Music as a tool for social transformation: A dedication to the life and work of Steve Dillon (20 March 1953 - 1 April 2012)

Abstract

This article celebrates the life and work of Australian musician and educator Steve Dillon (20 March 1953–1 April 2012). It focuses on the most significant pedagogical and philosophical ideas that informed his community music practice, and illustrates these concepts with examples from his work with the Sweet Freedom, Accessible Interactions, DIScoveringABILITIES, jam2jam and One Laptop Per Child projects. In particular, the article focuses on Steve Dillon’s belief that music has profound transformative effects on people of all ages and cultures, and has the power to enable people to express themselves, build relationships and find their place in the world.