The Study of Ethnomusicology

The Study of Ethnomusicology is a comprehensive examination of the field of ethnomusicology, covering its history, methodologies, and core concepts. First published in 1983 and updated through multiple editions, this text represents Bruno Nettl's decades of research and teaching experience. The book presents the key theoretical frameworks and research approaches used to study music across cultures, from fieldwork techniques to analytical methods. Nettl explores major debates within the discipline, including questions of musical universals, the relationship between music and society, and the impact of technology on traditional music practices. Each chapter focuses on specific aspects of ethnomusicological study, addressing topics such as musical change, transmission, transcription, and the roles of musicians in different societies. The text includes case studies drawn from various musical cultures worldwide, demonstrating research methods in practice. The work stands as a reflection on the nature of music itself and humans' relationship to it, challenging Western assumptions about music while proposing frameworks for understanding musical diversity across cultures. Through its systematic approach, the book examines how music functions as both an art form and a cultural practice.

Readers consistently describe this book as a comprehensive introduction to the field, though some note it can be dense for newcomers. Music students and researchers value the historical context and methodological frameworks Nettl provides. Liked: - Clear explanation of research methods and fieldwork approaches - Balanced coverage of Western and non-Western music - Detailed examples from Nettl's own research experiences - Strong citations and references Disliked: - Academic writing style can be dry - Some repetition between chapters - Limited coverage of contemporary ethnomusicology practices - High price for the textbook Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (62 ratings) Amazon: 4.5/5 (28 reviews) One graduate student reviewer noted: "Nettl excels at explaining complex concepts through personal anecdotes, though the text requires careful reading." Another mentioned: "The chapters on fieldwork ethics and transcription methods were particularly valuable for my research."

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🎵 Bruno Nettl pioneered the modern field of ethnomusicology during his 60+ year career at the University of Illinois, shaping how we study music across different cultures 🌏 The book introduces the concept of "bi-musicality" - the idea that researchers should learn to perform the music they study, just as linguists learn to speak the languages they research 📚 First published in 1983, The Study of Ethnomusicology has been revised three times to reflect the field's evolution, particularly regarding technology's impact on music preservation and distribution 🎼 Nettl challenged the Western-centric view of music study by emphasizing that all musical systems are equally complex and worthy of serious academic attention 🗿 The book explores how music maintains cultural identity, citing examples like Native American communities using traditional songs to preserve their heritage despite centuries of oppression