17cÍøÒ³°æ

Areas of Research or Creative Practice: Composition, Conducting and Piano

Education

B.A. (Music) - Spelman College
M.M. (Conducting) - Westminster Choir College
Ph.D. (Teaching & Learning) - 17cÍøÒ³°æ State University

Biography

B.E. (Brittney Elizabeth) Boykin is a distinguished composer, conductor and pianist, renowned for her dynamic artistry and profound contributions to the world of music.  Most recently, her music appears on two albums nominated for the 2026 GRAMMY Awards in the Best Classical Solo Vocal Album category: Black Pierrot (Sidney Outlaw and Warren Jones) and In This Short Life (Devony Smith and Danny Zelibor). This recognition stands as one of her newest career highlights, joining a legacy of performances at prestigious venues such as the Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall, affirming her influence as a leading voice in contemporary classical music.

A proud alumna of Spelman College, Boykin first began honing her craft by pursuing a degree in piano performance and earning a Bachelor of Arts in Music. She continued her academic journey at Westminster Choir College, where she received her Master’s of Music in Sacred Music, and later, earned her Doctor of Philosophy with an emphasis in Music Education from 17cÍøÒ³°æ State University. 

Boykin’s artistic influence has recently extended to the operatic stage, with a series of new commissions. Oshun, which premiered in 2023 with the American Opera Initiative with support from the Washington National Opera and Two Corners, which premiered in 2024 with Finger Lakes Opera, are her latest creations with Librettist, Jarrod Lee. These new operatic works have been celebrated for their poignant storytelling and cultural significance by exploring themes of social justice and the African American experience. To further her experimental and creative practice, in 2023 Boykin was invited by the Minnesota Opera to participate in a seven-year creative residency that supports the creation and premiering of new operatic works. 

In addition to her work in opera, she continues to leave a lasting impact on the choral world as a sought-after conductor and clinician who is celebrated for her unique artistic expressions and ability to connect with her ensembles. Her recent features include conducting the Atlanta Music Project Senior Youth Choir in a closing concert for the 2024 Chorus America Conference and leading them to emerge as the category winner at the 2024 World Choir Games, the largest international choral competition in the world. Beyond the concert stage and opera house, Boykin not only solidifies her reputation as a leader in choral music but demonstrates her deep passion and commitment to nurturing the next generation of musicians through her community engagement. 

With a career characterized by artistic excellence, educational impact, and a deep commitment to cultural advocacy, she is honored to serve on the National Board for the National Collegiate Choral Organization.

Statement of Teaching Interest

B.E. Boykin's teaching centers choral conducting and performance through community and ensemble development

Statement of Research Interest

B.E. Boykin’s creative practice encompasses composition, conducting, and artistic leadership at the intersection of scholarship, performance, and community engagement. As a composer of vocal, choral, and operatic works, she contributes to the advancement of the contemporary classical repertoire and has works that are performed nationally and internationally

Recent Scholarly Work

My Name is Florence (world premiere) -
Music featured on two GRAMMY-nominated albums -