Ethnomusicology
Explore how people around the world use music and sound to shape their lives.
Ethnomusicology at the Conservatorium
Our students examine how culture shapes music—and how music shapes culture. By studying the practices, values and ideas related to music making in a particular culture, we seek to make broader claims about social life in the modern world.
Our program is defined by its methods, which include ethnographic fieldwork, interviewing, and participant observation, as well as its questions, which draw from approaches in anthropology, media studies and other related disciplines. Our program is closely allied with Musicology and popular music studies.
Study Ethnomusicology
We will provide you with multiple pathways into learning about traditional, popular, and art musics from around the world. Undergraduate Bachelor of Music students can apply to major in ethnomusicology, taking a guided program of specialised study. Graduate student study options include the Graduate Diploma (by coursework) and research higher degrees (MMus and PhD).
Undergraduate students from other areas of the University can learn about non-Western traditions and popular music styles through related breadth study subjects such as Musics of the World, Global Pop, and Area Studies in Ethnomusicology.
World music performance ensembles
We support a diverse world music performance program featuring five non-Western ensembles. As a student, you will have the opportunity to acquire practical skills in a range of traditions, including the Chinese silk-and-bamboo ensemble, the Central Javanese gamelan, West African drumming, Japanese shakuhachi, and world choral styles.
Ethnomusicology courses
The most enjoyable part of my study is learning about cultural diversity through the wide array of music found around the world. Everything from Japanese rap to Brazilian samba to Hindustani classical music — it is incredibly compelling
James McKinnonBachelor of Music, specialisation in Ethnomusicology
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Conservatorium Events
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‘A bit of a pain in the arse to the patriarchal music scene’: Women in Melbourne Rock and Pop, 1955-2015
Thursday 18 March 2021 - All day -
Intersecting Musical and Cultural Affordances: Transforming Everyday Tools Into New Musical Instruments
Thursday 15 April 2021 - All day -
The Fractured Self: Editing the letters of Alma Moodie
Thursday 20 May 2021 - All day