Module 1 Blog MUH6515

         World Music Listening Blog Post #1
Topic: How does the study of Ethnomusicology inform world music pedagogy?
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           The piece I have chosen to share with you on my World Music Listening Blog is titled “Leyndarmál,” which means “King and the Cross,” and is performed by Ásgeir Trausti in Icelandic. The piece is a popular melodic folk music song from Reykjavík, Iceland. The instrumentation in this piece is a contemporary popular music mix of electric and acoustic guitars, drum set percussion and vocals. 
           I was immediately drawn to this piece when my son shared several years ago. I would have to say the first thing from our readings that came to mind was the idea Reimer (n.d.) presented of a synergistic compliment of contextualation and universalism where, although I do not speak Icelandic and cannot immediately understand the depth of meaning in the lyrics without understanding the social implications of the piece in the Icelandic culture, I can universally have an aesthetic experience and appreciate the beauty of the rhythms, harmonies and timbres of the voice. I am a praxialist at heart, however, and as Elliot (1990) insists, I was also moved to learn Icelandic and sing and perform this song as well upon my second listening. After I further investigated the social context of this piece and gave my best shot at singing in Icelandic, I had a greater appreciation of the piece. In the end, doing the musicing really satiated my desire to be involved in the music. Even so, I was still simply appreciating familiarities but I did feel closer to the culture in which it was created. I have often wondered if my participation in this song, with my poorly applied accent and melodic musings would be embraced by Ásgeir Trausti or if they would be disrespectful. Exploring ethnomusicology will certainly help me consider questions like these for both me and my students. In the exploration of my thought process and through learning this song, I can see where the study of ethnomusicology will assist me by allowing me to explore more philosophical viewpoints, methods and dilemmas or complexities to consider when applying world music to my pedagogy.

 Please enjoy!



References

Elliott, D. J. (1990). Music as culture: Toward a multicultural concept of arts education. Journal of Aesthetic Education, 24(1), 147-166. doi:10.2307/3332862

Reimer, B. (n.d.) The contextual dimension of musical experience. Retrieved from https://ufl.instructure.com/courses/345546/external_tools/17849.

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