Broadening Horizons Through Music – Jiahao Shen's experience at ERASMUS+ in Sicily
Media Music student Jiahao Shen participated in the ERASMUS+ Blended Intensive Programme “Between Festival”, organized by our partner institution, the Saint Louis College of Music in Rome. The festival took place in Sicily and brought together young musicians from across Europe to compose, learn, and perform collaboratively. In the following report, Jiahao shares his personal impressions and experiences of this inspiring musical encounter.
Participating in the Between Festival held in Sicily, Italy, was an invaluable and inspiring experience that profoundly broadened my musical horizon. As a unique platform where musicians from different cultural and artistic backgrounds gathered to collaborate, learn, and perform, the festival offered me not only the opportunity to develop my artistic skills but also to gain a deeper understanding of music as a universal language that transcends borders. Throughout this program, I was able to learn from others, exchange ideas, and challenge myself creatively in ways that significantly contributed to my personal growth as a musician.
The Between Festival was structured around collaboration and artistic exchange. Participants were divided into small groups to co-create original pieces of music that would later be performed publicly. I was fascinated by how each participant brought their unique cultural and stylistic influences into the creative process, which enriched our collective work. This exposure helped me to think beyond my usual framework and experiment with new compositional techniques and stylistic elements that I had not previously explored.
One of the most rewarding aspects of the festival was the emphasis on collaboration. Creating music together required not only technical competence but also open-mindedness, communication, and empathy. Through continuous dialogue and mutual respect, we were able to transform our differences into a source of strength. The process taught me how to work effectively in a team setting, how to listen actively to others’ ideas, and how to contribute constructively to a shared artistic goal.
Beyond the musical development, the Between Festival also offered an enriching cultural experience. I enjoyed learning about the local culture and traditions, which in turn inspired some of the thematic elements in our group’s composition. The festival truly lived up to its name—it was between cultures, genres, and people, creating bridges through music that connected us all.
The Erasmus+ funding has also been a great support. The financial assistance provided gave me peace of mind during my studies and motivated me to continue progressing and improving as a musician.
Reflecting on this experience, I can confidently say that participating in the Between Festival has been a meaningful step in my musical journey so far. It has not only enhanced my technical and creative abilities but also expanded my perspective on what music can represent in an intercultural context. I left Sicily with a renewed sense of purpose, a deeper appreciation for collaboration, and lasting friendships with talented musicians from around the world.
In conclusion, the Between Festival provided me with both artistic inspiration and practical experience that will continue to influence my musical endeavors in the future. I am sincerely grateful for the opportunity to have taken part in this remarkable program. It has strengthened my confidence as a musician and enriched my artistic vision.
