Have you ever heard someone say, “You should only go into music if you feel you don’t have a choice”?

For many of us musicians, we have felt that kind of clarity.

We’re among the few who have both felt certain about what we wanted to do and enjoyed the freedom to pursue it.

In order to maintain that commitment, sometimes it requires redefining it.

My guest on today’s episode of the Creative Strings Podcast went looking to redefine her purpose as a musician.

She went as far as New Zealand to study how music is being used to create healing between individuals and cultures in conflict,

Stories like these are why I’m excited about bringing the Creative Strings Podcast to you.

Dr. Joan Griffing is a classical violinist who has taught for 30 years at the collegiate level. She currently holds the Tim and Gail Buchanan Endowed Chair of the Fine Arts Division at Friends University. 

 You’ll hear in this interview how she went to New Zealand and  learned how music is being used:

-in peace and reconciliation.

-in prison reforms 

-to create healing between individuals in conflict and between cultures in conflict. 

“Anybody who is a musician is interested in how music can help change the world and what kind of difference we can make rather than just giving a concert here or there… ”

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Thanks so much to our sponsors Yamaha and Electric Violin Shop for supporting the Creative Strings Podcast. Their support makes it possible to invest in the production of each episode and bring you great stories like Joan’s.

Please take a moment to visit Electric Violin Shop, your one-stop shop for electric instruments, amps, gear, accessories, and most of all, expertise. Use code CHOWES at checkout and take 5% off of your order. Call 866-900-8400 to get your questions answered on “all things electric strings.” While you are talking to EVS, be sure to ask them about the new Yamaha Electric Violin (you can check out my video review here). I’ve been a Yamaha performing artist for almost 20 years now and am very proud to be a part of the Yamaha family.

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Learn more about Dr. Joan Griffing:

Bio – Friends University

Audition Procedures and Advice from Concertmasters of American Orchestras

Songs From the Inside

Facts About Orchestral Violin Auditions

When the Spirit Sings

Clips used in this episode:

A Vision of Hills – Musica Harmonia

When the Spirit Sings: II. Were You There – Musica Harmonia

When the Spirit Sings: III. This Train – Musica Harmonia

Selections from Mezzi Schizzi – Christian Howes

Check out these other great episodes of the Creative Strings Podcast:

Stash Wyslouch: Audacity & the Creative Process – Creative Strings Podcast Ep. 33

Scott Laird – Teaching Functional Musicianship in Orchestra – Creative Strings Podcast Ep. 21