What Is Music For? The Power of Community Music Programs

Drawing from Small’s notion of musicking, I invite readers to recognize the transformative power of community music programs in fostering societal cohesion and personal growth. Central to this discussion is the idea that musicking extends beyond mere musical performance to encapsulate a complex network of relationships among participants, which reflects broader societal interactions as envisaged by those involved. I propose the cyclic nature of building and rebuilding within community music programs and advocate for continuous reflection on the fundamental question: “What is music for?” This paper aims to deepen our understanding of music’s role within our communities.