Guide to Australian Research Print E-mail

MUSIC RESEARCH IN AUSTRALIA: a quick guide to current research organisations and projects.

 

Australia has a wealth of organisations involved in music research; government, university, or industry based. This diversity of sources makes much of it difficult to trace or identify. The Music Council has taken the initiative to bring together over thirty web-based resources for Australian music research since 2000. This list comprises short descriptions of websites of organisations that conduct or disseminate music research.

 

The entries are grouped alphabetically into four broad categories:

NATIONAL

INSTITUTION BASED

MUSIC EDUCATION ORGANISATIONS

MUSIC INDUSTRY

 

Each entry is structured as follows:

·         Name of the organisation

·         Website address

·         Information about the organisation

·         Information about the website

 

This list was compiled for the Music Council of Australia by Leah Coutts and Alicia Maguire, Queensland Conservatorium Research Centre, Griffith University. Please send comments, additions and updates to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

 

 

NATIONAL

 

Australian Acoustical Society

www.acoustics.asn.au/index.php

The Australian Acoustical Society was formed in 1964 and “aims to promote and advance the science and practice of acoustics in all its branches to the wider community and provide support to acousticians.” The members of the Australian Acoustical Society study and conduct research in fields of Architectural Acoustics, Environmental Noise, Marine Acoustics, Engineering Noise Control, Occupational Noise Management, Physiology of Hearing, Audiology Studies and Musical Acoustics. As part of the society’s research initiatives, a two-day conference is held annually and several research grants and awards are offered to its members.

The website contents include the Acoustics Australia Journal, Acoustic Memorabilia, Code of Ethics, Event Calendar (Australia and Overseas), Federal Council, Frequently Asked Questions, Links to other sites, List of AAS and other Noise Conferences, Membership Details, Notices, Grants, Awards, Job Vacancies, Publications, Standards Committees Representatives, State Divisions, Subscription Rates and Sustaining Members.

 

Australian Communications and Media Authority

http://www.acma.gov.au/WEB/HOMEPAGE/pc=home

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) was established on 1 July 2005 by the merger of the Australian Broadcasting Authority and the Australian Communications Authority and is a statutory authority within the federal government portfolio of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts. ACMA is responsible for the regulation of broadcasting, internet, radio communications and telecommunications. The most recent research initiatives undertaken are halted since 2003 and are listed under ‘Australian Broadcasting Authority’ content. There are several publications listed under ACMA material covering areas of radio, internet, television and telecommunications.

The Australian Communications and Media Authority website includes information under three headings each with various subheadings. ‘For the Public’ includes information regarding how regulation works, content and advertising and consumer and community advice. ‘For Licensees and Industry’ provides a link to licensing and regulations, service and technical requirements and content requirements. ‘About ACMA’ includes general information about this government department.

 

Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)

http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/abs@.nsf/productsbytitle/B5DEC25B3155FC38CA2572FE007753AE?OpenDocument

The Australian Bureau of Statistics is an agency of the Australian Government and is Australia's official statistical organisation. They assist and encourage informed decision-making, research and discussion within governments and the community, by providing a high quality, objective and responsive national statistical service. The most recent survey taken is titled Arts and Culture in Australia: A Statistical Overview and ‘provides a statistical overview of culture in Australia. Contains information on a range of topics including employment in culture, time spent on cultural activities, attendances at cultural venues and events, expenditure on culture, and imports and exports of cultural goods and services. Also provides profiles of the cultural sectors, grouped according to the Australian Culture and Leisure Industry Classification.’ In addition, the Australian Bureau of Statistics has developed several new research programs including The Survey of Attendance at Selected Cultural Venues and Events.

By using the search engine on the home page – www.abs.gov.au - it is possible to refine the topics to the arts, or music, or a specific topic within these, to access the relevant statistics. The menu bar consists of Home, Statistics, Services We Provide, Census, Themes, Methods, Classifications, Concepts & Standards, News & Media, Education, and Links.

 

Australasian Computer Music Association (ACMA)

www.acma.asn.au

The Australasian Computer Music Association “provides a forum for new compositions, information sharing, and research about music technology and computer music, principally throughout Australia and New Zealand. ACMA membership includes composers, performers, educators, researchers, computer scientists and others with an interest any aspect of the many forms of electronic music.”

The site includes links to members’ websites, information on how to become a member, discussion boards, information on conferences and events, and newsletters. Currently, one does not need to be a member to subscribe to the discussion list.

 

Australian Copyright Council

http://www.copyright.org.au/publications/research

The Australian Copyright Council is a non-profit organisation that was founded in 1968. Its objectives are to assist creators and copyright owners to effectively exercise their rights, raise awareness about copyright’s importance, research and identify inadequate or unfair laws and seek their changes, and to foster cooperation amongst creators and owners of copyright.

This site shows a list of current and past research papers within the Australian Copyright Council, with links to the completed papers. There is also a link to published articles by the council’s staff, which is grouped in years, starting with the most recent. The search engine includes a comprehensive search function that searches the content of documents as well as the website. The navigation menu gives access to the rest of the Australian Copyright Council’s website, and there are also menus on recent news and upcoming events. As well as the free information sheets and articles available on the site, relevant practical guides and discussion papers are available for purchase in hardcopy from the Council.

 

Australia Council for the Arts

http://www.ozco.gov.au/publications

“The Australia Council is a service organisation enriching the life of the nation by supporting and promoting the practice and enjoyment of the arts.” The Council provides over 1700 grants each year to artists and arts organisations across the country in the fields of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander arts, community cultural development, dance, literature, music, new media arts, theatre and visual arts/craft. Arts RIPPA is an arts and cultural policy research digest with the Australian Council for the Arts that focuses on “qualitative and quantitative research into arts audiences and participants, as well as analytical research into creative industry development, arts impacts, infrastructure support for artists and regulatory and policy instruments. Research initiatives currently in progress include Indigenous arts infrastructure project, C3 West, Educating for the Creative Workforce and the World Creativity Summit Presentation. Arts RIPPA can be accessed through http://www.ozco.gov.au/publications/arts_sector/arts_rippa

The Arts RIPPA site includes overviews of current and planned research projects submitted to Arts RIPPA, including the organisation hosting the research, a description of the projects, start and finishing dates, contact details of the main researcher, and all others involved. The table of contents and consequent details are in alphabetical order according to the association/company. The site is in printable PDF format. The Australia Council for the Arts ‘Arts Resources Site’ shows a list of the most recent publications, handbooks, essays, reports, music guides, and websites that this organisation has been given. It includes titles, brief descriptions, and links to the full reports. By using the resource finder, it is possible to refine searches to music and specific topics. There are also links to Arts in Australia, Grants, and Events, and a menu to News & Hot Topics, and The Council. 

 

Australian Music Centre (AMC)

www.amcoz.com.au

The Australian Music Centre was established in 1974 to facilitate and encourage the performance and understanding of music by Australian composers throughout the world. “The Centre has grown to become the leading provider of information, publications and scores relating to Australian music.” The Australian Music Centre is a key partner in the development of MusicAustralia (see below).

This website is comprised of links to relevant areas of the AMC. These include Music Search, Membership and Publication, Education, Projects, Composers, Shop, About Us, and Contact Us. The site includes profiles of Australian composers, repertoire lists of Australian music, contents pages of journals such as Sounds Australian, and detailed information on music courses offered throughout Australia. There is also an online shop selling scores, CD’s, journal issues, and resource kits.

 

Australian Music and Psychology Society (AMPS)

http://marcs.uws.edu.au/links/amps/

The AMPS is a society for the discussion of research that reflects the intersection of psychology and music. It is “a forum for the discussion of scholarly research on the intersection of music and psychology. AMPS research seminars are held monthly in the School of Music & Music Education at the University of New South Wales drawing an audience of staff and students from Psychology, Music, Music Education, Architecture, Linguistics, and Physics.”

The menu bars gives links to information about the society and contact details, Society Series and abstracts from the seminars, and links to Societies, Conferences, Journals, and Laboratories.

 

Australian Music Therapy Association (AMTA)

www.austmta.org.au

The Australian Music Therapy Association (AMTA) is currently planning the 33rd National Music Therapy Conference to be held in Melbourne, 19th-20th October and preparing for the World Conference of Music Therapy 2008 to be held in Buenos Aires. A call for papers has been issued for both conferences.

The Australian Music Therapy Association website offers information on the expanding profession of Music Therapy. The menu includes a link to an index of everything the site contains, making it easy to find the resources needed. There are also Frequently Asked Questions, a Journal, Training, Resources, Employment, and Member Services.

 

Australian Sound Design Project

www.sounddesign.unimelb.edu.au/site/index1.html

The Australian Sound Design Project positions itself as “the first national website and database dedicated to researching and publishing original works and the discourse relating to sound and its design in public space. The comprehensive database and cross-referenced web site provides a platform for further discourse and analytical study. Historical and stylistic trends can be observed. The language and practice of sound design will be further developed through ensuing discourse and the importance of sound profiled for interdisciplinary designers, curators, museologists, acousticians, communications engineers, architects, urban and regional planners, environmentalists, sound artists and musicians.”

The menu includes About, Browse, Search, Contribute, Bibliography, and Links – to organisations, publications, resources and forums – Papers, News, and Contact. Where appropriate and available, there are links to full articles and further information. The project resources can also be discovered through the MusicAustralia service.

 

Country Music Association of Australia (CMAA)

http://www.country.com.au

The CMAA represents and promote all aspects of the Australian country music industry. As the national peak industry body it has developed a wide range of activities, including “an ongoing program of industry research, professional development and promotion organisation”. It is also involved with “promotion and staging of the CMAA Country Music Awards of Australia, CMAA Australian College of Country Music, CMAA College Graduation Concert, CMAA Australian Country Music Achiever Awards, CMAA Golden Guitar Winners' Concerts”.

The website includes information on industry awards, events, industry contacts, clubs and associations, charts, tours and gigs, the Australian College of Country Music, and links to annual reports since 1998.

 

Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts (DCITA)

http://www.dcita.gov.au/arts_culture

The Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts (DCITA) is “working toward a better future for all Australians and developing a world-class Australian communications and information technology sector and excellence in culture and sport.” This department offers a range of arts initiatives encompassing rural and city areas alike, benefiting performing, visual and musical arts. One such initiative is the Philanthropy, development and fundraising in arts/culture and sport: scoping the international environment project. The Australian Government, through its Contemporary Music Touring Program (CMTP), is committed to supporting touring opportunities for Australian musicians, and increasing audience access to live, original contemporary music, particularly in regional and remote Australia. The CMTP provides opportunities for a wide range of Australian contemporary music to tour the country – from rock, pop and jazz to folk, Indigenous and world music. All professional members of the Australian music industry including performers, managers, agents, music networks, and music organisations are eligible to apply for funding assistance of up to $10,000 through the program. In addition, the DCITA hosts the Cultural Ministers Council Statistics Working Group. Research projects resulting from this include A Statistical Framework for the Australian Contemporary Music Sector Social and Impact of Participating in the Arts and Cultural Activities literature database.

This site has a list of headings relating to the broader government department, including Department and contacts, Employment, Ministers, Newsroom, Consultations and submissions, All funding, programs and support, All publications, research and reports and Tenders. Within the ‘Arts and culture’ area of the department, headings encompassing News and events, Funding, programs and support, Policy and legislation, Publications and reports, Arts, Digital content, Film and Tax incentives. Each has a link to introductory information on the topic, as well as links and topic headings with URL links to full text. There are also links to the latest news, and key issues, such as Artbeat Magazine, Cultural Ministers’ Council, Culture and Recreation Portal, Digital Content Industry Action Agenda, Film industry reviews, Lending Rights and Visual Arts and Craft Strategy.

 

Musicological Society of Australia (MSA)

http://www.msa.org.au

The Musicological Society of Australia exists “to foster greater understanding and valuing of music, musical thinking and musical life by providing an Australian forum for communication about music, encouraging excellence in music research and research training, and facilitating the dissemination of the outcomes of music research.”

http://www.musicresearchanz.com/

The Australian and New Zealand Postgraduate Music Research Register is a database of music and music-related theses completed since 1917 or in progress for doctoral, masters, and graduate diploma awards at universities in Australia and New Zealand. The register has been compiled from library catalogues and in conjunction with some authors, particularly those whose projects are in progress. The database can be browsed in its totality, within its subject classifications or in a combination of classifications. There are currently 39 categories to choose from. A keyword search is also available.

 

MusicAustralia

www.musicaustralia.org

MusicAustralia is a service developed by the National Library of Australia and the National Film and Sound Archive (a division of the Australian Film Commission) and cultural organisations around the nation. It helps to locate, access and navigate a rich store of music and information about Australian music, musicians, organisations and services, both historical and contemporary, from a single access point. This national service brings together artistic work and research about Australian music and music making. It comprehensively represents the collections of Australian libraries, archives and cultural organisations, as well as the outcomes of music projects.

The website is easy to use, free to all users able to perform simple or advanced searching and sorting. One can find, for example, the first theses written about Australian music, recent books, historical sheet music, finding aids to the archives of Australian musicians and organisations, comprehensive lists of sound recordings – both old and new - or information about artists. Many resources are available online, if the desired item is not however, the service provides information about what it is, where it is and how to get it. From MusicAustralia one can also launch a search directly into other services, including Australia Dancing, PictureAustralia, Google and the new Australian Research Online service (ARROW).

 

Music Council of Australia

http://www.mca.org.au/index.php?id=34

The Music Council of Australia (MCA) aims to advance “Australian musical life in all its aspects, by making available online and in print information about music and its situation in the world; undertaking research and developing policies and plans; assisting musicians and music organisations to pursue their objectives; speaking up for the interests of music and representing the interests of music within Australia and representing Australian music in the larger world.” MCA undertakes research that describes and improves the situation of music in Australia. The emphasis on the site is on research conducted by the Music Council, although there is provision for other relevant research. Currently a new resource ‘Music in Australia Knowledge Base’ is being developed and will be among the most comprehensive resources for musicians, musical scholars and music educators in Australia. Other research projects include Correlation between Legislation/Regulation of Licensed Venues and the amount and diversity of Live Music Presentations in those venues, and Survey of Music Criticism in the Major Press in Australia.

The search areas are listed under six headings: Music in Australia, Connections, Research, Policy and Advocacy, Magazines and Books and About the Council. These headings include the MCA Knowledge Base, Articles from Music Forum, MCA Annual Addresses, Links to organizations, Music teacher list, Music camp list, Groups to make music with, Performers for children, Music scholarship list, Early music directory, Research directory, Guide to Australian research, MCA research reports, National and international, policy documents, MCA policy documents, Current MCA advocacy, Past MCA advocacy, Music Forum Magazine, MCA books, Plan for 2007, Annual Report for 2006 and Assembly Flyer.

 

Perfect Beat

The Pacific Journal of Research into Contemporary Music and Popular Culture

http://www.dcms.mq.edu.au/perfectbeat/index.html

Perfect Beat is a biannual research journal “dedicated to the study of the music and cultures of indigenous and Euro/Asian/North American migrant groups in the Pacific since the late 1800s.” The journal's principal address is to Australia, New Zealand, Hawaï, Papua New Guinea, and the island nations of the South Pacific. A common theme in many of the articles published has been the development of new styles of popular music by indigenous peoples and their relationships (beneficial and/or problematic) with the technologies and institutions of the twentieth century media and music industries.

The site makes accessible contents pages of all the issues of the journal, as well as reviews, online forums, links to subscribe or contribute to the journal, and contacts for the editorial board, as well as links to related sites on contemporary music.

 

Arts Victoria

"Art-Look"

http://www.arts.vic.gov.au/arts/publications/ArtLook2004.htm

Arts Victoria is the Government body charged with advising on and implementing arts policy, developing the arts and cultural industries across the State and ensuring access for all Victorians. “Art-Look” is an initiative of Arts Victoria and “provides an annual overview of highlights and trends for the arts in Victoria, and showcases the diversity, vitality and achievements of the Victorian arts sector. Art-Look covers all the arts in Victoria, both government and non-government, across art forms. It also provides a progress report on Creative Capacity and the Victorian Government's ten year policy for the arts.”

The “Art-Look” website is a subsection of the main Arts Victoria website and allows visitors to download issues of “Art-Look” from 2004 to 2006. This service is free of charge and the option is available to receive a hardcopy by contacting Arts Victoria directly.

 

Australian Research Centre of Excellence for Creative Industries and Innovation

Creative Digital Industries National Mapping Project

http://www.arc.gov.au/ncgp/ce/cultural.htm 

“The Australian Research Council (ARC) is a statutory authority within the Australian Government’s Education, Science and Training portfolio. Its mission is to advance Australia's research excellence to be globally competitive and deliver benefits to the community.” The ARC offer several funding opportunities, most notably the Discovery and Linkage programs. The Creative Digital Industries National Mapping Project has been funded through the Australian Research Council. It is the aim of this project to “develop and publish a range of accurate and timely measures of the Creative Digital Industries in Australia.” Other organisations involved in this project include the Australian Film Commission and DCITA. Details about this project can be accessed from https://wiki.cci.edu.au/display/NMP/NMP+Home.

The ARC website includes links to About ARC, National Competitive Grants Program, Information for Applicants, Media, General Information and Research Outcomes. Within these links information about funding opportunities and past research successes are available.

 

Regional Arts NSW and the Arts Northern Rivers' Cultural Festivals and Events Network

http://www.regionalartsnsw.com.au/network/nr.html

“Regional Arts NSW is the peak body for regional arts activity in NSW. Based in Sydney, it provides a range of services and represents a state-wide network of Regional Arts Boards in the key areas of advocacy, capacity building, communications and support.” Regional Arts NSW endeavours to “build positive futures for regional, rural and remote communities in New South Wales though the arts and cultural development". This is achieved through such projects as Common Ground: Profiles of cultural festivals in NSW's Northern Rivers Region and Creative Volunteering - No Limits: the Regional Arts Australia national volunteer training program.

The Regional Arts NSW website includes links to Home, About Us, Grants, Services, Projects, RA Network and Resources. Within these links, access to past project summaries are available as well as a number of publications including ebulletins and ArtReach magazine.

 

INSTITUTION BASED

Royal Childrens Hospital Melbourne (Music Therapy Department)

http://www.rch.org.au/musictherapy/research/index.cfm?doc_id=1099

The Music Therapy Department of the Melbourne Royal Childrens Hospital aims to use the experience of music to aid the patient in attaining, maintaining, or regaining optimum levels of functioning or adaptation in all areas of development. This is achieved through a range of face-to-face services, resources, and team participation. In addition to providing regular patient support, the Music Therapy Department has engaged in a range of research initiatives encompassing both clinical and academic arenas.

The Melbourne Royal Childrens Hospital, Music Therapy website includes general information about Music Therapy, an outline of the services offered, publications, research/projects, a list of staff, frequently asked questions, links and contact details. The research projects outlined on the website include: Peri-operative Music Therapy as an adjunct to analgesic drugs to address pain control and anxiety, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra Outreach Program, Haemophilia Group, Recorded Music in the Day Surgery Unit, AMTA Inc Reference Group on Acute Paediatric Health, Music Therapy For Vulnerable Infants and 'First Do No Harm': Group Music Therapy For Anorexic Adolescents.

 

University of Tasmania

http://fcms.its.utas.edu.au/educ/educ/project.asp?lProjectId=1845

Within the University of Tasmania, Education Department the Children's world-making through music: Young children's identity construction in and through music project is to be conducted. “This project addresses a significant gap in our understanding of the development of the young child and that of the role of music and song-making in the young child's identity work. The project aims to; Identify the function of invented song and music-making in young children's identity construction, Expand current knowledge of the nature and developmental trajectory of children's developing sense of self in and through music and Provide early childhood practitioners and music educators with new and vital knowledge concerning children's identity construction in and through music in order to develop curricula that are more responsive to children's developing needs and understandings.”

The online location for this project is included within the larger University of Tasmania website. As such, there are no links that further discuss the Children's world-making through music: Young children's identity construction in and through music.

 

Canberra School of Music, Australian National University

http://www.anu.edu.au/music/index.php

The Canberra School of Music is part of the Australian National University (ANU), and presents itself as “a synthesis in which performers, musician scholars, composers, researchers, teachers and the musical public meet to listen, perform, create, discuss and be energised through the wonderful world that is music.”

The research link of this site - www.anu.edu.au/music/research/index.php - gives contact details to access information on current research within the School of Music. The menu bar gives access to the School of Music information, Contacts, Resources, and the Intranet.

 

NFRAM - National Networked Facility for Research in Australian Music

http://nfram.anu.edu.au/index.shtml

The National Networked Facility for Research in Australian Music is an organisation that is part of the Australian Music Centre, from the Australian National University. It “aims to make more accessible the scattered and often hidden materials and resources related to Australian music and to build structures that will provide access to, and knowledge about, all our music-related resources.”

The website allows for research in four modes; Browse, Search, Collaborate and Communicate. The Browse platform of the site gives useful links to music-related resources, NFRAM projects & collections, online publications, and guides to information, with directories of institutions, industries, societies & associations, and people. There are menu options that allow visitors to submit research, and a communication link to subscribe to the NFRAM mailing list, leave suggestions, or join discussions in the chat room.

 

Queensland Conservatorium Research Centre, Griffith University

www.griffith.edu.au/centre/qcrc

Queensland Conservatorium Research Centre (QCRC) initiates, realises and supports music research that addresses key issues in contemporary musical realities. QCRC was established in 2003 as one of 30 innovative research centres at Griffith University, the largest provider of tertiary arts education in Australia. QCRC has three research focus areas: Artistic practice as research; Learning and teaching in the training of professional musicians; and Cultural diversity, world music and community music activities. It is also strongly committed to exploring the applications of music technology for each of these areas. Research initiatives resulting from this include Redefining Places for Art, Sound Links, Around a Rondo, and Encounters II: Asian-Pacific meetings in music.

The QCRC website includes links to Home, Research Projects, News & Events, Staff Profiles, Research Products, Partnerships, Research Students and Contact details. There are also links to other elements of Griffith University and international partners.

 

University of Melbourne – Faculty of Music

http://www.music.unimelb.edu.au/research/index.html

The Research aspect of the Faculty of Music within the University of Melbourne is Australia’s premier music research institution, and enjoys a high international research profile in all four of its main research areas: Performance, Composition, Musicology/Ethnomusicology and Music Therapy. Research initiatives of the department include "Risky Business" - a cross disciplinary investigation of creative arts as an intervention activity for young people in urban and rural Victoria and Conceiving Connections. The Australasian Music Research peer-reviewed publication is also available within the University of Melbourne from http://www.music.unimelb.edu.au/research/AMR/index.html.

The Faculty of Music, research department website includes links to Research Projects, Research Expertise, Research Centres, Faculty of Music Publications and For Research Students. Research reports of the University of Melbourne from 1995-2002 are available from http://www.research.unimelb.edu.au/research.report/. To access the relevant report, click on the year, and then music. The reports give a list of research staff, theses passed for higher degrees, theses in progress for higher degrees, research in progress, and published work. The lists give the researcher’s name and the topic. There is a menu bar that gives access to Contacting People, an A-Z directory, and About Us.

 

University of Sydney - Sydney Conservatorium of Music (SCM)

http://www.music.usyd.edu.au/research/index.shtml

The Sydney Conservatorium of Music conducts research in areas of western musicology, ethnomusicology, music education and experimental research in music performance and production. In addition, SCM is host to two research centres: PARADISEC and ACARMP. The Pacific and Regional Archive for Digital sources in Endangered Cultures (PARADISEC) is a cross-institutional, cross-faculty interdisciplinary facility established in 2003 by the University of Sydney (SCM and Faculty of Arts) in partnership with the University of Melbourne and the Australian National University. Since this time, PARADISEC has emerged as a national and international leader in the digital archiving and management of cultural resources. The Australian Centre for Applied Research into Music Performance (ACARMP) is a recent initiative of the Sydney Conservatorium and aims to become a major national and international focal point for research and innovation in a diversity of areas supporting the pursuit of excellence in music performance.

The website does not expand on information within these areas of research, but gives an overview of the PARADISEC and ACARMP as well as outlining other projects undertaken within the Sydney Conservatorium of Music.

 

University of Western Australia (UWA)

http://www.music.uwa.edu.au/

 The music school at the University of Western Australia is actively involved in research and creative work in the areas of Musicology, Music Education, Composition, and Performance. Project titles include ‘Preserving Australia’s Sound Heritage,’ ‘The French Baroque Music Project: From Scholarship to Performance’, ‘National Review of School Music Education’, ‘ARC Linkage Project: Misperception in Maths & Music Education,’ and ‘The Biomechanics of Cello Bowing.’ In addition, the University of Western Australia hosts the Callaway International Resource Centre for Music Education (CIRCME). The Callaway Centre is an international centre for music education resources and research and can be accessed from http://www.callaway.uwa.edu.au/collections.

The UWA music school site has in-dept descriptions of each project, but no links to the actual research papers. There is a menu with links to the rest of the UWA Music School, and also a search engine to the University of Western Australia website.

 

University of South Australia

http://www.unisa.edu.au/art/default.asp

Within the School of Art at the University of South Australia, the Spaces for the soul: the role of art in the creation of sustainable built environments project has been developed. This research project takes the form of a creative, reflective and analytic investigation – through theory and practice – into the role of the artist in enabling ‘sustainable’ urban environments.

The School of Art website includes links to About UniSA, Study at UniSA, Research, Business & community and Resources for staff. The search tool on the menu bar also allows for comprehensive searching throughout the entire university webpage.

 

University of New South Wales

www.phys.unsw.edu.au/jw/research.html

The Music Science research department of the University of New South Wales conducts research in music science involving physicists, engineers and musicians working in collaboration. This department offers a number of projects and scholarships available to students within the University. The research areas focused on by this department include: The player-instrument interaction in wind instruments, The acoustics of the didjeridu, The acoustics of brass instruments, Coding and perception of auditory information, The acoustics of the flute, The acoustics of reed instruments, Acoustics of string instruments, Speech, singing and the acoustics of the vocal tract, Percussion, Optimising transfer function measurements and A system for the measurement and assessment of musical sounds.

The research department website includes links to Research Areas, Collaboration with the School of Music and Music Education, Student Projects, Scholarships and part-time work, Visiting Researchers, Jobs: What happens to students from this lab? and links to various publications.

 

 

MUSIC EDUCATION ORGANISATIONS

Australian Society for Music Education (ASME)

http://www.asme.edu.au

ASME aims to support “the right of every person to a musical education, promote quality music education, assist music educators to develop and extend their professional awareness of the whole spectrum of music education at a local, national and international level, maintain and develop the status of music, provide a forum for the exchange of ideas, encourage Australian music and composers, and develop teaching methods relevant to Australian students in all contexts.” These are implemented through publications of journals and newsletters, organising conferences, lectures, seminars and workshops, and co-operating with all music organisations.

This site gives a list of publications of articles in the Australian Journal of Music Education. The full articles may be purchased by printing and sending the order form available via a link in this site. The site has not been updated since 1998. The menu gives access to contact details of the National Executive, ASME Chapters, ASME Membership, ASME Conferences, BAMER, and CIRCME.

 

The ‘Bibliography of Australian Music Education Research’ Project (BAMER)

http://www.deakin.edu.au/education/music-ed/bamer/

Funded by the Faculty of Education at Deakin University, BAMER is a collaboration with ASME (Australian Society for Music Education), that aims to document music education research in a way that is of practical assistance to researchers. This bibliography can never be complete, as there are not only research studies being undertaken which have not yet been identified but, by the time of publication, some of the 'in progress' studies will have been completed.

The home page of the site has links to General Information on BAMER, ‘Completed’ Research Studies, ‘In-progress’ Research Studies, and Electronic Submission of Research Theses Information for Inclusion in the BAMER Database. The research studies are listed in alphabetical order by surname, but it is possible to search for topics and keywords in titles also. Though primarily a bibliography of research theses, it may be possible to find the full documents, as the names of the universities where they were undertaken is included. The site also includes links to other music education sites.

  

The Research Studies in Music Education Journal (RSME)

http://www.sagepub.co.uk/journalsProdDesc.nav?prodId=Journal201863

The Research Studies in Music Education journal is a fully-refereed journal, “an important publication in music education research internationally.” Published twice yearly, the journal promotes and reports the outcomes of high quality research, and encourages the understanding and development of diverse research methodologies and their application to music education. RSME aims to provide clear and articulate accounts of research which impact upon the practice and understanding of music education around the world. The journal covers a wide range of topics across all aspects of music education including research reports that address the theory and practice of music education, the philosophy, psychology, and/or the sociology of music education, research methods, and interdisciplinary research in music education. Research Studies in Music Education can be accessed through annual subscription or through the purchase of individual copies. Subscribers can choose either print or online formats, or both.

The RSME webpage is a part of the SAGE Publications website and includes links to View Full-Text, Subscribe Now, Content Alerts and Sample Issue. The editorials and abstracts for all past issues are available on the RSME webpage. A free sample of RSME is available online and there are also links to browse back issues, information on pricing, order, rights and permissions, and information on the journal.

 

MUSIC INDUSTRY

Australian Music Association (AMA)

http://www.australianmusic.asn.au/

The Australian Music Association is the trade body for the music products industry, and as such, commissions or participates in unique research into music in Australia. It aims to help its members build their businesses proactively and profitably, representing “wholesalers, manufacturers, retailers and associated services for musical instruments, pro audio, print music, lighting and computer music products”.

The AMA website attracts more than 7,000 unique visitors a week. It provides industry statistics, the results of market research, a search facility for 'find a product' and 'find a retailer', general information of relevance to the music products industry, Australian Musician articles and features, and a secured members only page which accesses industry statistics and other member benefits.

 

Australian Recording Industry Association Ltd. (ARIA)

www.aria.com.au/

“The Australian Record Industry Association (ARIA) is a national industry association proactively representing the interests of its members. It is a focus for industry opinion and a compiler of industry information and views.” ARIA also collect statistical information and compile numerous ARIA charts with data provided by over 1,100 retailers.

This website supplies current information on the local Australian music scene. Its menu includes About, Charts, Awards, Industry, News, Classification, Members and Licensing. ARIA members range from major record labels to small independents - ARIA works to protect their interests, acts as an industry advocate, compiles the weekly ARIA charts, and promotes initiatives to support local music.

 

Clatterbox

www.clatterbox.net.au

Clatterbox profiles Australian Experimental Instruments. “It seeks to document and promote the work of experimental instrument builders, and in so doing extending the general public awareness of experimental instrument building in Australia.”

The website’s menu includes People, Instruments, Features, Mediabox, Resources, International, Contribute, About, and Home. The page gives titles and excerpts of documents, with links to the full articles. There are opportunities to contact Clatterbox, and search within each menu item for desired items.

 

Qmusic

www.qmusic.com.au

Q Music is Queensland’s peak body for the contemporary Music Industry. “Q Music develops, services, and represents all sectors of the Queensland contemporary music industry on national and international levels. Situated in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley, the heart of new Australian independent business models and Queensland’s entertainment industry, Q Music provides a base from which music industry workers from all sectors and regions can establish networks, create partnerships and share the information that will drive the next generation of Australian music.”

Q Music has a library of books, periodicals, videos and other resources relevant to the music industry, which are available for use by Q Music Members. This site gives links to a list of all the resources held at Q Music, in the categories of Music Industry Books, Handbooks and Guides, Journals and Reports, Academic Articles, General Business Resources, and Videos. The menu bar also gives access to Services, Programs and Events, In Your Region, Music Industry News, Calendar, Membership, About Us, Fees and Payments, and Contact.

 

themusic

www.themusic.com.au

“themusic.com.au is the ultimate Australian Music Business Portal with news, resources and links for Australian music, artists and all aspects of the Australian music industry. It contains extensive links to Australian recording and performing artists, all types of music businesses, music media and radio, recording studios and producers, touring contacts & facilities, music production, record labels and distribution, venues, professional services and much more.” It also has the latest news within the Music Industry, with a link to subscribe to the newsletter.

This easy-to-navigate site has links including How to do the Music Biz, Music Media Newsstand, In Music & Media and About themusic.com.au which includes email addresses for those that run the website.

 

Arts Access Australia

http://www.artsaccessaustralia.org/

 “Arts Access Australia is the national peak body of State and Territory arts and disability organizations working to increase access and participation in the arts for the one in five Australians with a disability.” The current areas of work include Audience Development, International, Making The Journey publication, Regional Development and Policy and Advice. The Disability access and audience development program is one such initiative that has grown from these areas.

The Arts Access Australia website includes links to About, News, Members, Resources, Contact, Search and Home. Within each of these headings, links to articles and other publications are available.

 

International Music Council

http://www.unesco.org/imc/

“The International Music Council (IMC) is a global network of expert organisations and individuals working in the field of music. Founded in 1949 by UNESCO, IMC is mandated to promote musical diversity and support cultural rights for all.” The Protection and Promotion of Musical Diversity is one initiative that is resultant of the Councils ideals. This project can be accessed from www.unesco.org/imc/programmes/imc_diversity_report.pdf.

The International Music Council website includes links to Home, About, News, Members, Programmes and Sponsorship. Within each of these headings, links to other sources are available including policies, aims and history of the International Music Council.