fieldwork, methods and ideas 2013

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.

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).

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.