Music Connects aims to bring back the rock music heritage in Kosovo and North Macedonia that was lost during ethnic conflicts in the 1990s. By providing ethnically mixed, state-of-the-art rock music education, we are bridging divides and opening doors for young, talented musicians in the region.
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
[partnered with Rockacademie, Community Building Mitrovica to establish MRS in 2008] [mixed summer schools in a safe location] [mixed bands programs] [mixed concerts] [provide materials to the school] [provide bandcoaching and audio engineering training for local teachers] [long-term rock music education instead of short-term projects, resulting in multiple generations of musicians] [stimulate youth to become independent musicians?] [extend this model to MSE and RRS in Skopje]
personal development, fostering creativity, rewarding initiative, diminishing ethnic barriers and increasing mobility. important roles as role models in their communities. opportunities for emerging bands, builds an audience for quality local cultural products. MRS model in region. creating a regional network of young musicians, bands and music educators. the power of music to affect social change.
