The JMI Power of Music Podcast

🌍 Raven’s incredible journey from a small reserve in northern Quebec to the international stage is a testament to his deep connection to his Anishinabe Algonquin and Mohawk heritage. He is dedicated to using music as a powerful tool for cultural resilience and growth.
✨ In our conversation, we explore the International Indigenous Music Summit, the largest event dedicated to uplifting Indigenous musicians globally. Raven shares insights into the Summit’s meaningful opening ceremonies, the spiritual ties between music and the land, and the wisdom imparted by elders that guide this vibrant community. He emphasizes music's vital role in the fight against oppression and its potential to address today's pressing challenges.

i️ JMI is a global network of NGOs that empowers young people through music across all boundaries. For more info go to jmi.net or check out all the amazing opportunities for musicians on Mubazar.

In this episode of JM International’s ‘The Power of Music’, we are joined by Cecilie Nielsen, Culture Consultant at RasmussenNordic. Cecilie helps cultural institutions such as orchestras, ensembles, and museums get practical tools, strategies, and data to become more attractive to more audiences across the world.

We delve into the world of classical music research and how to find new audiences in classical music. Our discussion highlights the need to care as much about the art itself as about the audience, addresses the issue of only old faces on posters, and explores the magical ability of music to transport us beyond the physical. We also examine how to think differently about branding, the importance of celebrating and clapping for a great musical performance, and – of course – the power of music.

JMI is a global network of NGOs that empowers young people through music across all boundaries. For more info, go to https://jmi.net/ or check out all the amazing opportunities for musicians at https://mubazar.com/en.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ceciliesnielsen/

RasmussenNordic: https://www.rasmussennordic.dk/

In this episode of JM International’s ‘The Power of Music’, we will talk about music and policy. Silja Fischer is the Secretary General of the International Music Council (IMC). She will present the values and work of the Culture2030Goal campaign, which advocates for an explicit goal for culture within the Sustainable Development Goals framework. We will discuss her journey to the IMC, how she stays motivated to lobby for more emphasis on culture, and - of course - the power of music.

JMI is a global network of NGOs that empowers young people through music across all boundaries. For more info go to www.jmi.net or check out all the amazing opportunities for musicians at www.mubazar.com.
---------
Silja Fischer studied at the Humboldt University in Berlin and at the Foreign Languages Institute in Moscow. Ms Fischer joined the General Secretariat of the International Music Council in 1993 and served until 2002 as Executive Assistant to the Secretary General. She has since worked as Executive Director a.i., Operations Manager and Executive Officer, before she was appointed Secretary General of the IMC in April 2009. In this capacity, she is in charge of the day-to-day business, official representation as well as programme implementation.

In this episode of JM International’s ‘The Power of Music’, we will talk about music and community. Prof. Lee Higgins is the director of the International Centre of Community Music based at York St John University and & Dr. Sarah-Jane Gibson leads the Ethno on the Road research. They will talk about their research into Ethno, one of JMI’s music programs. We will discuss the state of music in academia, the ‘magic’ of Ethno, and - of course - the power of music.

JMI is a global network of NGOs that empowers young people through music across all boundaryies. For more info go to www.jmi.net or check out all the amazing opportunities for musicians at www.mubazar.com.

---------

Professor Lee Higgins is the Director of the International Centre of Community Music based at York St John University, UK. He has held previously positions at Boston University, USA, Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts, UK and the University of Limerick, Ireland. Lee has been a visiting professor at Ludwig Maximilian University, Munich, Germany and Westminster Choir College, Princeton, USA. He received his PhD from the Irish Academy of Music and Dance, Ireland and is the President of International Society of Music Education (2016-2018). As a community musician he has worked across the education sector as well as within health settings, prison and probation service, youth and community, adult education, and arts organizations such as orchestras and dance. As a presenter and guest speaker, Lee has worked on four continents in university, school, and NGO settings. He is the senior editor for the International Journal of Community Music and was author of Community Music: In Theory and in Practice (2012, Oxford University Press) and co-editor of The Oxford Handbook of Community Music (2017).

Sarah-Jane graduated with her PhD in Ethnomusicology from Queen’s University in 2018. Her thesis focused on how identity is constructed through singing in a community choir, and if this influences broader identity formations, with a focus on Northern Ireland. Her research focuses on community and identity formation through engagement in musical practice. She has an extensive background in music education, having taught a wide range of ages and abilities in South Africa, the United Kingdom and the United States. Since completing her PhD she has been teaching at Queen’s University, Belfast tutoring a variety of anthropology and music courses and conducting the University Chamber Choir. Currently, she also lectures at York St John University and runs a folk music ensemble.

🌟 The JM Jazz World Orchestra is more than just an ensemble—it’s a launchpad for emerging jazz talent. Bringing together gifted musicians from around the world, it offers them a taste of the real-life touring experience, high-level mentorship, and the chance to perform on some of Europe’s finest stages. Pilvi, now a lead trumpet player, credits JMJWO for expanding her horizons, proving how crucial platforms like this are in shaping future jazz leaders. Luis, having worked with jazz icons throughout his career, discusses the importance of mentorship, diversity, and what makes JMJWO truly special.

✨ If you’re an aspiring jazz musician aged 18-26, you can apply now for the JM Jazz World Orchestra 2025 and be part of this transformative experience! Auditions are open until March 9, 2025. Rehearsals will take place in Grožnjan, Croatia, followed by a European tour through Italy, Germany, Slovenia, and beyond.

📢 Apply here: JMJWO 2025 Auditions
🌍 Learn more: www.jmjazzworld.com

Luis’ socials:
Instagram
Facebook

Pilvi’s socials:
Website
Instagram
Linkedin

If you enjoy this episode, don’t forget to subscribe, like, and rate the podcast. Join us in celebrating the power of jazz to inspire, connect, and transform! 🎶✨

i️ JMI is a global network of NGOs that empowers young people through music across all boundaries. For more info go to jmi.net or check out all the amazing opportunities for musicians on Mubazar.