Ethnomusicology
The interdisciplinary study of music within its social and cultural contexts
Sustaining Culture Through Preservation of Music
Ethnomusicology helps sustain culture by studying, documenting, preserving, and sharing music as part of a community's way of life.
Why Music Matters
Identity
Music can communicate a community’s values, beliefs, language, and traditions. Certain instruments, rhythms, melodies, and performance styles can become closely tied to cultural identity.
Who we are
History
Not every culture has historically relied on written records. Songs can preserve stories about important events, people, places, struggles, celebrations, and traditions.
Stories that are Preserved
Shared Experiences
Community
Music often plays a central role in weddings, religious ceremonies, festivals, funerals, protests, celebrations, and other community events.