Mitrovica Rock School uses the power of music to connect young people in Europe's most divided city. In Mitrovica, Serb and Albanian communities live their lives almost entirely divided by the river Ibar, and by a legacy of war and ethnic conflict. Mitrovica Rock School brings back the city's shared musical heritage through a daily program of music lessons and band rehearsals, leading up to an exciting international program of ethnically mixed bands.
The Kosovo war left the city of Mitrovica divided. Albanians live south of the river Ibar, Serbs to the north, almost completely isolated from each other. Musicians on both sides of Mitrovica tell the same story: Mitrovica's rock heritage had been decimated by the conflict, and largely replaced by nationalist turbo-folk. An entire generation has grown up without any contact with the other side
Mitrovica Rock School builds sustainable bridges between the city's young people, by providing an immersive music program where students come together to write, rehearse and perform original music. The program offers daily lessons, workshops, band sessions, studio experience, and the experience to travel together on cultural exchanges. These experiences help young people bond over their shared passion for music.
Mitrovica Rock School has been active since 2008, and whole generations have grown up in the school. The Rock School is currently led by former participants. The Rock School is known in the region for its out-of-the box approach to reconciliation, and its long-term approach to social change.
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