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 deep divides I saw in our world. The terror attacks of 911 and the Iraq War weighed heavy on my mind and I wanted to find a way to use music to address some of the divisiveness and vitriol I felt in our communities and world. My 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 in my research 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.
Fast forward to 2022 and I am stunned by the even deeper level of polarization and vitriol in our communities. Our communities, continents, and planet are in peril. I still believe there is a part music can play to bring us together. I am trying to sort out the best way forward with this endeavor. (Please email me if you suggestions or related thoughts.)
Fast forward to 2022 and I am stunned by the even deeper level of polarization and vitriol in our communities. Our communities, continents, and planet are in peril. I still believe there is a part music can play to bring us together. I am trying to sort out the best way forward with this endeavor. (Please email me if you suggestions or related thoughts.)
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A few current projects:
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Common Sounds Samantha Sinai and I 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.
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I have joined Braver Angels, an organization focused on bringing Red and Blue sides of our political divide together for conversation.
I have teamed up with Sarah Manchester, MA, LMHC to offer a weekly meditation with some chants (easily singable) centered around addressing violence in our world. It will be offered Wednesdays, 8:00 - 8:30am Pacific Daylight Time via Zoom. Email me if you are interested.