDUCATION

The George Shirley Masterclass Series 

The premiere Black Classical Music Masterclass Series since 2014.

The CAAPA Masterclass Series is a performance and coaching platform designed to support and elevate emerging Black classical musicians. It connects students with world-renowned artists for hands-on training, artistic development, and mentorship.

Why the George Shirley Masterclass Series?

The George Shirley Masterclass Series honors the extraordinary legacy of Dr. George Shirley, a trailblazing operatic tenor, educator, and the first African American tenor to perform a leading role at the Metropolitan Opera. This distinguished series provides emerging and established vocal artists with the opportunity to learn from world-renowned professionals while gaining invaluable insights into artistry, technique, and career development. It celebrates excellence in vocal performance and uplifts the next generation of singers through mentorship rooted in cultural heritage and artistic integrity.

We bring these artists—vocalists and instrumentalists—directly to Historically Black Colleges and Univerisities (HBCUs), performing arts high schools and art organizations. Each event includes a recital followed by a masterclass where selected students perform and receive personalized instruction from a world-class artist.

This series embodies our mission in “Bringing Color to the Classics.” Each masterclass serves as both a training ground and a platform for diverse voices, fostering artistic growth, professional access, and community connection. Participants not only refine their craft but also become part of a living legacy—continuing Dr. Shirley’s vision of education, inclusion, and musical excellence.

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Group of seven diverse adults standing together indoors, smiling, with a colorful quilt and a sign with the alphabet in the background.
Three men on a stage in a music or performance venue with wooden walls and a red curtain background. One man is sitting at a black grand piano, another man, standing, is dressed casually in a blue sweater and black pants, and the third man, in the fo
A man in a black blazer, pink shirt, blue jeans, and sneakers standing on a wooden stage with a wood-paneled background, giving a speech or presentation.
A woman with braided hair stands on a stage in front of a red curtain, with a man playing the piano behind her and another man sitting on the edge of the stage, speaking or gesturing.
Group of seven diverse people standing together on a stage in front of red curtains, smiling for a photo.
Two women engaged in conversation at an art gallery, with paintings hanging on the white walls and wooden floors.
A woman wearing glasses and earrings, dressed in black, is seated on a chair with a music stand in front of her. She is gesturing with her right hand, with her fingers extended, while speaking or presenting in front of a white wall with text.
Six diverse people standing together in a music rehearsal room, smiling, with two upright basses and two violins, and a red curtain backdrop.
Group of ten diverse people, women and men, smiling indoors with a plain white wall and wooden floor, holding a red T-shirt with 'WSSU Alumni Choir & Friends' and 'Keep On Singing' printed on it.
A pianist plays a grand piano on a stage while a man, dressed in a suit, stands nearby in a concert hall with wooden walls and red velvet curtains. Another man in casual attire stands at the front of the stage watching.
A person on stage pointing at a woman standing near a piano, with a wooden wall background.
A person stands on stage, speaking or singing, next to a grand piano, with an audience member watching from the front row.
A woman singing on a stage with a grand piano nearby, and a man standing in front of her, facing the stage.
A person in a black shirt and jeans standing in front of a stage with a pianist and a singer rehearsing.
Three men standing together and smiling, with a man in the background pointing at them, in a room with a wooden stage and a piano.
An elderly man stands on a wooden stage, speaking or performing into a microphone, with a grand piano behind him in a large auditorium with wooden panel walls.
A woman singing on stage while a pianist accompanies her in front of an audience in a wooden auditorium.
A man in a blazer speaking into a microphone in a theater-style auditorium with people seated and listening.
A musical performance on stage with a man singing, a woman singing, and a man playing the piano in a wood-paneled concert hall.
A person is speaking into a microphone on stage with a piano behind him, while another person stands nearby. An audience member is visible in the foreground.
A woman is singing on stage while a pianist accompanies her in a concert hall with wooden walls.
A woman in a green dress and a smartwatch appears to be conducting or instructing a man in a blue turtleneck and dress pants, with a black piano and a pianist visible in the background, on a stage with red curtains and wooden paneling.

Our Impact

  • 72

    Conducted complimentary masterclasses.

  • 236

    Participating student performers

  • 37%

    Of HBCU music programs engaged

  • 3600+

    Student, faculty, and general public in attendance

Top Questions

Perfect For: HBCUs & High School Music Majors

Program Director: Angela Renée Simpson

  • The CAAPA MasterClass Series is a national initiative bringing professional classical artists to educational institutions for live masterclasses and recitals. Students receive hands-on instruction, performance opportunities, and professional mentorship from world-renowned African American artists.

  • The Series primarily serves music students at HBCUs with degree programs in music, though we also work with performing arts high schools and conservatories. Faculty select participating students based on academic standing and artistic potential.

  • Each event features a professional recital by our guest artist, followed by a masterclass where selected students perform and receive personalized instruction. This format creates collaborative learning while promoting professional-level artistry.

  • Absolutely none. The CAAPA MasterClass Series is offered completely free of charge. All expenses—including artist fees, travel, and materials—are fully funded through CAAPA and our generous supporters.

  • Faculty or administrators interested in hosting should contact Program Director Angela Renée Simpson. Priority is given to institutions not previously served and those with active music degree programs.

  • We're the first unified program specifically showcasing Black musicians as Music Masters, honoring the legacy of African American classical artists while mentoring the next generation. It's representation and excellence combined.

  • We feature world-renowned African American classical musicians who are both exceptional performers and gifted educators, ensuring students receive the highest caliber of instruction and inspiration.

  • A transformative day that elevates your music program, inspires students, builds community connections, and demonstrates your commitment to diversity and excellence in classical music education.

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Ready to bring world-class mentorship to your students?

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