Music and Healing in BIPOC Communities
This course explores the vital connections between music, health, and the lived experiences of Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities. Through an examination of historical and contemporary musical traditions grounded in healing justice, we investigate how music can serve as a tool for holistic wellbeing, community cohesion, and resilience. Case study analysis, experiential projects, and arts-based reflection are used to highlight the role of music in community health initiatives, therapeutic settings, and social justice movements, bridging theory and praxis. By engaging in multimodal learning pathways, students will gain a deeper understanding of the impact of systemic oppression on health disparities as well as music's power to promote wellness and social change within BIPOC communities and beyond. Students are empowered to design, integrate, and advocate for culturally sustaining health practices in a variety of roles and settings.