Exploring the positive impact that music and a music strategy can make within your community.
Music is Absolutely Essential to Our Community Life
Many cities across the United States have been the beneficiaries of philanthropists who established music schools, theaters, and festivals to improve the cultural lives of their communities. In Rochester, NY (where General Code’s corporate offices are located), Eastman Kodak Company founder George Eastman believed heartily in investing in his community, once writing, “I want to make Rochester for the thousands of people I have gathered here the best place on the face of the earth to live in and bring up their families.” He contributed generously to the area, financing the creation of the now-prestigious Eastman School of Music and the Eastman Theatre, saying, “I used to think that music was like lace upon a garment, nice to have but not necessary. I have come to believe that music is absolutely essential to our community life.”
His belief is shared by others.
“Without music, life would be a mistake.”—Friedrich Nietzsche
The influence of music on the human condition has been lauded by philosophers, composers, musicians, poets, and even the physicist Albert Einstein. So it’s not surprising that when planners and strategists look at improving the economic and cultural ‘health’ of a city, the availability and support of a music community comes to the forefront of the discussion.
Three TEDx Talks speak specifically to the positive impact that music can make on a community’s identity, economy, and overall well-being of its constituents.
- “Music Makes Cities Better”
Shain Shapiro, Founder and Managing Director of Sound Diplomacy, approaches city-making differently by looking at how music and music strategies can and do impact how our cities operate and function, asserting that music strategies make cities better.
- “We Built This City … On a Bold Music Identity”
How does a city become known as a “Music City”? It doesn’t just happen. It takes a plan, dedicated leaders, and community participation. Elizabeth Cawein, founder of Signal Flow Public Relations, details how cities can help build their own musical identity.
- “Becoming a Music City”
Danny Keir, Global Head of Business Development of Sound Diplomacy, discusses a new way of thinking about the concept of Music Cities, and what can be created through the combination of urban planning and the cultural offerings of a thriving music industry.
