The JMI Power of Music Podcast

🔊In this episode of JM International’s ‘The Power of Music’, we are joined by the inspiring Maria Krutsenko & Anna Voloshynaof of The Sixsters, an all-girl punk-rock band formed by young musicians united by their passion for music. From their beginnings with themes of self-discovery and adolescence to their powerful anti-war songs, The Sixsters have continually evolved, especially in response to the challenging situation in Ukraine.

We'll explore their journey, including the formation of the band, the impact of the war on their music, and the incredible story of how they reunited after a time apart to create a song in just ten minutes. The band shares their experiences of dealing with changing members, the support they received after fleeing Ukraine, and their dream of participating in Eurovision representing Germany. We'll also discuss the importance of staying true to oneself in all situations and the unique dynamics of being a band of five despite their name and – of course – the power of music.

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.
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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.

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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.

In this episode of JM International’s ‘The Power of Music’, we are joined by Nenad Bogdanovic, the Executive Director of the Euro-Arab Youth Music Centre, Planning and Development Coordinator at the Organisation for European Programmes and Cultural Relations, and the President of JM International. Nenad brings a wealth of experience and insight into how music can bridge cultures and support young people globally.

We'll explore Cyprus' unique position between three continents as the home of the Euro-Arab Youth Music Centre. Our discussion highlights the importance of intercultural dialogue and music exchanges, the significant role music plays in fostering these connections, and we take a deep dive into the institutional makeup of JMI, examining the challenges of managing such a diverse and expansive organisation. Additionally, we discuss the experience of being a “one-man band” as a cultural organiser, and – of course – the power of music.

Euro-Arab Youth Music Centre:

https://jmi.net/programs/euro-arab-youth-music-centre