Abstract
This thesis provides an ethnomusicological study of the role of music within the lives of resettled refugees located within a community in the south hills of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Broadly, this work explores the concept of “music as refuge”—that is, music’s ability to provide a haven of safety or solace. More specifically, this work examines the capacity of “music as refuge” to mitigate challenges of transitioning from one place to another. To approach music in this way, the thesis focuses on music’s capacity to sooth loss, instill hope and strengthen a healthier sense of self. Additionally, the study considers what it means to be a refugee, explores the challenges encountered before, during, and after the process of resettlement, and how the integration of music and culture can further aid adjustment to a new country and assist in creating a renewed sense of identity and home.
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