Online release of 58 historical ethnomusicology field collections by the Archive
In a significant step forward for ethnomusicology research and education, the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) has launched the "Ethnomusicology: Global Field Recordings" project. This ambitious digital archive, a collaboration between the UCLA Ethnomusicology Archive and Adam Matthew Digital, offers a diverse and extensive collection of historical ethnographic field recordings, interviews, educational materials, film footage, field notes, slides, correspondence, and ephemera from over 60 fields of study worldwide[1][2].
At the heart of this project is the UCLA Ethnomusicology Archive, which contributes significant historic and unpublished fieldwork materials. Adam Matthew Digital, a primary source publisher, is responsible for digitizing and publishing this archive as part of their Adam Matthews Explorer platform[2][4]. Notably, Maureen Russell, an adjunct professor of ethnomusicology at UCLA and archivist, stated that being an archivist is a humbling responsibility[3].
The historical field collections published within the archive include thousands of audio field recordings and interviews documenting various musical and cultural traditions globally. These are supplemented with essential materials such as field notebooks, slides, correspondence, educational recordings, and film footage, providing context for the sound recordings[1][3]. Over 2,000 hours of previously unpublished historic field recordings incorporate ethnographic metadata, photographs, and films, offering in-depth research insights[1][3].
The archive features content from notable ethnomusicologists such as Hiromi Lorraine Sakata, with recordings spanning Afghanistan, Pakistan, and a wide range of countries including Bali, Guatemala, Japan, Korea, and many more[3]. This digital archive serves as a vital resource for ethnomusicology research and education, offering access to a unique global sound map of traditional and contemporary music cultures. It is part of broader ethnomusicological reference resources like the Garland Encyclopedia of World Music and various specialized encyclopedias that provide scholarly context on music worldwide[2].
The collection includes 15,000 audio field recordings, interviews, film footage, and over 8,000 images of field notebooks, slides, correspondence, and ephemera. Among the materials are fieldwork from Java by Mantle Hood, the founder of the Institute for Ethnomusicology at UCLA; recordings of folk song and bluegrass from the United States by D.K. Wilgus; fieldwork from Ghana, Nigeria, and Jamaica by Jacqueline Cogdell DjeDje; fieldwork from Thailand by David Morton; and fieldwork from the Philippines by Jose Maceda[1].
Current UCLA students, staff, and faculty can access the archive from off-campus using the UCLA VPN or proxy server. The archive is also accessible from public computers in the Ethnomusicology Archive, UCLA Libraries, or via UCLA's wireless networks. Any institution that wishes to request a free trial should contact Adam Matthew Digital[2].
The project includes a day-long symposium, featuring a special guest speaker, Anthony Seeger, emeritus distinguished professor and emeritus director of Smithsonian Folkways Recordings. Khal Rudin, managing director of Adam Matthew Digital, stated that the project allows the UCLA Ethnomusicology Archive to share its experience and research with other institutions[4]. Helen Rees, faculty director of the UCLA Department of Ethnomusicology's World Music Center, stated that the project allows scholars and students to experience and work with the complexity of collections from the last 60 years[4].
The project was launched at an event held in conjunction with World Day for Audiovisual Heritage. Workshops were offered for participants to try Balinese gamelan, Persian classical music, Thai classical music, and Ghanaian drumming. Traditional music of Thailand was performed, inspired by the David Morton collection, and Maya marimba music was performed, related to a recording by ethnomusicology alumna Linda O'Brien-Rothe. Southern Philippine music was performed as a tribute to the Jose Maceda collection[1][5].
For additional information, please contact archivist Maureen Russell. The announcement was originally published on the UCLA Newsroom[6]. The archive's website provides a view into the cultural and social lives of the represented communities[1].
References: 1. UCLA Newsroom - UCLA Ethnomusicology Archive Launches Global Field Recordings Project 2. Adam Matthew Digital - Ethnomusicology: Global Field Recordings 3. UCLA Herb Alpert School of Music - Ethnomusicology: Global Field Recordings 4. Librarians Association of UCLA - 2021 Librarian of the Year: Maureen Russell 5. World Music Center at UCLA - Ethnomusicology: Global Field Recordings 6. UCLA Newsroom - UCLA Ethnomusicology Archive Wins Major Grant for Global Field Recordings Project
- As the "Ethnomusicology: Global Field Recordings" project progresses, it is essential to integrate science and technology for the digitization and preservation of these historical field recordings.
- With education-and-self-development at its core, the project provides opportunities for researchers, students, and music enthusiasts to gain insights into various global music and cultural traditions, fostering a broader understanding of diversity through sound.
