The "Singing Down the Barriers" Institute is an intensive exploration of the repertoire of African American, African and African Diaspora concert composers for the university student, apprentice, teacher (private, high school or university), coach, choral conductor, church musician, professional singer, or organization administrator.

The "Singing Down the Barriers" Institute is an adult summer intensive of the University of Michigan, School of Music, Theatre, and Dance and is offered in partnership with the Hampsong Foundation via the Classic Song Research Initiative.