Testimonials

Student Feedback

  • "This course has been one of the best I have ever taken at Dartmouth. I learned so much in such a short amount of time, but I specifically learned things that Dartmouth hasn’t taught me yet. I learned about the process of creation and how it can be used to bring about change."

  • [I've learned] "that we can all contribute in our own way to musical activism, regardless of the level of our musical abilities – because barriers can be overcome."

  • "I do not have much music background, but the fact that I was allowed to take a class that inspired me and others to make a change is incredible."

  • "I first handedly experienced and came to truly understand what Professor Cunningham had emphasized throughout the course: that “non-artistic” people and skillsets are still an essential part of creating art."

  • "[artivism] offered an avenue for students to engage in musical activism, even if they knew nothing about music or social justice issues. This opportunity to learn and grow without judgment in a community context allowed for the introduction of new methods and ideas in a constructive mutual learning environment."

  • "When we accept music as a vessel for self-expression, agency, and empowerment, it becomes apparent that music is integral to our education system in order to promote true equity." "I believe the process of creating [...] allowed us to feel and communicate emotions that are inaccessible in more traditional forms of scholarship."

  • "I have never felt very comfortable voicing my opinions for fear of judgment or ostracization. I found that this was not the case in this class."

  • "I discovered both comfort and confidence in brainstorming as a step of the creative process that relies more on thought as well as a greater confidence in and deeper motivation for pursuing/ practicing creative endeavors with social justice impact intent. I am more comfortable in knowing that I will not ever know everything, but that does not mean I cannot act. It simply means that I have to always be open to learning, no matter what stage of action I am in."

  • "This class has taught me how to not just link music with social activism but also be the most mindful and caring citizen that I can."

“Once again, just when I thought it was not possible, you have outdone yourself.  Gail and I gave you all a virtual standing ovation last week.  The students were amazing and are such an example of what makes Dartmouth so special.  The sense of community that you feel when watching is palpable. And please tell whomever produced technical aspects of this [...] that we were so impressed and it was like we were watching network television. I could go on and on.”

Philip J. Hanlon, 18th President

Dartmouth College

“About halfway through, I realized this is exactly what you do with Dartmouth students, taking incredibly talented students like Amari Young and Archita Harathi and Daniel Abate and giving them the support and confidence to be totally invested in their performances!”

Donald Glasgo, Director Emeritus

Barbary Coast Jazz Ensemble (42 Years) @ Dartmouth College

“The power of joy leaping out of the screen for [“Idol”] cannot be contained by technology or isolation. You built Idol to be about building community and believing.  This somehow distilled and focused its very essence in a really powerful way. There are no losers here. You lifted everyone up to their highest heights.”

Mary Lou Aleskie, Howard Gilman ‘44 Executive Director

Hopkins Center for the Arts at Dartmouth College

“Why is it that after every year’s Idol performance I find myself in tears? Tears of inspiration and joy. And how is it Walter, that every year the performances just get better and better? How is that possible? And despite all the challenges and obstacles of this past year, you hit it out of the park again. Thank you for keeping us entertained during this past year. I am more appreciative of the [Hopkins Center] than ever before. Sometimes not having something makes you realize how important it is to you.”

Barbara Couch, Supporter

President, Hypertherm HOPE Foundation and Corporate Outreach

"I was so excited to hear about the artivism initiative because it gives students and alums a chance to artistically collaborate, bring people together, and inspire hope in this challenging time."

Kaitlyn Sheehan-Ramirez, Alumna 

Vice President, Technology Investment Banking

“I’ve enjoyed being on a journey where I’m able to consult and help translate critical and novel social ideas and theories into artistic formats. The creative arts provide opportunities for the expression of narratives and qualitative nuances that are less commonly supported by quantitative data.”

Nathaniel Graves, Alumnus

MPH, MD Class of 2025