Music and Empathy

Julie Leven and Peggy Codding, moderated by Deborah Davidson

September 12, 6:30 – 7:30pm
Cambridge Public Library
449 Broadway, Cambridge, MA 02138

Music occupies more areas of our brain than language does–humans are a musical species. The power of music and its ability to create empathy are exemplified in both the speakers, each in their own practice and their respective activism. This was a fascinating conversation between Julie Leven, violinist and performer who runs Shelter Music Boston and Peggy Codding, Music Therapy professor at Berklee College of Music. Music is a catalyst that uplifts all of us, whether we are listening and receiving or performing and giving.

Violinist Julie Leven is Founder and Artistic Director of Shelter Music Boston. She was the first-ever classical musician to receive the Boston Neighborhood Fellow award in April 2014 and in 2013 was named a Social Innovator by the nationally renowned nonprofit accelerator: Social Innovation Forum. International festival appearances include the BBC Proms, Casals Festival, Edinburgh Festival, and the Krakow/Warsaw Beethoven Festival. Ms. Leven has performed throughout the US, Japan, and Korea as a member of the Boston Pops Esplanade Orchestra. She has been a member of the Jerusalem Symphony, and in Denmark, the Aarhus Symfonieorkester. She is a graduate of the BU School of Management Institute for Nonprofit Management and Leadership, Oberlin College, and Oberlin Conservatory with degrees in English and Violin Performance.
 
Peggy Codding is Professor of Music Therapy at Berklee College of Music. She is the former director of music therapy program at Ohio University. Professor Codding specializes in music therapy in correctional facilities and visually impaired persons. She has extensive clinical experience, course and workshop development, and presentations, research, and publications. She has served on various committees and taskforces for the National Association for Music Therapy, as president of the Ohio Association for Music Therapy, and as board member for the Arts Council for the State of Florida Division of Cultural Affairs. Professor Codding has served as consultant to the Ohio Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.