World music studies

More about the book

The current state of ethnomusicology is concerning. Timothy Rice highlighted a lack of theory in the discipline in 2010, advocating for theoretical development to strengthen the field. In contrast, Kofi Agawu opposes any form of discipline, particularly when it originates in the USA, arguing for a commitment to diverse methods and theories, which he views as essential for the field's survival. Martin Greve echoed this sentiment in 2002, suggesting that ethnomusicology may need to vanish to evolve. As the organizer of the WORLD MUSIC STUDIES lecture series at the University of Vienna, I pondered how to envision a future for ethnomusicology amid these debates. Is the discipline truly unprepared for what lies ahead? We invited prominent figures in the field to discuss whether ethnomusicology can address contemporary challenges. Should we heed Rice's call for strengthening our theoretical foundations, or consider Ellen Koskoff's inquiry about the value of "muscle"? This publication includes written versions of lectures from the 2014 series, aiming to make these discussions accessible to a broader audience of ethnomusicologists. We hope this work stimulates fruitful future conversations.