2) Why do you have to be a U.S. citizen?
Cultures in Harmony can be best compared to a "Peace Corps for musicians." The mission statement of the U.S. Peace Corps is very similar to the mission of Cultures in Harmony, and like Cultures in Harmony, the U.S. Peace Corps requires that its volunteers be U.S. citizens.
Please note, however, that Cultures in Harmony not affiliated with the U.S. government, any federal agency, The Juilliard School, or any other organization.
3) Why do you have to be 21 years old?
On recent projects, participants gave master classes at St. Scholastica's College in Manila, Philippines, and Escuela Superior de Musica in Mexico City, Mexico. There are many students currently matriculating at both schools who would easily be accepted by some of the finest music schools in the U.S., and many students in our master classes are older than the Cultures in Harmony clinicians! Therefore, our master classes are not intended as "master classes" per se, but as opportunities for world-class young musicians from the U.S. to share ideas with colleagues in other countries. Just as you might ask a friend to listen to you before a big performance, so do our master classes encourage constructive relations between peers. However, in order to avoid even the appearance of condescension, our project participants must not only be capable of the maturity and wisdom that comes from experience, but be able to be perceived by our hosts as possessing these traits. Therefore, no one under 21, no matter how experienced as a teacher or performer, can be considered for our projects. Be patient, and apply when you turn 21...we plan to be around for a while!
4) Why do you have to be a classical musician?
Currently, our musician contacts in the countries where we conduct projects are either from the Western classical tradition, or from a classical/traditional genre of music particular to that country or culture.
However, it is unlikely that musicians from genres other than classical (including electronic artists inspired by the classical tradition, such as Karl Pestka) or jazz will be sent abroad on CiH projects. Genres such as rock, hip-hop, and pop are geared more toward changing tastes and trends, so we currently focus on classical music in order to present music that is timeless and rooted in the musical traditions that have historically informed American culture. In many countries, popular American genres of music (excepting classical and jazz) can often be perceived as a threat to local music. In a meeting with world-renowned musician Oliver Mtudkudzi in Zimbabwe in 2006, the great singer spoke eloquently of his belief that Zimbabwean youth should listen more to mbira music than to American popular genres.
Hip-hop musicians interested in cultural diplomacy should be aware of the outstanding organization World Up, which has a similar mission to Cultures in Harmony, except that it aims to bring together youth of different cultures through their shared interest in hip-hop. Jazz musicians should apply for Rhythm Road.
5) Why do you have to be a musician?
Dancers interested in engaging in cultural diplomacy at the professional level should audition for the Battery Dance Company.
6) Are participants paid, or do they have to pay to participate?
Participants are issued a small stipend to cover expenses in the host country, but are not paid an artist fee. Any artist fees paid by presenting organizations go directly to Cultures in Harmony.
7) What if I'm accepted, sign my contract, and then decide I don't want to go?
If a project must be canceled, reduced, or otherwise altered for security reasons, these decisions will be made solely by Cultures in Harmony in consultation with the U.S. Embassies in the relevant countries.
