The View From Here: A Journey Through Politics, Empathy, and Change
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Abstract
The View From Here: A Journey Through Politics, Empathy, and Change is an instrumental jazz project born from my emotional response to recent political and cultural events in the United States. Through four original compositions, I processed my evolving thoughts on topics like wealth inequality, war profiteering, the rise of fascism, and systemic cruelty. Each piece represents a different point in my journey—from initial anger and disillusionment to research, protest, reflection, and cautious hope. While the music is instrumental, the emotions and narratives behind each piece are deeply personal, rooted in my own shifting worldview. My goal was to use music as a tool to encourage critical thinking, awareness, and empathy in a time where those values feel increasingly scarce. This project is both an artistic expression and a personal reckoning—one I hope can spark thought and connection in others.
Publication Date
7-1-2025
Campus
Boston Campus
Recommended Citation
Sumner, Peter. “The View From Here: A Journey Through Politics, Empathy, and Change.” Master's thesis, Berklee College of Music, 2025. https://remix.berklee.edu/graduate-studies-global-jazz/193.