More about this talk:

Gospel music has influenced many genres of music including, soul, R&B and pop. While many people appreciate and can recognize the ‘sound’ of gospel music, there is little research that examines the characteristics and approaches of gospel vocal improvisation. This talk will provide insights into the connections between blues or jazz improvisation and gospel vocal improvisation, while also identifying nuances that are specific to the gospel style. Come prepared to explore and ‘experiment’ with gospel vocal improvisation. You may even learn a gospel song in the process!

More about the speaker:

Dr. Darren Hamilton is an Assistant Professor in the Faculty of Music at the University of Toronto. His research interests lie in gospel music, hip hop music and popular music education, in addition to equity, diversity and social justice in music curriculum. He is also the director of the Faculty of Music Gospel Choir, an undergraduate course he founded at the faculty in 2019. Dr. Hamilton has over 30 years experience performing gospel music. He has served as a member of the JUNO Award-winning Toronto Mass Choir and the JUNO-nominated Youth Outreach Mass Choir. Dr. Darren Hamilton was the recipient of the 2022 JUNO Award for MusiCounts Teacher of the Year.