1. Fieldwork Methods
® The eye-witness report. Concerned with the
collection of primary source material.
® Documentary material from living informants
– involves observation interviews and
analysing an oral account.
® Quote from Meyers, p.23, `observation of
people in situ; finding them where they are,
staying with them in a role in which, while
acceptable to them, will allow both intimate
observation of certain parts of behavior, and
reporting it in ways useful to social science
but not harmful to those observed’
® The `field’ is the world around you.

2. Common Features
® Informants, - people who talk to us about
their lives and music.
® Performances/events – both musical and
cultural – may be staged for researcher or
part of on going pattern of behavior. Can
include interviews and music or video
recordings.
® Recording of material – notes, recordings of
music, taped interviews, still photos, video.
Material acquired in the field (instruments,
music, literature, things).

3. Participant Observer
® Main strategy - `marginal native’ –
enhances validity.
® Gives trust to informants – you are part
of scene and blending in.
® Reduces reactivity – people altering
their behavior because they sense they
are being observed.
® Intimacy of shared experience.

4. Concept of Bi-musicality
Idea of Mantle Hood in particular. Not being
detached but part of it.
Learning to sing, play, dance, etc, or just be a
good listener – being part of a musical
exchange.
Music lessons with a guru. But may emphasize
participation at expense of observation.
Home practice.

5. It is impossible to be purely
objective –
® You need to deal with this as part of
methodology.
® Relying on key informants – must
decide if their views are typical or
personal.
® Thanking and if necessary paying
informants – not always with money.
Copies of your work?

6. Interviews
® Prepare questionnaire. But try not to structure
interview too rigidly – it should help the
informant not restrict. Know the language
and be
® Seek to be informal but artful in directing.
® Record conversations. Test equipment as
part of the interview. Study and improve
technique. If silence is the result repeat and
go over in your words what informant has just
said to help them pick up thread.

7. Other Material to Collect
® Log – running account of plans
prepared in advance.
® Numbering – for all recordings and
videos.
® Diary – always a good idea – especially
if things do not go to plan. Can be more
personal.

8. Summary
® Fieldwork is the bedrock of
Ethnomusicology. It equates to source
material research in Historical
Musicology.
® Has direct parallels with Anthropology
but here music is focus as the main
medium for social interaction.
® Can be applied to all music – Pop, Jazz
and Folk in particular but any living
music.