An interesting development. I know there are people from Ireland who read this blog. One of the options I’m considering for my Ph.d. pursuit is the enthnomusicology program at Queen’s University-Belfast. I’ve had some very positive correspondence with the faculty there, and am considering applying for possible entry in fall, 2007. If there is anyone who can help me and provide some basic information on living in the area of the university (I’d like to avoid having to purchase a car), I’d be grateful. Please feel free to leave a comment to this message or send me and email. Of…
Global Pop, Local Language.
I came across this book in my search for a dissertation topic, and have not been disappointed. It examines how global performers deal with the issue of language and dialect choice. I was most intrigued by “Anthony McCann”‘s article on the heirarchy of tradition in Irish- and English-language song in Ireland, and am considering a similar approach to the analysis of language choice in Hawai’i’s musical traditions. Global Pop, Local Language also includes an interesting article by C. K. Szego on Hawaiian language performances at Kamehameha School. I highly recommend the book.
Anthony McCann’s ‘Beyond The Commons’ is one of the most amazing works I’ve ever read.
It talks about the expansion and consolidation of power within the Irish Music Rights Organization (IMRO) from 1995 through 2000. IMRO is similar to ASCAP and BMI in the U.S. in that it administers and licenses the musical compositions of its members. It went from being reviled to broad acceptance in a relatively short period of time through some very saavy negotiations and licensing agreements.
Beyond The Commons.
I came across this website while wandering the web in search of something to stimulate my brain and assist in identifying potential Ph.d. research topics. Its editor, Dr. Anthony McCann, and I seem to share some common interests, and he is also a lecturer in ethnomusicology at the University of Sheffield, where I will be presenting my MA research this summer. I downloaded and printed out his Ph.d. dissertation, and hope to start reading it this weekend. It discusses the evolution of the Irish Music Rights Organization (IMRO) and the incredible shift in its public perception in regards to Irish…
Battered dollar hits another low.
If GW doesn’t the the trade deficit and other factors under control soon my European Ph.d. plans are going to end up costing me a lot more than I care to think about. When we visited Ireland in summer of 2002, the exchange rate was about $.94 per Euro; it’s now $1.35. [ via Curry.com ] P.S. Yes, I know the British still use pounds and not the Euro, but the picture is just as ugly there, over $1.90 to the British pound. Ouch.
It’s Official: I’m going to Sheffield.
I just received notice that my grant applications for travel funds was approved by our Research Council, so barring any unforseen circumstances I will be travelling to Sheffield, U.K. next summer to attend the International Council For Traditional Music World Conference.
British Council USA.
With my Ph.d. abroad options seemingly down to Sheffield and Queen’s University Belfast, the British Council USA’s site seems to be a great resource for information on purusing my Ph.d. in the U.K. Lot’s of great information and a scholarship database for foreign students interested in study in the U.K.
Ethnomusic Ph.d at Queen’s University Belfast?
I got a very nice reply to my email inquiry to the anthropology department at Queen’s University Belfast. They have a Ph.d. program in ethnomusicology, and while their normal program (1 year at QUB, 1 year field research, 1 year of writing at QUB) wouldn’t work for me, there is a possiblity of making alternative arrangements. I’m hoping to meet with some of their faculty at the “ITCM” conference in Sheffield next summer, and, if the opportunity presents itself, to visit the campus on that trip. Stay tuned. If anyone reading this has any thoughts on QUB or the ethnomusicology…
I just learned that Queen’s University Belfast has a Ph.d. program in ethnomusicology.
This warrants further investigation…
Cork gets dumped upon.
A bit of nasty weather in the place I had hoped to pursue my Ph.d.