Abstract
The idea of music as a “bridge” between different individuals, peoples or cultures is so widespread - also in common speech - to appear obvious. Nevertheless, it turns out to be more problematic than might appear at a first sight if observed more in-depth. On the one hand, many practical experiences and a wide literature demonstrate that sharing music activities contributes to creating positive relationships between individuals from different backgrounds (see Besutti and Tassone 2015 and the literature there indicated). On the other hand, it is not possible to affirm that this automatically happens or that it does not present controversial and contradictory aspects. Here, I address and problematize this topic moving from the results of a recent research project conducted in South Tyrol. The aim of this paper is not to demonstrate whether music is or is not a bridge between individuals, peoples and cultures; more simply, my essay aims at promoting a reflection on how music may be such a bridge and which kind of questions this idea implies.