The German Project Called “Triangelpartnerschaften” (Triangle Partnerships): Can Music Bridge the Intergenerational Gap?

Abstract

The authors of this article believe intergenerational projects provide appropriate solutions to this complex phenomenon. With this in our mind, we present the story behind a unique German programi involving gifted young people which is designed to bring different age groups together in order to perform and share experiences through music. The program is called “triangle partnerships” because three institutions (a school, a university and a home for the elderly) working together to realize this vision – using music to bridge the intergenerational gap. We hope this idea will catch on and be duplicated beyond the borders of Germany. Imagine seeing and hearing young and old singing together on a weekly basis and a band with a senior citizen playing on the drums!

Keywords:

• Intergenerational projects
• German music
• community services
• triangle partnership