Uniting through Music

Professor Eissenberg founded MusicUnitesUS, a three-tiered program, at Brandeis. She explains, "The mission is simple, and not so simple: to further the understanding of diverse cultures through music. Artists come from around the world to teach, inspire and challenge, in their own voices and through the narrative of music. Their music is powerful, and their presence always leads to interesting discussions beyond the music itself, which should be no surprise, for music is an expression of human existence."

Judith Eissenberg

Professor of the Practice of Music
M.M., Yale University

Current research
I believe that the arts can inspire and empower people to act, and can offer tools and paths to introspection, reflection and expression. I am on a journey to make my own connections — as a performing artist and teacher — with peace and coexistence efforts. For me, it is about opening dialogues within communities, between cultures across boundaries. I think music offers that possibility, and it is what I know best. I am my own guinea pig as I step out of my comfortable space, the Western classical tradition, and explore other musical traditions. How do I begin to appreciate and understand music with roots in a history and culture I know little about? What do I open myself up to when I let go of familiar assumptions? Isn’t that what we all must do if we are to make peace in the world and advance social justice?

Favorite classroom experience
I like to take courses in other departments when I can squeeze in the time. I was taking Bob Lange’s introductory physics course and trying my best to describe, in (my limited) technical language, a complicated and interesting process that we had been exploring. After 10 minutes of my struggling to capture the exact words and formulas in front of the whole class, Bob kindly rescued me, patiently saying with that special Bob smile playing across his lips, “Yes, Judy, there is a name for what you are describing; it is called ‘floating.'”  

What makes Brandeis special
It is a place where innovation is encouraged, where direct one-to-one contact matters, where beauty is appreciated and where taking risks is valued.

Last book read for pleasure
A big, thick science-fiction anthology.

Favorite world city to visit
So far, Rome. I love the history, the art, the espresso bars on every street, the food, the table wine, the motor scooters, the views, the buildings, the statues, the many ancient religious sites, the memories . . .