The Music Engagement Program is based on a philosophy of shared, altruistic music making and Music Outreach. The Music Engagement Program of the Australian National University's (ANU) School of Music has been designed and developed by Dr Susan West, based on research and development spanning over three decades. The program is based on Dr West’s philosophy of shared, altruistic music making known a
s The Music Outreach Principle, inspired by the work of Dr John Diamond M.D. The principal focus in this approach is on the social intent embedded in the music making, rather than the skills that are traditionally defined as 'progress' in music development. Many music programs throughout the world are designed to help people through the use of music. The MEP’s unique approach goes a step further, embedding facilitation training into the process of music making: in effect, it helps others to help others to make music. The intent of each music maker is to encourage the music making of others through singing and/or instrumental engagement in order to promote wellbeing and social harmony. The Program does not define a particular methodological approach, rather it defines a philosophical position that prioritises the development of the will to engage, and engage others, out of which flows skill development as befits each individual. Each participant becomes both a music maker and a facilitator of the music making of others, regardless of skill level, age, disability or, indeed, any other form of exclusion.
