Cultural Democracy

Those who work in community music seek to redefine, or at least ask questions about, the role of the musician in society. At the heart of the practice is a commitment to cultural democracy, a system of support for cultures of our diverse communities that is respectful and celebratory, that gives voice to the many who have been historically excluded from the public domain, and that make no claim of superiority or special status. As a distinctive trait, community musicians are also aware of the need to include disenfranchised and disadvantaged individuals or groups, recognizing the value of music in fostering intersocietal and intercultural acceptance and understanding.

Social Justice

Another concept that is related to cultural democracy and has become popular in community music is social justice. The term includes besides justice orientation on the principles of equity and solidarity. Social justice understood as a principle of action and of thinking offers a multitude of diverse aspects that have significant influence on the specific point of view.  An exact definition of social justice cannot be given at this stage. On the whole, social justice opposes any kind of oppression and discrimination and therefore wants to be a resource of social change. For the concerns of community music it is important that musicians and teachers are not retreating to a solely aesthetic realm, ignoring the dilemmas outside the classroom or concert hall. That is why schools should not be artificial but oriented towards real cases and teach critical thinking.