Can Music Help?
The world, and particularly the United States, has gotten to a place of unbelievable polarization and distrust of one another. In 2005, I was just beginning my doctoral work. I wanted to find a way to use what I knew as a therapist, social worker, music therapist, and musician to help heal some of the divisiveness and vitriol I saw in our world. At that time, the terror attacks of 911 and the Iraq War weighed heavy on my mind, who knew that we would continue on this path of polarization to end up where we are today. My original research centered on bringing music into a process of mediation where music was an integral part of the processes used to reach across our divisions. I was interested in integrating the music with the verbal work of mediation. I found that music could be a useful tool in softening some of the hardened edges developed by fear, mistrust, and hatred. It provided a way to communicate with one another when words fell short. Today, I still feel that there is a place for music in bringing us together on a path toward healing, better communication, and/or even simply helping us to be in the same room with each other.
I am currently focusing on writing and performing music related to reaching across our great divides. Here are a few related recordings:
|
No Shame, No Blame
A song I co-wrote and performed with Jake Weber Not in Our Town Written by Fred Small, performed with Open Circle Singers at Whidbey Institute, Clinton, WA |
The Weight of Hate
My song performed with Samantha Sinai All the Good Written by Jana Stanfield, performed by Conference Choir at American Music Therapy Association conference, Sandusky, OH |
|
Samantha Sinai and I (Common Sounds) work collaboratively in providing music-related events and concerts that explore the topics of transforming conflict, supporting peace efforts, and bridging divisions in our communities. We draw on our experiences as professional and community musicians, and music therapists. Past Events
|
|
Resources related to Conflict Transformation
Please consider joining Braver Angels, an organization focused on bringing Red and Blue sides of our political divide together for conversation.
Please consider joining Braver Angels, an organization focused on bringing Red and Blue sides of our political divide together for conversation.
