Cultivation of global consciousness through intercultural music engagement

Abstract This article explores the potential for intercultural music engagement to cultivate global consciousness through an overview of interdisciplinary research into this social practice, and literature on cultural identity, diversity and globalisation more broadly. Experimental design, action research, ethnographic and therapeutic case studies reveal a social practice with capacity to prime affiliation with other cultures and identification with all humanity, as well as develop reflexivity and ethical action in contexts of cultural diversity. The complexity of both global consciousness and intercultural music engagement warrants inquiry from multiple disciplinary perspectives, using a variety of research approaches. A broad understanding of psychology, inclusive of therapeutic practice and orientations underpinned by pragmatic philosophy may be a fruitful direction for future research into global consciousness, given it comprises knowledge, emotional and ethical components, as well as reflexive action.