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. M.  (2023). How gospel pianists learn Black gospel music: Developing gospel music education in postsecondary institutions beyond choral music [Doctoral dissertation, University of Toronto]. TSpace. 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 Educator, 62(2), 16-28. Hamilton, D. (2021). Hip-Hop music education: Engaging students in Black culture creation and social justice advocacy. Canadian Music Educator, 63(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

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