PODCAST [37] Music, healing and activism with Ami Gaston of the International Cultural Arts & Healing Sciences Institute
In this episode, I talk with Ami Gaston, who works internationally to promote healing and wellbeing through music and activism. She’s worked with refugees and at-risk children, youth and families through organisations such as the US government and the United Nations. She also has a great story to tell about when she performed for the Dalai Lama.
You can listen now below, or on Spotify (search for the name) and iTunes or your favourite podcast app.
What’s in this episode?
We talk about:
- the near-death experience that changed her path from student doctor to cultural ambassador
- performing for the Dalai Lama and experiencing his sense of humour
- working with the United Nations High Commission on Refugees in Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, Ukraine and beyond
- her work as a professor at the California Jazz Conservatory, and her class on music and activism
- definitions – music therapy, music and healing, ethnomusicology
- working within government structures and communities to advocate for music
- Ami’s three tips for others working to advocate for music for education and wellbeing
Links for this episode
Dare to be dauntless – Ami’s TEDx talk
Ami’s bio on the World Trust website (where she is Co-Executive Director)
About the music for education & wellbeing podcast
Listen in each month to get ideas, inspiration and practical advice from people involved in music education, community music, music therapy and more. Learn how you can break down barriers to music, through communications, advocacy and inclusive practice.
The music for the podcast was created by Otis Hynds, a young person working with Noise Solution.
- Contact me if you’d like to be on the podcast.
- Subscribe to my enews to hear about future episodes (and get free downloads – see below).
- Visit Music Education Works to read and search for research evidence of the impact of music education.
- Listen to another great music education-related podcast – the Youth Music podcast from UK music charity Youth Music.
Transcript
Transcript for the Music for education & wellbeing podcast [37] TRANSCRIPT: Ami Gaston of the International Cultural Arts and Healing Sciences Institute
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