The Carrying Culture Project

Music Saved My Life

Arn Chorn-Pond's Story
Arn Chorn-Pond speaking at TEDx, illuminated by stage lighting
Arn Chorn-Pond sharing his story at TEDx
📜 Historical Context

Explore the Cambodia Timeline for background on the Khmer Rouge period, why artists were targeted, and what happened after.

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A Journey Through Two Jungles

At twelve years old, Arn Chorn-Pond made a split-second decision when Khmer Rouge soldiers asked for volunteers to learn music. He raised his hand high. Music became his path through the Khmer Rouge period, connecting him with Master Mek, the teacher who changed his life.

Years later, Arn faced a different kind of challenge in a New Hampshire high school. His foster father saw what was happening: "You survived the jungle of Cambodia. You might not survive the jungle of New Hampshire." Through isolation and struggle, Arn discovered something he didn't expect. The flute he'd played to survive could also help him heal, and eventually, help heal his country.

Arn turned his experience into practical work preserving Cambodia's endangered arts and training young musicians.

I thought the gun was more powerful... But I never thought that just [by] playing the flute, these kids [would] cry.
— Arn Chorn-Pond, describing the moment music gave him hope

Watch: "Music Saved My Life"

In this 16-minute TEDx talk, Arn shares his journey from child survivor to cultural advocate. As you watch, notice how he faces adversity in two very different places, and how music proves more powerful than violence.

Key Vocabulary & Concepts

Angka
"The Organization." The Khmer Rouge used this faceless term for their ruling authority as part of their strategy to erase individual identity and eliminate traditional culture.
Cambodian Living Arts (CLA)
Organization Arn co-founded in 1998 to match surviving master musicians with young students, preserving Cambodia's endangered performing arts traditions.
Cultural Genocide
The systematic destruction of a group's culture to eliminate their identity. The Khmer Rouge killed 90% of Cambodia's traditional artists and performers.
Khmer Magic Music Bus
Mobile program that brings master musicians and their students to rural villages across Cambodia. As Arn says: "We are carpeting Cambodia with music now, not bombs."
Master Mek
Arn's music teacher who helped him survive the Khmer Rouge. They protected each other. Each saved the other's life.
Oral Tradition
Music and knowledge passed person-to-person, not written down. When master musicians die without teaching students, entire art forms disappear forever.
Teacher Resources