Ethnomusicology
Ethnomusicology exposes students with a background in music to diverse musical traditions from a non-Western perspective. Coursework, on-site research, and exposure to different instruments and musical genres will help students think critically about why music matters to individuals and communities around the world, thereby encouraging them to engage with music in their own world in new ways.
Program Facts
- Program Type: Minor
- Division: Musicology
Program Director
Deborah Campana,
Head, Conservatory Library
Quick Links
Performance Groups
Oberlin has more than 25 student performance groups that contribute to the roughly 500 concerts a year. In addition, ethnomusicology students can perform with the Indonesian Gong Ensemble through a course taught by ethnomusicology professor Jennifer Fraser. The ensemble typically uses tuned percussion instruments from the Sumatran Talempong and Javanese Gamelan traditions, and sometimes includes flutes, bowed and plucked strings, or vocalists. Oberlin students have been learning how to play these instruments since 1971.
Performance GroupsWinter Term
Oberlin’s four-week winter term in January encourages students to discover the value of self-directed education. You may pursue individual or group projects that are directly linked to your field of study or explore opportunities unrelated to your major. Complete your project on or off campus.
Student Clubs and Organizations
Student Senate, Chess Club, Solarity, the Oberlin Review—these are among the more than 175 student groups and clubs available to you. From politics to faith and identity, and from special interest to sports, Oberlin has an array of clubs eager for new members, new ideas, and new leadership.
Ethnomusicology Faculty
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Courtney-Savali Andrews
Visiting Assistant Professor of Ethnomusicology
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Jennifer Fraser
Associate Professor of Ethnomusicology and Anthropology
Ethnomusicology News
Jasmine Wilkerson ’23 Performs Heart, Lung and Blood (HLB) Research at CWRU Medical School
September 7, 2021
Jennifer Fraser Receives Grant from the National Endowment of Humanities
May 21, 2020
Zola Barnes ’19 Awarded Newman Civic Fellowship
May 16, 2018
