Looking at Community Music: Activism, Resources, and Current Movements

While traditional music education prioritizes the music—namely, centuries-old classical compositions—community music seeks to understand the impact of music-making on both the musician and listener. Because of this shift in approach, activist intentions emerge. Lee Willingham, editor of Community Music at the Boundaries, explains, “If we start looking at music as being the musician that we’re privileging rather than the artifact of music, then we automatically start to see human conditions.” But how exactly does community music tie into activism in its intent to serve the musician? Which scholars or organizers do community music educators look to for guidance and direction?What current movements demand their attention?

In this third episode, Lee examines community music’s inherent ties to activism and social justice. Mary Cohen and Stuart Duncan, co-authors of the upcoming Music-Making in U. S. Prisons: Listening to Incarcerated Voices, join Lee to discuss the ongoing effort to center and support the work of scholars or activists of color within the largely white institution of higher education. Our guests also highlight programs or resources led by Black organizers that fight for social, economic, and racial equity, particularly in the realm of the prison abolition movement.

Missed an episode? Subscribe to our monthly newsletter, Choice Podcast Updates and check out the Authority File Round-Up on our blog, Open Stacks!