Music 2014 - The Wisdom of Music Conference

On behalf of the Open Knowledge Group we invite you to lodge an expression of interest to participate in the
Wisdom of Music conference.
Man with a guitarMusic can be found in every culture of the world. It has touched people across all boundaries of time, space and genre. Music may move us and allow us to notice and appreciate what is profound about humanity. The music we experience, and make, helps us to notice and be moved by life, rather than fast-forwarding through it as if we are on automatic pilot. A single song can change us. However sophisticated and advanced human beings become, music has an evergreen power to make life special.
At some of the most poignant moments of our lives, such as when saying goodbye to a loved one, or at a wedding, we turn to music. Music speaks to us and for us. See for example nine year old Rhema Marvanne singing for her mother who passed away from cancer: Amazing Grace
The aim of this conference is to explore and celebrate the contribution music can make to attainimg wisdom. This conference celebrates music and its importance in ‘seizing the day’, in being open to and reaching beautiful aspects of life even in times of struggle and darkness. The conference will highlight how music may reveal and respond to different topical problems and challenges of the contemporary world. It allows a rediscovery of the world of which it is a joyous part.
As a delegate you can share the forms of wisdom music has given life to and experience the tropical vitality and Falls in hawaiienchanting beauty of Hawaii: a magical place with volcanoes, lush rainforests and striking waterfalls, and sun-sprinkled beaches.
We welcome novel perspectives and ideas. Whether you are a experienced presenter or submitting for the first time, you are encouraged to lodge an expression of interest to attend. The conference is open to people of all disciplines (academic or not), ages, cultures, faiths. We invite contributions which may be traditional paper readings, themed panels, workshops, performance pieces; dramatic readings; poetic renditions; short stories; creative writings, works of art; performances which include works of music. Other forms of contribution will also be considered.
Each presentation is normally allocated 25 minutes; the timing of panel presentations can be negotiated. The language used in the presentations and associated discussions will be English. However presentations may refer to and present songs that are in languages in other than English as long as explanation, and/or context, is provided. Multimedia presentations and live music performances are welcomed.
You will be asked to choose from the following themes when submitting your proposal (additional guidance on what the themes cover will be displayed when you click on the Expression of interest button):
Music understanding and transcendence
Music for healing and wellbeing
Music and wise relations
Musical connections
Music and maintaining an authentically different perspective and voice
Those who don't wish to make a presentation can also attend the conference. Everybody is welcome. We look forward to receiving your expression of interest. If you have any queries use the contact link.
Hope to meet you in Hawaii.
Paul James and Tony Stuart
Founders, Open Knowledge Group