Music Connects
The legacy of conflict and division continues to shape life across the Western Balkans. Music Connects brings together young people from ethnically divided and marginalized communities through collaborative music-making, creating opportunities to build trust, friendships and shared futures.
Working with Mitrovica Rock School in Kosovo and Roma Rock School in North Macedonia, the program defies barriers of ethnicity, language and identity.
Mitrovica Rock School
Roma Rock School
Music as Common Ground
Making music together requires listening, cooperation and trust. In mixed bands, young people learn to navigate differences, write original songs and perform together. These shared creative experiences challenge prejudice, strengthen community confidence and create lasting connections that extend beyond the rehearsal room.
“What I like about Mitrovica Rock School is the atmosphere
Emin, Student and trainee
and peace between everyone. No matter the side, no matter
what we are, what we play, to what music we listen. It’s just
peace and you feel friendly love everywhere.”
Mission
Every week, Music Connects brings together young musicians from diverse backgrounds to learn, create and perform together. Through long-term partnerships with local music schools, the programme builds musical skills while strengthening social cohesion across divided communities. Current priorities include:
- Inclusive Music Education Daily music lessons, workshops and band coaching provide young people with a safe environment to develop their musical talents while collaborating across ethnic and cultural divides.
- Building Creative Leadership Teachers and band coaches receive ongoing training in demand-driven learning and collaborative music-making, strengthening local capacity and ensuring the programme continues to grow.
- Cross-Border Exchange Partnerships with cultural organisations and educational institutions create opportunities for international exchanges, performances and knowledge sharing, connecting young musicians across Europe.
Our Impact
“In ‘safer societies, rock music revolts against established meaninglessness. Western Balkan youth look to the future. Dutch youth yearn for a
meaningful now. Young Berliners connect past to present in rock. Cultural organizers in Amsterdam and Brussels work to connect these worlds.”
The sounds
People
Wendy Hassler-Forest
Regional program manager Western Balkans
Lorem ipsum. Wendy joined the program to share his passion for rhythm and has the talent to teach children and youth how to play percussion.
Milizza Kosova
Mitrovica Rock School: Director of Operations
Lorem ipsum. Ivona joined the program to drive social inclusion and has the talent to strengthen support systems for people with disabilities.
Emir Hasani
Mitrovica Rock School: Director of Programs
Lorem ipsum. Espoir joined the program in 2014 and has the talent to teach children how to play the guitar.
Alvin Salimovski
Roma Rock School: Director
Lorem ipsum. Espoir joined the program in 2014 and has the talent to teach children how to play the guitar.
Alma Mustafovska Salimovska
Roma Rock School: Financial manager
Lorem ipsum. Espoir joined the program in 2014 and has the talent to teach children how to play the guitar.
Partners
