Ethnomusikvidenskab

Ethnomusikvidenskab, often translated as ethnomusicology, is the interdisciplinary academic field that integrates musicology with anthropology. It is dedicated to studying music in its cultural context. Ethnomusicologists approach music not just as an aesthetic object but as a human activity, exploring how it is created, performed, transmitted, and perceived within specific social, cultural, and historical frameworks. This field investigates a wide range of musical traditions from around the world, encompassing both Western and non-Western music, folk music, popular music, and art music.

The primary methodologies employed in ethnomusicology include fieldwork, which often involves participant observation and in-depth interviews with musicians and audiences. Researchers analyze musical sound, performance practices, instruments, and the social and cultural meanings attached to music. Ethnomusicology examines the relationship between music and various aspects of human life, such as religion, politics, identity, gender, and social change. It seeks to understand the diverse roles music plays in societies, from ritual and celebration to communication and social cohesion. The field has evolved to embrace new technologies and theoretical approaches, reflecting a growing awareness of globalization and the interconnectedness of musical cultures.