The Steinhardt School of Culture, Education and Human Development opened the doors of its new Music and Social Change Lab on Feb. 4, in hopes of addressing social issues through music.

The members of the lab meet once a week with top-notch professors of various fields discussing a variety of subjects related to music’s influence on social issues. Studies have proven that music has a significant influence on youth development, and it can also have the potential to promote positive social change. The lab hopes to use music to inform younger generations of pressing global issues and bridge the gap between these concerns and the music industry.

The lab, run by Steinhardt professor Carlos Chirinos, will highlight the ties between music and health education as well as tourism.

“I felt that the opportunity was there and that the need for this was really ripe, and that’s why we decided to launch it straight away,” Chirinos said.

Chirinos added that he hopes to extend the program to students across the university, and other non-profit organizations apart from NYU.

“Through regular meetings and through regular events, we aim to bring in more students from across NYU, as well as those organizations outside NYU who are interested in this area of work, and get them to work together,” said Chirinos. “We are trying to see how with music we can create better livelihood.”

Upcoming events within the lab include Women in Music, a panel that will discuss the role of women in music and its social impact throughout the globe. The event will take place on March 4, and will include conversations with women who work in the industry.

LS freshman Jessica Byzan expressed interest in the event, citing female empowerment as one of the reasons she supported the lab’s program schedule.

“Women are portrayed different, especially in the business arena, because business, especially in the media industry, is mostly controlled by men,” Byzan said. “This would be a good platform to have more women be empowered in that industry.”

The lab is already piquing curiosity, as Steinhardt students are aware of the social issues inside and out of the music industry, and are seeking a platform to promote social change through music.

Steinhardt freshman Christine Obiamalu said the pervasiveness of music makes it an effective tool for advocacy.

“I think music plays a really good impact in social change,” Obiamalu said. “If the music sends out a particular message, its listeners will enjoy the music and also act upon the message that the music is trying to express.”

Email Maria Torres at [email protected].