11 Bonnie Wade, Thinking About Fieldwork, in Thinking Musically 2004 copy 2

Chapter 7: Thinking about Fieldwork

Introduction

• Overview of the importance of fieldwork in ethnomusicology

• Fieldwork as a means of learning directly from individuals about music and culture

Principles of Engaging in Fieldwork

• Treat others as you want to be treated when asking questions

• Be mindful of the types of questions that can be enjoyable to answer:

  • Reflect on how you'd want a conversation to proceed.

Picking a Project

• Fieldwork as a hallmark of ethnomusicology, exploring the significance of experiencing music firsthand.

  • Fieldwork is considered any environment outside a library, now including local communities and personal circles.

Conducting Fieldwork

• The acts involved, like making music and observing, contribute deeply to the learning experience.

• Importance of participation over mere observation to foster relationships.

• Activities involved in fieldwork may include:

  • Attending performances

  • Engaging in conversations

  • Conducting systematic observations

Key Guiding Principles for Fieldwork

1. Maintain focus on the project's purpose.

2. Aim to learn from others, not to validate preconceived notions.

Project Suggestions

• Select manageable topics or projects for fieldwork:

  • Conducting a life history with a family member or friend.

  • Exploring music experiences of classmates or individuals from different cultures.

  • Investigating local music groups and their significance.

  • Combining personal interests with music studies, such as the relationship between math and music.

Planning the Project

• Pre-execution planning involves answering strategic questions regarding:

  • What activities are necessary?

  • Who should be consulted, and how many?

  • When can we schedule interviews or activities?

  • Where will the fieldwork take place?

  • Cost considerations affecting the project budget.

Doing the Project

• Establishing contact can be the most difficult step; persistence is key.

Tips for Conducting Research

• Early engagement is crucial; reach out to subjects promptly.

• Use library resources to locate existing research for guidance.

• Develop interview or survey questions that are clear and unbiased.

Capturing Information

• Techniques may include recording interviews or taking notes.

• Maintain a list of contacts and images for documentation purposes.

Finishing the Project

• Conclusion of the project may involve various presentation formats, including:

  • Oral presentations

  • Written reports or articles for publication

  • Creative expressions like poems, art, or visual essays.

Reflection and Learning Outcomes

• Through fieldwork, students gain a deeper understanding of the meaningfulness of music in people's lives and enhance their comprehension of ethnomusicological field research.

• Encouragement to continue exploring the wealth of knowledge in ethnomusicology.

Chapter 7: Thinking about Fieldwork

Introduction

• Ethnomusicology emphasizes the significance of fieldwork as a means to understand music and culture through direct experience and interaction with individuals within their contexts.

• Fieldwork allows researchers to not only gather data but also to immerse themselves in the lived experiences of their subjects, gaining valuable insights into how music functions within various cultural frameworks.

Principles of Engaging in Fieldwork

• Ethical Considerations: Treat others with respect and curiosity when asking questions, adhering to ethical guidelines.

• Effective Questioning: Be mindful of the types of questions posed; strive for inquiries that facilitate enjoyable and meaningful conversations. Reflect on the structure and flow of conversations, aiming for openness and engagement.

Picking a Project

• Fieldwork is seen as the hallmark of ethnomusicology, emphasizing the value of firsthand experience in understanding music. This goes beyond traditional academic environments and encompasses real-world settings.

• Fieldwork can take place in diverse environments that include local communities and personal circles, allowing for a unique amalgamation of experiences and reflections.

Conducting Fieldwork

• Engaging in active participation—such as performing music, observing cultural practices, or collaborating—is crucial for creating genuine relationships and fostering trust.

• Key activities in fieldwork may consist of:

  • Attending Performances: Immersing oneself in live music settings to observe rituals and understand community dynamics.

  • Engaging in Conversations: Building rapport to facilitate open dialogue and deeper understanding.

  • Conducting Systematic Observations: Documenting interactions and behavior to gather qualitative insights.

Key Guiding Principles for Fieldwork

• Project Focus: Maintain a clear objective to guide the research process and ensure meaningful outcomes.

• Open-Mindedness: Approach the fieldwork with a mindset geared toward learning from the subjects, rather than merely seeking validation of prior beliefs.

Project Suggestions

• Select manageable and engaging topics that resonate personally while being relevant in the broader context of music studies. Suggestions may include:

  • Conducting life histories with family members or friends to explore musical influences across generations.

  • Investigating the music experiences of classmates or individuals from diverse cultural backgrounds, fostering intercultural understanding.

  • Exploring local music groups to uncover their significance and the roles they play within their communities.

  • Weaving personal interests into your projects, such as exploring connections between music and mathematical concepts, or visual art and sound.

Planning the Project

• Engage in thorough pre-execution planning by answering critical strategic questions, such as:

  • What specific activities and research methods will be necessary for the project’s success?

  • Who are the key stakeholders, and how many participants will be involved?

  • What is the timeline for scheduling interviews or activities?

  • Where will the fieldwork be conducted, ensuring that the environment aligns with research goals?

  • What is the budget, and which costs should be accounted for to execute the project effectively?

Doing the Project

• Establishing contact with subjects can often be challenging; persistence and creativity in outreach are essential while maintaining respectful communication.

Tips for Conducting Research

• Early engagement significantly aids in building relationships; promptly reach out to potential subjects to schedule meetings or interviews.

• Utilize library resources to locate existing research that can provide context and enhance the project’s foundation.

• Formulate interview or survey questions that are clear, unbiased, and conducive to in-depth responses, encouraging subjects to share their experiences and insights.

Capturing Information

• Employ various techniques to collect data, such as recording interviews (with consent) or maintaining detailed notes on observations and experiences.

• Keep a comprehensive list of contacts and visual documentation (photos, videos) to support your research findings and enhance presentation materials.

Finishing the Project

• Conclude the project by exploring various presentation formats suitable for the audience, including:

  • Oral presentations to share findings in academic or community settings.

  • Written reports or articles prepared for publication in journals or online platforms.

  • Creative expressions like poems, art projects, or visual essays that encapsulate the research narrative.

Reflection and Learning Outcomes

• Through fieldwork, students develop a deeper understanding of the intrinsic meaning and role of music in people’s lives, which enhances their overall comprehension of ethnomusicological field research practices.

• Students are encouraged to persist in exploring the rich array of knowledge that exists within ethnomusicology, deepening their appreciation of diverse musical traditions and cultural narratives.