Call for Submissions: Musical Measures of Asia

The UCLA Asia Institute invites UCLA graduate students whose research interests focus on music in Asia or that of Asian cultures in Los Angeles to participate in a discussion forum on “Music of Asia,” to be held on May 21, 2011 as part of the Asia Institute’s third annual Asia in LA program. Graduate students working on a dissertation or research paper on a topic related to music in, of, or out of Asia are invited to submit a 200 word abstract summarizing your research topic, which may include the musical traditions and/or influences of East, Southeast, South, or Central Asia.

Asia in LA highlights the work of UCLA faculty, students, and community experts to enrich our understanding of the peoples, cultures, and histories of Asia through an examination of the ties between Asia and Los Angeles. Our Asia in LA event this year showcases the many sounds of Asian music and considers what we can learn about Asia by listening to its melodies more closely. The day-long event will feature graduate student panels, musical demonstrations, and enlightening public conversations with renowned musicians and UCLA faculty.

Asian music of many kinds is part of the Los Angeles cultural landscape and the study and performance of music at UCLA engages Asia in our city as well as overseas. How do Asian communities, in Asia and in LA, conceive and construct their identities through music? In an increasingly globalized scenario how are Asian musical traditions preserved and perpetuated? What is the place of technological innovation and criticism in the conceptualization and practice of Asian musical heritage? These are some of the questions on which this one-day program will focus.

The graduate student forum encourages students to situate their work within the context of public dialogue and debate. It will consist of thematic panels in which students will present their research to a wide-ranging audience in cross-disciplinary discussion, consisting of academic peers as well as the broader public. A series of 3-4 workshop meetings and rehearsals will be held leading up to the event, led by World Arts and Cultures professor Aparna Sharma, which provide training to convey your academic research to a broader public audience. Students will have the option to receive 2 units worth of credit for your participation. A meeting will be held by the end of Winter quarter to confirm the workshop and meeting schedule.

Students who would like to showcase their work in other media are welcome to submit proposals. These may include film or photography displays, musical demonstrations, etc.

All UCLA graduate students in any discipline are eligible to apply. Please submit your abstracts and include your name, department, advisor, and year in the program to the UCLA Asia Institute by March 14, 2011.

Submit to:

Elizabeth Leicester, Assistant Director
UCLA Asia Institute
11286 Bunche Hall
eleicester@international.ucla.edu
(310) 825-0007
 

Published: Tuesday, March 1, 2011