Music on the Move

Music is a mobile art form that creates a meaningful point of contact for individuals and groups, encourages curiosity and understanding, and preserves a sense of identity and comfort in an unfamiliar or hostile environment. Music on the Move is an open-access ebook that introduces a variety of concepts related to music's travels, including colonialism, migration, diaspora, mediation, propaganda, copyright, and hybridity. It includes over one hundred audiovisual examples and six interactive digital maps to demonstrate the application of particular concepts. The print edition provides Fulcrum digital object identifiers (DOIs) and URLs for all online examples and static versions of the digital maps.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 322 pages
Publication date: 30 September 2020
Publisher: The University of Michigan Press

Music, a versatile art form, has the remarkable ability to transcend geographical boundaries, accompanying individuals on their journeys, whether by choice or circumstance. It serves as a powerful medium for connection, fostering curiosity, understanding, and a sense of identity in unfamiliar or challenging environments. Moreover, music undergoes continuous transformation as it crosses cultural, linguistic, and political boundaries, reflecting the diverse tapestry of human experiences.

While human mobility and mediation have always played a significant role in shaping music-making, our contemporary era of digital interconnectedness presents both exciting creative opportunities and profound concerns. On the one hand, the digital realm has facilitated the widespread dissemination of music, enabling artists to reach global audiences with ease. It has also opened up new avenues for collaboration and innovation, blurring the lines between different musical traditions and genres. However, this digital landscape has also raised questions about copyright infringement and cultural appropriation, highlighting the need for ethical considerations in the sharing and consumption of music.

In Music on the Move, we embark on a captivating exploration of the multifaceted world of music as it travels across borders. Through a rich combination of text, audiovisual examples, and interactive digital maps, the book offers a comprehensive and accessible introduction to the subject. It delves into various concepts related to music's travels, including colonialism, migration, diaspora, mediation, propaganda, copyright, and hybridity. The case studies presented showcase a diverse range of musical genres and styles, from Western classical music to traditional African rhythms, from concert performances to street music, and from popular hits to underground subcultures.

To enhance the reading experience, the book incorporates over one hundred audiovisual examples, showcasing the application of various musical concepts in real-world contexts. These examples include recordings, videos, and interactive multimedia elements, allowing readers to fully immerse themselves in the world of music. Additionally, six interactive digital maps visually represent the global reach of music, highlighting the diverse locations and communities where it thrives.

Designed with accessibility in mind, Music on the Move is suitable for students as well as general-interest readers. The open-access ebook edition hosted on the University of Michigan's Fulcrum platform offers embedded audiovisual musical examples and live links to examples on other streaming platforms. All other ebook editions feature live links to Fulcrum and other platforms, ensuring seamless access to the content. The print edition, meanwhile, provides Fulcrum digital object identifiers (DOIs) for each chapter, enabling readers to cite and reference the material in their academic or research endeavors.

In conclusion, Music on the Move serves as a captivating and informative journey through the world of music as it traverses borders and cultures. By exploring the complex relationships between music, mobility, and mediation, the book offers a deeper understanding of the role of music in shaping our global interconnectedness and its potential to foster cultural exchange, understanding, and harmony. Whether you are a music enthusiast, a student, or simply someone interested in exploring the rich tapestry of human experiences, this book will captivate your imagination and inspire your curiosity.

Weight: 428g
Dimension: 152 x 228 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780472054503