Brian Barone

Brian Barone is an assistant professor in the Africana studies department. As a scholar, his research focuses on the music histories and sonic cultures of the Black Atlantic, with particular emphasis on West Africa and the Caribbean. His current project addresses the role of African and Black music in shaping global concepts of music across the modern period. He holds a PhD in Musicology and Ethnomusicology from Boston University.

Barone received his training as a guitarist at the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University, where he earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in the studio of Julian Gray. He remains active as a performer, composer, and music director in classical, experimental, and popular styles. Recent and forthcoming projects include session work with Nigerian “Afrobeats” producers and collaborations with San Francisco-based guitarist Timothy Sherren.