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Music, Dialogue, and Empathy: Theories of Peacebuilding in Choral Education and Beyond

Choral educators should not only impart musical structures, and respond to real-life problems in
knowledge; they are also responsible for fostering an human relationship. 4
environment where students learn to collaborate, com-
municate, and emote through music and with one an- Using the framework of conflict transformation,
other. Conflict, though inevitable, need not disrupt the four overarching goals of how music and peacebuild-
harmony of a choral ensemble. Instead, it can serve as ing interact could be summarized as follows:
a catalyst for growth and transformation.
This article will examine the intersection of music 1. Create common ground
and peacebuilding, exploring how choral educators can This is done through shared experiences, music
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use this framework and the common-ground-building making (or musicking as Christopher Small says ), sto-
nature of music making to constructively resolve con- rytelling, and extensive time together. It takes time to
flicts. Additionally, readers will learn practical strate- build social capital, which is needed to be able to trans-
gies, hands-on exercises, and additional resources for form conflict.
implementing these concepts in their rehearsals.
2. Build empathy
Empathy is possible once common ground is expe-
Theoretical Framework rienced, such as through musicking. Sharing an experi-
Before discussing the overarching goals of this inter- ence allows us to recognize the self of another. More
section, two keywords and framework definitions are on the definition and types of empathy are discussed
needed. below.

Peacebuilding 3. Create conditions for constructive dialogue
The term peacebuilding was coined in the 1970s Dialogue is necessary to deal with conflict, and
by Dr. Johan Galtung, one of the founders of mod- therefore for conflict transformation. It requires listen-
ern peace studies. Peacebuilding refers to an active ing to understand, not to debate or wait until the other
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engagement of making and sustaining peace before, is done talking to say one’s piece. Building empathy
during, and after conflict. This term is used in contrast means the chance to find commonalities, or at least an
to “peacemaking,” which generally refers to diplomatic ability to listen. What is at the root/heart of what they
efforts, such as with the United Nations, and in contrast are saying? Where are their needs not being met? Dia-
to “peacekeeping,” or the even more forceful “peace logue will be further discussed below as well.
enforcement,” which is usually used when military
forces are utilized to enforce states of peace. 3 4. Meet needs and break cycles of oppression
Through dialogue and understanding each other’s
Conflict Transformation needs, a space is created where people can come to-
The field of conflict transformation is a subsec- gether in a place of safety to share experiences, stories,
tion of peacebuilding. John Paul Lederach, one of its and make music together. Making music, and especial-
founders, notes that the framework of conflict transfor- ly singing, is a vulnerable act, so it is crucial for one’s
mation sees the immediate situation, looks toward the needs to be met and that those needs are not hindered
“deeper patterns of relationship,” and creates a “con- by another. This is, by definition, the essence of nonvi-
ceptual framework.” He formally defines it as such: olence and can break cycles of oppression. When needs
are withheld or hindered by others, that is a form of
Conflict transformation is to envision and re- violence.
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spond to the ebb and flow of social conflict as As noted above, dialogue and empathy lie at the
life-giving opportunities for creating construc- heart of conflict transformation. To better understand
tive change processes that reduce violence, in- these four pillars, we will look further at these two criti-
crease justice in direct interaction and social cal elements. Dialogue enables individuals to articulate

10 CHORAL JOURNAL November/December 2024 Volume 65 Number 4