WORKSHOP Turn it Up: Musical Locations of Possibility Raising Youth Critical Consciousness

Is music a reflection of our reality or the creation of our reality? How can the power of music cultivate the raising of youth critical consciousness amidst protracted conflict? What pedagogical choices and methods must be adopted to build an equalizing, inclusive musical space in which intergroup conflict socialization can be questioned, challenged, enabling youth to co-create beyond the dualities what is thought to be possible? In the workshop,“Turn it Up: Musical Locations of Possibility Raising Youth Critical Consciousness,” the Graduate musicians of the music education-encounter dialogue nonprofit Heartbeat will lead an empowering workshop focusing on theoretical and experiential learning about key pedagogical techniques for co-creating an equalizing musical space amongst Israeli and Palestinian youth musicians.

Years of traumatic violence, increasing segregation, and antagonistic educational and media policies have dramatically polarized the Israeli and Palestinian populations. Tensions between Israeli Jews and Palestinians are ever on the rise as continued fear, distrust, and increased separation further distances these communities from each other, thereby prolonging the status quo. To challenge the dynamics of intergroup conflict socialization, it is necessary to co-construct equalizing musical spaces in which Israeli and Palestinian youth can exercise praxis by learning about each other’s narratives and identities through values-based encounter dialogue and co-writing music as a form of practice and reflection upon these conversations. In altering their socialization during the experience of equality and raised critical consciousness within an ensemble, Israeli and Palestinian youth gain the agency to build equal social relationships and advocate for new visions of possibility with and through their music and artistic choices which question not only what is, but what could be.

This workshop will be led by Heartbeat Graduates (ages 18-25) who have participated in Heartbeat programs for at least two years, and will include practical and theoretical competences from musical co-creation to encounter dialogue techniques. Heartbeat unites Israeli and Palestinian youth to build critical understanding and transform conflict through the power of music. Engaging in a sustained music, dialogue, and empowerment process, Heartbeat youth musicians become agents of change, harnessing the tools of creativity to imagine possibilities, ask questions, and publicly address systemic problems such as violence, oppression, and inequality — partnering to create a safe, equitable and future for all.