PEACE POWER IN MUSIC

Contributed by Nora Feldman/Youth Arts Editor 

With all the tumult currently rocking our world, I wanted to address the positive power of music and musicians as peacemakers. 

The sharing of cultures and cultural diversity through music, dance and the arts can build bridges of peace and understanding among peoples – region by region -- country by country.  Musicians and musical performances can help transcend class barriers and racial discrimination contributing to the sharing of humanity through music, the truly universal language.   

There are several world organizations whose mission it is to foster World Peace through music.  The list includes Azra, the Resonant Community, The Spirit of Fes, TRANSCEND ART and PEACE (TAP Music Project) and INTERNATIONAL ARTISTS FOR PEACE (ICAP).  These international groups organize multi-cultural tours that travel the world, sharing music and culture. 

The utilization of musicians as potential peacemakers is not new.  Although the “history of how committed artists through the ages have been instrumental in preventing and solving destructive conflicts has yet to be written,” we can in this day and age witness the positive affect music has had on the mission peace throughout the world.   

Musicologist John Blacking’s studies confirm that “music makes it possible for members of society to relate to one another and to transcend their positions as individuals…utilizing music and music theory as a conflict-transforming activity can affect divided societies” -- be it prison, school, or other community. 

After all, when we listen to a Brahms lullaby being played, no matter what language we speak or principles we believe in or hold -- we, as members of an international community, in the end hear the same dulcet tones.

This article is based on information in SGI QUARTERLY MAGAZINE, #37.