תקשורת רפלקסיבית – רספונסיבית דרך תודעה מוזיקלית
מהי גישת הפלייגראונד
(ALP/Playground)
מאת: קרן רוזנבאום
לינק למאמר

Keren Rosenbaum is a distinguished composer, conductor, educator, and group facilitator with over three decades of global experience in performance and pedagogy. She is the pioneer of Reflexive Music, an innovative genre integrating music, intermedia art, noise, public intervention, and philosophy. Her signature initiative, the Active Listening Playground (ALP), serves as a dynamic space for performances, workshops, exhibitions, and festivals, inviting participants to engage profoundly with Reflexive Music.

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Rosenbaum commenced her music education at the age of seven under the tutelage of composer Lev Kogan and Israeli Philharmonic flutist Yossi Arenheim. At 20, she relocated to The Hague to advance her studies in composition, electronic music, and music education at the Tel Aviv Academy with mentors Arik Shapira and Leon Schidlowsky. She graduated with honors from the Royal Academy, studying with esteemed figures like Louis Andriessen, Gilius de Bergeijk, Rodrik De Man, Didrik Wagenaar, and Clarence Barlow, and subsequently earned her Master’s degree from Brooklyn College under the guidance of Amnon Walman and Tania Leon.

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In 1999, Rosenbaum curated her inaugural interdisciplinary music festival and established the REFLEX Ensemble, a globally recognized collective of musicians and artists. Known for its groundbreaking exhibitions, workshops, and Reflexive Music performances, the ensemble has been praised as "passionately inventive" and "on the edge." Reflexive Music also laid the foundation for the ALP/Playground Approach and Tools, which promote creativity and engagement through active listening and playful exploration.

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Rosenbaum’s innovative compositions and conducting methods, particularly her pioneering conducting-via-earphones technique, are highlighted in Theresa Sauer’s acclaimed book "Notations21." Her work masterfully blends pre-recorded soundtracks, live electronics, and contemporary notation, achieving a balance between structured choreography and personal expression while demanding a high level of aesthetic responsibility from performers and audiences. Her pieces are often described as deeply impactful, unforgettable experiences akin to a "roller coaster ride."

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In 2013, Rosenbaum founded the Composing Community Global Organization, home to the Reflexive Music Academy. This organization disseminates Reflexive Music through the ALP Approach and Tools, fostering innovation, creativity, and meaningful connections. Collaborations with institutions like Al Alkhawayn University (Morocco), Tel Aviv University (Israel), the University of Arts (Helsinki), the Goethe Institute, Chelsea Art Museum (USA), Musicians without Borders, and UNESCO underscore the global reach and impact of her work. ALP emphasizes active listening, effective communication, team building, and playfulness, creating an inclusive environment where participants can explore and express their authentic voices. In 2019, the Executive Playground initiative was introduced, extending Reflexive Communication practices to organizational settings. This program aims to inspire cultural transformation in workplaces by integrating music as a medium for creativity and connection while supporting communities in need through Active Listening Playgrounds.

Since 2021, the ALP Approach has been embraced by institutions like the Tel Aviv Music Library (Felicia Blumental Center), offering opportunities for individuals, regardless of prior musical experience, to engage in listening, composing, and conducting. By reimagining music as a tool for communication rather than technical proficiency, the ALP/Playground approach nurtures a mindset of playfulness and infinite game awareness, fostering personal well-being, enriching relationships, and strengthening communities. Since 2024, the ALP/Playground Approach has been integrated into the curriculum at Haifa University, where it is recognized as a groundbreaking therapeutic methodology. This program leverages attuned listening and creative engagement through Reflexive Music Communication and synesthetic language-based techniques to cultivate emotional resilience, enhance interpersonal communication, and strengthen collaborative abilities in both individual and group contexts.