First we make music

“…the nature of music is inherently social. Blackburn argues, ” … we need to remind ourselves that music in itself does not exist. Despite evidence to the contrary (scores, analytical charts, music stores, CD shelves, etc.) music exists only in performance. … It is therefore a social and political act.” The performance of music corresponds exactly to the character of a collective gathering – it is a discrete event in time and space, with an attendant stimulation of the senses.

Patricia A. Shifferd discusses music’s important social and political role.

“First We Make Music: An Introduction to Music and Community Arts”, A CAN/API publication: March 2002, posted on Community Arts Network, retrieved 9 march 09.

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