The ICTM study Group on Applied Ethnomusicology will be holding its sixth symposium at the Central Conservatoire of Music in Beijing, China, from 7-10 July 2018. We invite presentations that have a clearly defined applied dimension. This can be in terms of intent, methodology and/or impact (e.g. on the creation, performance and dissemination of music; community cohesion and wellbeing; infrastructure and legislation; equity and other socio-political issues; formal and informal learning; and/or sustainable practice and the environment). Both specific and more general contributions are invited specifically –but not exclusively– on the following topics:
(Critical) reflections on approaches to cultural sustainabilityWhile applied ethnomusicology has a wide range of potential outcomes, one of the most obvious targets is the sustainability of the music that communities value. Sustainability has always been a key issue for music across cultures and eras, but a suite of UNESCO Declarations and Conventions from the beginning of this century has raised awareness of the challenges in a rapidly changing world of unstable power balances and growing inequities. The ICTM has been an active partner in addressing some of these challenges. 15 years after the 2003 Convention, it is worth considering in some detail what are the intended and unintended consequences of these policies on music practices and communities, after being taken up with great passion and considerable investment by a number of governments, including seminar host country China.Applied ethnomusicology and power structuresWhile the focus of applied ethnomusicology is on working with communities, inevitably external powers impact on the music practices we deal with. To what extent is this the focus of applied ethnomusicology? Do we regard power structures and the people behind them with the same level of nuance as the individuals and communities that are directly involved with the music practice? How can we strategize working in this sphere?Formal and informal learningMuch of applied ethnomusicology has to do with learning skills or concepts, changing attitudes, and securing musical practices for next generations. How can applied ethnomusicology projects be most useful to both informal and formal transmission processes? How does it negotiate real and perceived tensions between community-based learning and institutions?The methodologies of applied ethnomusicologyWith some 25 years of explicit academic discourse on the nature and approaches to applied ethnomusicology (AE), we have a substantial body of theory and practice to examine the intent of AE projects; approaches to involving and benefitting musicians and communities; negotiating internal and external power relations; evaluating projects and disseminating results beyond traditional academic outlets. What are the pitfalls and critical success factors in specific settings? Are these transferable? How do we learn from our mistakes? Can we derive transferable models from existing practices?