Frequently Asked Questions -
What is a Musical Ambassador?
A Musical Ambassador Of Peace is a skilled facilitator who uses music-making and/or dance experiences to create joyful, healing experiences – especially for underserved communities. Ambassadors offer events and workshops to help groups and communities restore connection, resilience, and cultural expression.
While this workshop is designed with marginalized communities in mind, everyone is welcome to participate and bring this healing methodology to their own communities and organizations.
A Certified Musical Ambassador has completed the training and all the subsequent steps toward ambassadorship.
What qualities does an ideal Musical Ambassador possess?
An ideal Musical Ambassador embodies the following qualities:
Joyful & Engaging: Brings an open heart, a sense of camaraderie, and grounding energy to every session.
Skilled Facilitator: Can lead dance, drumming, and singing in a way that is focused, accessible and empowering.
Deeply Compassionate: Understands the challenges faced by underserved communities and creates a safe, inclusive space.
Culturally Responsive: Respects and integrates diverse traditions, ensuring sessions are meaningful and relevant.
Emotionally Attuned: Reads the room and adapts to the group’s needs, fostering connection and trust.
Resilient & Adaptable: Handles unexpected situations with grace and creativity.
Committed to Healing & Rehumanization: Uses music and movement to restore joy, dignity, and belonging.
Facilitator, Not Performer: Creates space for others to shine, guiding the experience rather than being the center of attention.
What skills does a Musical Ambassador need?
An ideal Musical Ambassador possesses:
- Performing Arts Skills (Music or Dance Skills): Proficiency in at least one form of music, drumming, or movement.
- Group Facilitation Expertise: Ability to guide and engage diverse groups effectively.
- Emotional Regulation Knowledge: Skilled in maintaining and supporting group energy, ensuring a safe and responsive space.
- Cultural Openness: Has learned—or is eager to learn—the music and dance traditions of other cultures with respect and authenticity
What are some ways that I can utilize my Musical Ambassador skills?
You Can:
- Use dance to guide collective movement, with either live or recorded music from the culture you are serving.
- Play an instrument and lead groups in song, music-making and/or movement.
- Engage participants in rhythm-based connection and expression such as a drum circle.
- Learn and share songs from the culture you’re working with to foster connection and belonging.
- Use music as a universal language to bring people of different backgrounds together.
What populations do Musical Ambassadors Of Peace typically serve?
Historically, Musical Ambassadors have collaborated with individuals who have endured the traumas of war and displacement, creating programs in refugee camps and shelters around the world. Locally, we’ve partnered with organizations serving refugees, using musical interactions to ease stress, anxiety, and depression while fostering belonging, bridging cultural divides, and building understanding between communities that might otherwise be at odds. In today’s fragmented world, the need for such bridges of understanding spans various divides, and musical engagement offers a powerful means to connect diverse groups and promote healing.
For examples of our work please see our Current Projects page.
What are some of the benefits of musical interaction?
Musical interaction fosters self-esteem, empowerment, and a sense of community and belonging – transcending racial, religious, or political divides. It can also reduce stress and enhance cognitive skills, promoting overall well-being.
Do Musical Ambassadors get paid for their work?
Many Musical Ambassadors volunteer their time, but they are encouraged to partner with like-minded organizations and non-profits in their communities to secure funding. In some special cases, we provide financial support to help sustain programming.
Do I have to become a Certified Musical Ambassador to take the training?
No. Upon completing the training, you will receive a certificate of completion and can apply your new skills however you choose. However, we warmly invite you to join our growing community of Musical Ambassadors of Peace to continue this important work together.
*Musical ambassador training does not prepare you to become an expressive arts therapist.
*The facilitation of joy-based music programs is not intended to replace conventional medical care, nor is it a performance.