Activism, Anti-Racism, and CRSE in the music classroom
Presented in partnership with Longy’s Masters of Music in Music Education (MM/ME) program
www.ericwilliamson.org
Eric Williamson is a Music Teacher, Welcoming Schools National Facilitator, and ADEI (Access, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) Chair for the NY ACDA (American Choral Director Association)
Eric Williamson is ADEI Chair for the New York Chapter of the American Choral Director’s Association (ACDA). Choirs under his direction have performed in New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. As an active member of the American Choral Directors Association, Chorus America, Music Educators Association of New York City, and the Gospel Music Workshop of America, he has performed at regional and national conferences.
Mr. Williamson is a tenor who has performed nationwide and overseas as a soloist. Recent performances include Paris Couture Week with NY fashion designer Pyer Moss, virtual recitals with Studio LIS, guest conductor with the Columbus Gay Men’s Chorus, a production of Porgy & Bess with Harrisburg Symphony, domestic/international tours with the Essence of Joy Alumni Singers, and recurring roles with the International Lyric Academy in Italy.
A native of Teaneck, NJ, Mr. Williamson received his B.A. in Music from the Pennsylvania State University and his M.A. in Music Education from Teachers College, Columbia University. Committed to equity and diversity, he has led several workshops for choruses on the East Coast centering on Anti-racism and CRSE for music educators. He serves as a facilitator on two major New York City educational teams training new and current music teachers on integrating CRSE and SEL into the music classroom.
Outside of his work in the music classroom, Mr. Williamson travels the country providing in-person and virtual training with Welcoming Schools, the Nation’s most comprehensive bias-based bullying prevention program that provides professional development training on how to create LGBTQ+ and gender-inclusive learning environments.
As a former conductor with the Grammy-award-winning Brooklyn Youth Chorus, he has helped thousands of students across the borough of Brooklyn find their artistic voices and make meaningful connections between their identity and culture. He currently works full-time as a public school music teacher at PS 32 where he teaches Prek-5th general music and simultaneously leads the Equity & Diversity committee.
Find out more at www.ericwilliamson.org
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