Chicago Studies in Ethnomusicology

Chicago Studies in Ethnomusicology. This acclaimed academic monograph series, published by the University of Chicago Press, is a cornerstone publication in the field of ethnomusicology. Established in the early 1990s, it has consistently presented rigorous, fieldwork-based research that examines music as a cultural and social practice. The series is renowned for its interdisciplinary approach, bridging anthropology, musicology, and cultural theory, and has been instrumental in defining contemporary scholarly discourse.

Overview and History

The series was formally launched in 1991 under the editorship of distinguished scholars including Philip V. Bohlman and Bruno Nettl, a foundational figure in American ethnomusicology based at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Its creation responded to a growing need for a dedicated, high-profile venue for book-length ethnomusicological scholarship that emphasized deep cultural analysis. The inaugural volumes set a precedent for ethnographic detail and theoretical sophistication, establishing the series' reputation alongside other influential presses like Oxford University Press and the University of California Press. Over the decades, the series has evolved under the guidance of subsequent editors, such as Timothy J. Cooley and Harris M. Berger, reflecting shifts in the discipline while maintaining its core commitment to scholarly excellence.

Editorial Scope and Series Focus

The editorial scope of the series is deliberately broad yet focused on innovative ethnographic research. It prioritizes studies that situate musical practice within specific social, political, and historical contexts, often exploring themes of identity, globalization, post-colonialism, and gender. The series is known for publishing works that employ diverse methodological frameworks, from participant-observation to critical theory, and that cover a vast global geography. This includes significant research on regions from Southeast Asia and the Middle East to Africa and the Americas, as well as studies of diaspora communities and transnational musical flows, consistently pushing the boundaries of how music is understood as a form of human expression.

Notable Publications and Authors

The series has published many landmark texts that have become standard references in university curricula. Early influential works include Steven Feld's seminal study of sound and sentiment among the Kaluli people of Papua New Guinea and Thomas Turino's work on music and nationalism in Zimbabwe. Other notable authors and titles feature Martin Stokes on music and identity in the Middle East, Deborah Wong on performing arts in Thailand and Asian America, and Michelle Kisliuk on performance and modernity among the BaAka peoples. More recent contributions have come from scholars like J. Martin Daughtry on the acoustics of the Iraq War and Jessica Bissett Perea on Dena'ina and Alaska Native musical practices, showcasing the series' ongoing engagement with pressing contemporary issues.

Impact on the Discipline

The impact of the series on the discipline of ethnomusicology has been profound. Its publications have consistently introduced new theoretical paradigms and ethnographic areas of study, shaping graduate education and research agendas worldwide. Many volumes have received major awards from organizations like the Society for Ethnomusicology and the American Anthropological Association, cementing their authoritative status. The series has also facilitated crucial dialogues with adjacent fields such as anthropology, cultural studies, sound studies, and performance studies, demonstrating the central role of music in understanding human culture. It is widely regarded as essential reading for scholars and students, influencing generations of researchers.

Relationship with the University of Chicago Press

The series is a flagship publication within the distinguished catalog of the University of Chicago Press, one of the largest and most respected academic publishers in the United States. The press provides rigorous peer review, expert editorial guidance, and global distribution, ensuring the series reaches a wide academic audience. This partnership aligns with the press's strong tradition in publishing foundational works in anthropology and musicology, including the influential journal Ethnomusicology. The institutional support and scholarly prestige of the press have been instrumental in maintaining the series' high quality and visibility, solidifying its position as a premier outlet for cutting-edge research in the field.

Category:Ethnomusicology Category:University of Chicago Press books Category:Academic book series