Natalie Kirschstein

Natalie Kirschstein is a Lecturer at the Lucerne School of Music (Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts), specializing in ethnomusicology and music education. Her research bridges music, identity, social justice, and sustainability, with focus on Uruguay’s murga tradition, ecomusicology, and musicking in forced migration contexts. She holds a BSc from Keele University, and MA/PhD in Ethnomusicology from Harvard University, plus a Diploma in Movement and Dance Education from Lucerne.

Education:

• Bachelor of Science in Music & Psychology, Keele University
• Masters and PhD in Ethnomusicology, Harvard University
• Diploma of Advanced Studies in Musik, Bewegung und Tanz, HSLU

Research Interests:

• Ethnomusicology with emphasis on cultural identity and social justice
• Ecomusicological explorations of soundscapes and ecological activism
• Musical practices among refugees/asylum-seekers
• Intersection of music education and migration experiences

Key Projects:

• ITC - Music as Empowerment: Social immersion through music with young refugees
• Seeking Birdscapes: Exploring avian soundscapes and ecological awareness
• Performing, Engaging, Knowing: Interdisciplinary applied ethnomusicology
• Mobile Identities: Impact of forced mobility on musicking practices

Advocacy & Grants:

• Lead researcher in multiple funded projects addressing refugee integration
• Collaborations with institutions like the Natur-Museum Luzern and EPTA
• Organizer of conferences on music and ecology

Labs/Teams: Part of the CC Music Education Research (MER) group at HSLU, focusing on innovative pedagogical approaches in multicultural contexts.