Storytelling Circles in Music Education: A Participatory WorkshopAs long as humans have existed, storytelling has also existed. Storytelling is about connection. It bridges gaps between individuals and constitutes a powerful means of sharing information; cultivating empathy, understanding, and trust; providing catharsis and healing; and sustaining and developing culture. Storytelling can change lives by illuminating new perspectives, as well as helping individuals to find purpose and meaning (National Geographic, 2025).Historically, the profession of music education has widely utilized storytelling in music teaching and learning environments to increase engagement, enhance understanding of concepts, develop musical creativity, and nurture a sense of community. Data in the form of stories is also widely evident in qualitative research across the profession. However, storytelling circles-the topic of this workshop-are less commonly found. In particular, storytelling circles involving diverse groups of music educators happen rarely but have the potential to foster “Unity in Music Education: Building Bridges for All.”In this participatory workshop, attendees will be introduced to the storytelling circle, a form of intergroup dialogue, rooted in indigenous practices, that involves the sharing of personal stories, empathetic listening, and the giving and receiving of resonance (meaningful and impactful interaction) (IGDI, 2025). They will then be invited to share their experiences and perspectives individually within a facilitated storytelling circle, in response to the prompt, “What brings us joy and inspiration in music education?” The workshop presenters/storytelling circle co-facilitators are professional music educators who are trained in intergroup dialogue facilitation. Optional: Attendees are encouraged to bring a small (easily transportable) object they value that is connected with the circle prompt. This item could be (a) a photo, book, letter or email message; a piece of fabric or jewelry, (b) an everyday object with symbolic meaning, (c) something connected to a person, tradition, or turning point, or (c) something else related to the story they might wish to share. The workshop will close with a brief brainstorming session on how storytelling circles might be used to support music teaching and learning experiences.This workshop will provide a unique opportunity for an international group of music educator attendees to connect by sharing their positive and inspiring personal experiences in the profession of music education. The participatory storytelling circle experience robustly exemplifies the conference theme of “Unity in Music Education: Building Bridges for All.”