14 Études on the Music of Black Americans is inspired by melodies created by enslaved or recently emancipated African-Americans (my ancestors). Commissioned by Cleveland Classical Guitar Society, these melodies were selected for their inherent beauty, melodic and rhythmic inventiveness, evocative lyrics, and potential for development on the guitar. The etudes are in three sections, beginner/intermediate/advanced. The first two beginner pieces are also arranged as trios to get students playing in ensembles early on in their training. Many works have simplified versions and harder versions so that teachers can find appropriate levels for individual students.