Communities of Musical Practice: Transformative Contexts for Intercultural Communication

Abstract

This article discusses the potentials of communities of musical practice as vital contexts for intercultural communication in a variety of ways. The focus is on two specific musical communities, one in the city of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil and the other in Örebro, Sweden. The two communities are so called extension projects with one foot in the academic context and the other in the vibrant life of the cities. Both projects have an inclusive approach, where musical and social interaction serve as a means for musical development. The article discusses the concept of communities of practice as the organizational basis for collective musical activities and also the process of musicking as a way of describing the actual “doing” of music in the communities. Finally, intercultural experiences are considered when the article concludes with a discussion on transformative aspects of musical practices.