SINGER, SONGWRITER AND ACTIVIST
Guided by the philosophy that music should be accessible to all people, Courtney Dowe has performed in places as humble as subway stations and as legendary as The Filmore in San Francisco. Her interest in human rights has inspired “protest songs” ranging from the subject of police brutality in the United States, to the struggle for Dalit rights in India as well as the persecution of Falun Gong by the Communist Regime in China. She is not just an artist she is an adventurer who reflects the nature of her life in her music.
In 2010 her debut album “Accomplice” was released and acclaimed as the #3 album of the year in the international newspaper, The Epoch Times. That same year her original composition “ A Song For Sean Bell” enjoyed airplay on BBC radio.
In recent years she has become more interested in finding the intersection of arts and community involvement. After teaching at the School Of Rock in Washington DC as a vocal instructor, she left the area to have her first child and was faced with homelessness while being a single mother. In the midst of this challenge she conceived of an independent radio project for low income and homeless women in Washington D.C. and wrote a grant which was chosen for 1 of 15 awards from the DC Commission For The Arts and Humanities. The project was funded at $60,000.
She is a creative and intellectual force to be reckoned with and seeks like minds to support her continued growth as both an artist and a visionary activist. As a protest singer/songwriter my greatest skill is the courage to speak truth to power, and the ability to find power in unlikely people and places. My simple but effective songwriting techniques are easily adapted to individual student needs. I strongly encourage the use of one's own life experiences to inspire and inform their work .My teaching style is enthusiastic, down-to- earth, highly creative and student centered. As an actress (Blacktress) and Playwright I demonstrate my versatility and adaptability as an artist and my dedication to the arts beyond the realm of music. As a community organizer, I am tireless. My unrelenting focus on the big picture allows me to
navigate small setbacks quickly and maintain consistent momentum toward desired outcomes.
SOCIAL MEDIA