Talent is distributed evenly, opportunities are not! Black Lives in Music addresses the current inequality of opportunity for Black, Asian and Ethnically Diverse people aspiring to be artists or professionals in the Jazz and Classical music industry. Black Lives in Music believes in real equality for Black, Asian and Ethnically Diverse people to learn musical instruments at grassroots level and to allow them to pursue and realise their musical ambitions.
Black Lives in Music is made up of a number of partners who are all working towards the same goal: to dismantle structural racism in our industry. We aim to support the industry in providing better professional opportunities. We also want to achieve equality for Black, Asian and Ethnically Diverse professionals at all levels and in all areas of the UK Jazz and Classical industry. Representation matters, we need to take action together and create a level playing field for everyone to have an equal chance to succeed.
Black Lives in Music stands for equal opportunities – for Black, Asian and Ethnically Diverse people to be able to work successfully in the UK music industry without being the subject of discrimination.
Charisse Beaumont has over 13 years of experience in brand creation and delivering market innovation. A former Company Director of Preacher Boy Entertainment, an independent award-winning artist management and record company, Charisse has worked with corporate businesses, media organisations, artists and charities, providing first-hand extensive advisory and consulting services to artists, managers, labels and students to develop and manage their career in entertainment. Charisse has a strong knowledge of the UK’s urban music scene and has worked closely with award-winning and Grammy-nominated music artists across the UK and US from the beginning of their career.
Roger Wilson has many years of experience on both sides of the stage as musician, educator, tour manager and administrator. Conservatoire trained, he has worked extensively in the commercial, jazz and classical sector with a wide range of artists from Lesley Garett and Bryn Terfel to James Brown and Quincey Jones. He has also played in some of London’s most successful music theatre productions. As an instrumental teacher and lecturer, Roger has worked throughout the UK music education sector at all levels. In recent years, he has been dedicated in his support for the professional development of aspiring young jazz musicians.
Cecilia Aronsson is a proactive Executive Assistant with a BA (Hons) in Commercial Music from University of Westminster. Aronsson has spent over a decade working in office support within the Music, Media and Creative industries in London, leading entertainment and sports agency Creative Artists Agency (CAA) being a former employer. With a strong passion for music and commitment to equality and diversity, Cecilia is the perfect fit to join the Black Lives in Music team to achieve change in the UK Music Industry.
Mahaliah is a violinist, experienced educator and community musician. Mahaliah has built a varied portfolio career, leading workshops and also working as an advocate for music education and social change, working with AYM, Sistema European Youth Orchestra and Ifa Yoruba Contemporary Arts Trust. In 2017 she was awarded the Be Inspired Youth Award by the Association of Jamaican Nationals. Mahaliah is an alumni trustee for AYM and a board member for ISM. She sits on the Team Teach PGCEi advisory board for Music Masters, London.
Sonia Watson-Fowler (she/her) is a consultant, collaborative educator, poet, writer, performer, and entrepreneur. Founder of Inclusive Communication Consultancy (ICC), she provides executive and education Inclusivity, Equality and Effective Communication workshops, mentoring, conflict mediation services and coaching, as well as creative writing sessions to UK and international clients. Sonia is also a Trustee of Bird College Conservatoire for Dance and Musical Theatre. She combines all facets of her creative academic background, the extensive experience gained throughout her career, an MA in Education, as well as her artistic and literary skills, to form a unique, impactful approach to individuals and organisations she works with, the key focus being connecting through utilising active empathy and learning engagement.
