Ethnomusicology, Ecology and the Sustainability of Music Cultures

Abstract

This article explores the next stage in a widening discussion that explores the twin constructs of ecology and sustainability in a music research context (cf. Titon 2009a/b). It begins by problematizing the notion of sustainability in music, addressing some of the efforts made to support music sustainability, and suggesting some alternative concepts for understanding how sustainability works. This leads to an introduction of Schippers’ framework for music sustainability, revolving around five key domains, or areas of activity. It positions this framework in relation to current trends in ethnomusicology, suggesting that ecology and sustainability may have a continuing role to play in expanding the theoretical scope of the discipline.