ARTS EDUCATION

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 CAAPA’s MasterClass Series®?

What makes our series revolutionary is that it's the first unified program showcasing Black musicians as the Music Masters, truly "Bringing Color to the Classics!™" Our MasterClass Series honors the legacy of Black classical artists while creating unprecedented opportunities for the next generation.

We bring professional classical artists—vocalists and instrumentalists—directly to Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), performing arts high schools, conservatories, and music schools. Each event includes a professional recital followed by an intimate masterclass where selected students perform and receive personalized instruction from world-class artists. This creates a collaborative learning environment that elevates artistic standards while building confidence.

The impact speaks for itself: Since 2014, we've delivered 67 complimentary masterclasses to 40 arts organizations, reaching 225 student performers and inspiring over 3,600 audience members. We've partnered with institutions across the nation, with 35% of our programming specifically supporting HBCUs—ensuring the next generation of Black classical artists receives the mentorship they deserve.

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.
Group of seven diverse people standing together on a stage in front of red curtains, smiling for a photo.
Six diverse people standing together in a music rehearsal room, smiling, with two upright basses and two violins, and a red curtain backdrop.
Two women are having a conversation in an art gallery. One woman wears a black outfit with glasses, and the other in a rust-colored blazer and beige trousers. Artworks are displayed on the wall in the background.
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.
Two women are standing and listening to a man who is explaining or discussing artwork in an art gallery. The artwork behind them is an abstract, geometric, and colorful piece.
Two women engaged in conversation at an art gallery, with paintings hanging on the white walls and wooden floors.
Two women having a conversation in an art gallery. One woman is wearing a black jacket and the other is dressed in all black.
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 concert hall with a pianist sitting at a grand piano on the left, a male singer in a gray suit standing in the middle, and an audience watching.
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 woman standing on a stage near a grand piano, wearing a headscarf and colorful sweater, with a man standing at the edge of the stage, facing her.
A person on stage pointing at a woman standing near a piano, with a wooden wall background.
A rehearsal on stage with a woman playing a grand piano, a man standing near the stage, and another man talking to him.
A person stands on stage, speaking or singing, next to a grand piano, with an audience member watching from the front row.
A man standing at the edge of a stage in a wood-paneled auditorium, talking or giving a presentation. A woman is standing on the stage in the background near a piano, listening.
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.
A man kneeling on the floor facing a man standing on stage, with a pianist playing a grand piano nearby. The setting appears to be an auditorium or theater with wood-paneled walls and an exit door with stairs leading to another level.
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.
Two people standing together, one has their hand on the other's chest.
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 jazz performance on stage with a pianist, a vocalist, and three empty chairs; an audience member standing near the stage in a dimly lit auditorium.
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.
Music rehearsal on stage: a woman singing standing, a man playing a grand piano, audience member reading sheet music.
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 person singing on stage with a pianist accompanying, in a concert hall with wooden walls. There are empty chairs and a microphone stand on the stage.
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.
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.

★★★★★ 

STUDENT & FACULTY Feedback
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    "An incredible non-profit organization serving everyone from kids to seniors, general audiences to master artists."

    — Tony Howell

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    "I've met some wonderful people and participated in activities such as yoga, choral group, zumba, the theater, and much more."

    — Veronica Plater

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    "Outstanding program that provides activities stimulating education and growth in health, cognition, movement, music, and social skills."

    — Jo Ann Edelin

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    "CAAPA provides the opportunity to enjoy quality performances at affordable prices."

    — Helane Miller

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    "Great program, with exposure to the arts that I may have not been a part of before. Thank you"

    — Sandra Hall

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    "Nice place for 60+ center. Good place to make friends. Very welcoming and focused on personal development."

    — Marie Vyas

  • "CAAPA has a major impact on the community, bringing color to the classics, allowing audiences access to a variety of visual and performing arts."

    — Kathi Muhammad

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    "Great facility for weddings, family reunions, birthday parties, and more. Great location. Plenty parking."

    — Katie Sheppard

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    "A fantastic experience."

    — Constance Moore

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    "High Quality Entertainment"

    — Sylvia Beverly

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    "Absolutely one of the best African American Charities that supports artists"

    — Lawrence Ford 

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    "The presentation on safe travel tips was informative and helpful. I purchased several items mentioned and felt safer using them."

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Contact Us

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.

Ready to bring world-class mentorship to your students?