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Blending Music and Ecological Education

Posted January 16, 2025

In the hands of educators and Laudato Si’ Action Platform participants Nico Antonazzo, Franco Pistono, and Valerio Ciarocchi, music becomes more than a subject or performance—it becomes a bridge between learning and living responsibly. Their work underscores the idea that music can foster critical thinking, community building, and a deeper connection with the environment.

Franco Pistono: “Music Opens Minds and Hearts”

For Franco Pistono, music is a way to connect students with the world around them. As a musician and environmental educator, his project Musica d’Ambiente brings together children and nature through songs like “Our Time” and “Believe Me.” He explains, “Music opens minds and hearts—it’s a way to introduce young people to the urgency of environmental issues without overwhelming them.” His approach combines accessible language with emotive melodies to inspire action among young audiences. 

Franco Pistono’s responds to the International Year of Plant Health (IYPH) declared by United Nations, in memory of Gianni Rodari, through his song “The Tree.”

Valerio Ciarocchi: Teaching Climate Awareness Through Song

Valerio Ciarocchi sees music as an essential tool for addressing challenges like the ecological crisis. Reflecting on initiatives such as Climate Song, he analyzes how to use music as a way of fostering ecological responsibility. “Music helps students see themselves as part of a larger story,” he says. “It’s not just about learning facts; it’s about understanding their role in shaping the future.” Valerio focuses on making students active participants in their learning, using creative methods to build both knowledge and resilience​.

A song dedicated to climate change, with a stop-motion video made by a school that won a national competition promoted by the Ministry of Education.

Nicola Antonazzo: Redefining Schools as Community Hubs

Nicola Antonazzo is passionate about transforming schools into centers of active citizenship. His involvement in the Open Worksites initiative reflects this philosophy, as he works to create spaces where students and educators collaborate to address ecological and social challenges. Nico emphasizes, “Education isn’t just preparation for life—it’s a part of life itself. Schools should reflect the values we want to see in the world.” His vision of schools as hubs for sustainability and community engagement is a call to rethink traditional educational structures​ themselves.

A song and an artistic project dedicated to Earth Day. The two planets were donated to the president of Earth Day Italia, Pierluigi Sassi, and to the President of the Italian Episcopal Conference (CEI), His Eminence Cardinal Matteo Maria Zuppi.

A Shared Vision: Music as a Pathway to Responsibility

The work of Nicola, Franco, and Valerio highlights a shared belief in the power of music to make education more impactful and relevant. Their projects resonate with the principles of Laudato si’, Pope Francis’s call to care for creation. By integrating ecological awareness into their teaching, they encourage students to see themselves as stewards of the planet.

“Music is universal,” Franco notes. “It’s something everyone can connect with, regardless of background or age. That’s why it’s such an effective way to teach values like care for the environment.” Valerio adds, “It’s not about creating perfect solutions; it’s about fostering a sense of responsibility and possibility in students.”

Moving Forward

As their projects evolve, Nicola, Franco, and Valerio continue to show that education rooted in creativity and sustainability can empower communities. Their work invites others—educators, students, and families alike—to explore how small changes in approach can lead to meaningful impacts.

Their message is simple yet profound: “With music and collaboration, we can teach not just knowledge, but care.” Whether it’s through songs about the environment or reimagining how schools operate, their work reminds us that education is an ongoing, shared journey.