Research Interests:

  • Gospel Music Education in Public, Secondary and Post-Secondary School Settings
  • Informal Music Education / Popular Music Education
  • Anti-Black Racism in Music Education
  • Equity, Diversity and Social Justice in Music Education
Darren Hamilton facilitating the 2017 PowerUp Small Vocal Ensemble workshop.

Publications

Giddings, S., & Hamilton, D. (Eds.). The why and how of popular music education: A Canadian perspective. Steve’s Music Room Publishing.

Hamilton, D. (2026). The benefits of teaching gospel music in school music programs. In S. Giddings & D. Hamilton (Eds.). The why and how of popular music education: A Canadian perspective (pp. 51-61). Steve’s Music Room Publishing.

Hamilton, D. (2026). A practical guide for introducing gospel music to your school choir. In S. Giddings & D. Hamilton (Eds.). The why and how of popular music education: A Canadian Perspective (pp. 176-184). Steve’s Music Room Publishing.

Hamilton, D. (2026). Celebrating Black identity through music [book chapter]. In A. B. Campbell (Ed.). The ABCs of Blackness in our schools: affirming identity, fostering belonging, and celebrating learning (pp. 129-143). Pembroke Publishers Limited.

Hamilton, D. (2025). Affirming and celebrating Black identity in the music classroom. Canadian Music Educator, 67(2), 10–15.

Hamilton, D. (2023). Facilitating popular music ensembles in the music classroom. Recorder (Toronto)65(4), 28–33.

Hamilton, D. & Corbin, J. (2023). #BlackMusicMatters: Hip hop and social justice in Canada. MusiCounts.
Hamilton, D. (2021). #BlackMusicMatters: Dismantling anti-Black racism in music education. Canadian Music Educator62(2), 16–28.
Hamilton, D. (2021). Hip-Hop music education: Engaging students in Black culture creation and social justice advocacy. Canadian Music Educator63(1), 20–28.

Book Projects

Co-editor and Chapter Contributor (2x).

The Why and How of Popular Music Education: A Canadian Perspective. Steve's Music Room Publishing.

Released July 20, 2026

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Chapter Contributor.

The ABCs of Blackness in our Schools. Pembroke Publishing Limited.

Released January 27, 2026

Get your copy!