Meet Dalanie—alumna, musician, podcaster, and Black music advocate

Harmony Project alumna Dalanie Harris is already effecting change in the classical music world. The double bassist, podcaster, and Black music advocate is passionate about centering Black voices while interrogating longstanding perceptions and biases in the field. And her podcast, Classically Black, may just become one of your favorite weekly traditions.

"Get ready for some ASMR" Dalanie deadpans to her friend and podcast co-host, violist Katie Brown. Whether you know much or anything about music, their banter is an approachable mixture of hilarious, informative, and thought-provoking. Every week they delve into topics like musician burnout, culture vultures, current events, Black achievement in the field, and much more, all peppered with rapid-fire pop-culture references and interesting asides.

As a member of our YOLA EXPO program—in partnership with the LA Philharmonic—Dalanie embraced the double bass and found her footing as a musician. In what she describes as a natural progression, she later attended the Eastman School of Music. It was there that she was more aware of the lack of spaces and opportunities to connect for Black students, especially in a field traditionally focused on mostly white and male experiences and perspectives. She helped found Eastman's first Black Student Union in 40 years and committed herself to making the field better for the next generation of Black classical musicians.

Her advice for Black students of classical music today? Find older mentors who have been where you are before, because there is a wealth of knowledge and advice they would love to share. And surround yourself with a community of people who value a true work/life balance rather than romanticizing all-day practice sessions.

More advice? Tune into Classically Black every Monday to learn even more with Dalanie and Katie and embrace all that classical music can be.