What’s your relationship with music? This course examines interactions of music in the lives of Americans and Canadians, including the role of music in health and social cause issues, access to a music education, uses of music within cultures and in the production of creating and implementing a music festival with a specific social cause. Students will learn about the music and culture of Victoria and Alberta, and the business behind booking musicians, finding venues and understanding the impact these decisions make on the earth.

Before embarking for Alberta, students will participate in a 4-day intensive preparation workshop on campus. During the travel component of this course, students will hear from local Canadian music therapists, visit cultural sites and museums, and attend a whale tour before volunteering at the Edmonton Folk Festival, which not only brings in the best musicians from around the world, but is also a leader in reducing its “footprint” during the 4-day festival.

This course is most appropriate for students interested in music, ecotourism, environmental sustainability, the music industry or social justice. Students will be volunteering at the festival for four days of the international experience which entails long, busy days and late nights.

The academic course associated with this program is MUS 398: Music Can Change the World. It will be taught by Dr. Becky Engen and Professor Lauren DiMaio.

This is an OPEN program.

*Itinerary and planned activities subject to change.*