MUSIC IN PEACEBUILDING: Examining Music within the Peacebuilding Discipline

Abstract

This thesis will examine the peacebuilding discourse, alongside current findings in the music discourse, to determine whether the integration of music could enhance current peacebuilding practices. Music is an important albeit overlooked aspect of human development, having effects on health, communication and education. By examining peacebuilding and transformation this thesis will explore the potential contributions of music programming for peacebuilding practices. The influences of music can be found on the individual, community and international levels with varying degrees of success. There appears to be a stronger relationship between music and transformation at the individual and community level. This thesis will address the need for more research on the influence of music, to determine whether it could positively contribute to large scale peacebuilding programs. The case of El Sistema Venezuela is analyzed to determine if music can impact individuals and lead to desired social change.