Beckom-Freeman Teaching Artist-in-Residence (BTAR) Program

The Beckom-Freeman Teaching Artist-in-Residence program is an eight-month residency for Black teaching artists in Pittsburgh. In addition to engaging with UniSound and its partners throughout the residency, the BTARs will present a culminating project (i.e. workshop, recital, talk, etc.) of their choosing at the end of the residency period. Each BTAR will receive a monthly stipend for their participation in the program.

Additionally, BTARs receive opportunities for professional mentorship, networking, and additional resources for developing their artistic practice and career. There will also be opportunities to work with local schools and organizations.

Read all about the program and apply below! Applications for 2026 are now live.

Beckom-Freeman Teaching Artist-in-Residence Fellow Program

UniSound is expanding the scope of its existing BTAR program, which supports the artistic practice and professional development of Black music teaching artists in the Pittsburgh region. The UniSound Beckom-Freeman Teaching Artist-in-Residence Fellowship is a two-year, full-time position for an early career music teaching artist who identifies as Black/of African descent. For the 2024-2026 program season, the BTAR Fellow will split their time between teaching private, group classes, and chamber coachings through a partnership with Hope Academy and Guardians of Sound Hip Hop Orchestra and also have the opportunity to facilitate workshops in community and educational settings.