Talking about peace is not always easy. Concepts such as conflict, identity, power, and reconciliation can feel abstract or emotionally charged, especially for young people. In the MY PEACE project, music is used as a starting point and not as a performance, but as a tool for dialogue, reflection, and connection.
Below are five practical methods we use to explore peacebuilding through music with young people and mixed groups. All of them are adaptable, inclusive, and grounded in non-formal education practice.
Walk and talk: peace in motion
What it is:
Participants pair up and walk together while discussing guided questions related to peace, conflict, and music.
How it works:
Walking side by side reduces pressure and hierarchy. Conversation flows more naturally, and silences feel less uncomfortable. Music can be played at certain points or discussed as part of the reflection.
Why it works for peacebuilding:
Example questions:
World Café: multiple perspectives, one conversation
What it is:
Small group discussions rotate around different tables, each focusing on a specific question or target group related to peacebuilding through music.
How it works:
Each table hosts a theme, such as:
Participants move between tables, building on ideas from previous groups.
Why it works for peacebuilding:
Opinion line: exploring differences safely
What it is:
Participants position themselves along a line in response to statements about music, peace, and social responsibility.
How it works:
Statements are read aloud (for example “Music can influence social change”). Participants stand where they feel they belong between “agree” and “disagree,” then explain their reasoning.
Why it works for peacebuilding:
This method is especially useful for addressing sensitive topics without confrontation.
Creative storytelling: from conflict to peace through sound
What it is:
Small groups create short sound-based stories that move from conflict to dialogue to peace.
How it works:
Participants use voice, rhythm, objects, or instruments instead of words. The focus is on expression, not musical skill.
Why it works for peacebuilding:
This method is particularly inclusive for participants who find verbal discussion challenging.
Sound circles: listening as a peace practice
What it is:
Participants sit or stand in a circle and collectively create sound, one by one, by adding simple rhythms or tones.
How it works:
There is no leader and no right or wrong sound. Participants must listen carefully to one another to maintain harmony.
Why it works for peacebuilding:
Sound circles are powerful both as energisers and reflective closing activities.
Why these methods matter
Peacebuilding is not only about speaking, but it is about listening, sensing, and connecting. These methods use music to open spaces where young people feel safe to explore complex topics, express emotions, and engage with difference.
All five approaches are flexible and can be adapted to different group sizes, contexts, and abilities. Together, they form a practical toolkit for anyone interested in using music as a bridge toward dialogue and peace.
