Learning Objective
This course provides an introduction into the field of community music and other community arts projects in the Netherlands, as well as abroad. We will explore community arts and community music in a variety of approaches, specifically its potential to contribute to an inclusive society. The course aims to:

• critically reflect on concepts, ideas and approaches directly related to community arts;
• extend or develop the abilities needed to facilitate and engage in community music project

Course Content
Community music is an approach to music making that stresses active collaboration between people with different societal and cultural backgrounds. It places music back at the heart of society. Community music covers work in schools, prisons or hospitals, in immigrant working-class areas, in rural communities, in (former) war zones, refugee camps etc. Community music moves away from the concert hall as it sets up encounters between artists and non-artists in informal settings. For musicians it may provide another career opportunity as musical skills and knowledge are brought together to empower people in different societal settings. In this course we challenge students to critically reflect on the why, what and how of Community Music. Even more, we share hands-on experiences and practical tools to set-up projects within this emerging field.