Ethnomusicologists believe that all humans; not just those we call musicians; are musical; and that musicality is one of the essential touchstones of the human experience. This insight raises big questions about the nature of music and the nature of humankind; and ethnomusicologists argue that to properly address these questions; we must study music in all its geographical and historical diversity.In this Very Short Introduction; one of the foremost ethnomusicologists; Timothy Rice; offers a compact and illuminating account of this growing discipline; showing how modern researchers go about studying music from around the world; looking for insights into both music and humanity. The reader discovers that ethnomusicologists today not only examine traditional forms of music-such as Japanese gagaku; Bulgarian folk music; Javanese gamelan; or Native American drumming and singing-but also explore more contemporary musical forms; from rap and reggae to Tex-Mex; Serbian turbofolk; and even the piped-in music at the Mall of America. To investigate these diverse musical forms; Rice shows; ethnomusicologists typically live in a community; participate in and observe and record musical events; interview the musicians; their patrons; and the audience; and learn to sing; play; and dance. Its important to establish rapport with musicians and community members; and obtain the permission of those they will work with closely over the course of many months and years. We see how the researcher analyzes the data to understand how a particular musical tradition works; what is distinctive about it; and how it bears the personal; social; and cultural meanings attributed to it. Rice also discusses how researchers may apply theories from anthropology and other social sciences; to shed further light on the nature of music as a human behavior and cultural practice.About the Series:Oxfords Very Short Introductions series offers concise and original introductions to a wide range of subjects--from Islam to Sociology; Politics to Classics; Literary Theory to History; and Archaeology to the Bible. Not simply a textbook of definitions; each volume in this series provides trenchant and provocative--yet always balanced and complete--discussions of the central issues in a given discipline or field. Every Very Short Introduction gives a readable evolution of the subject in question; demonstrating how the subject has developed and how it has influenced society. Eventually; the series will encompass every major academic discipline; offering all students an accessible and abundant reference library. Whatever the area of study that one deems important or appealing; whatever the topic that fascinates the general reader; the Very Short Introductions series has a handy and affordable guide that will likely prove indispensable.
#3105747 in eBooks 2007-12-06 2007-12-06File Name: B00ID4ZK6Y
Review
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Not so educational...By DessI received this kindle book on my android kindle reader app. It opened without issue and was formatted fine.First; let me say; this is not an in depth book. While the photos are great and relevant; one or two sentences which introduce new words and weather principles left us hanging. For example ndash; ldquo;A water spout is an intense columnar vortexrdquo; ndash; wait. What is a columnar vortex? What causes a water spout? What is affected by a water spout? How long do they last? These were actual questions from my kiddo.Most of the weather events discussed in this book are common knowledge; with a little bit of lengthy sciency words thrown in. Do I need a book to explain what an ice storm is? No. But Irsquo;d sure like one to explain the science behind how they happen; where; how frequently; what happens to places they hithellip;This may be good for a much younger child; if it werenrsquo;t for the super long words without explanations.I received this book for free in exchange for my honest review. I only review items I have used; and I assure you my review is unbiased and based on the quality of the product I received. My goal is to provide as much honest and helpful information as possible to help you make an informed purchase. As someone who shops primarily online; I understand the importance of thorough and accurate reviews. I hope my review has helped you.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Our son loves itBy RAMEOur son loves to read. And he will read anything. He is in 1st grade; but is reading at a higher level. If you give him a book; he is happy and content to just sit in his room and read the whole book. And he just doesnt read his books once. He reads them over and over.He had a fun time reading this book. There is so much information in the book that he is now asking for more. He loves reading the facts and information first; then going back to look at all the pictures. Once he starts reading; he just wants to keep reading. The information and pictures are very accurate and detailed that he can sit for hours just looking at the pictures and noticing different things each time. I look forward to more books from the author so that I can get them for him.I received this e-book at a discount to read and give an honest review. My 7 year old son and I like to read all kinds of books. Physical and e-books. If my son likes the book; then I ask him what he liked about it. He will always tell me what he didnrsquo;t like about the book. Some books he mostly reads without looking at the pictures but if the pictures can keep his attention; he will spend a lot of time looking at them. He is very easily distracted; and if the book doesnrsquo;t interest him; then I know that he doesnrsquo;t like the book. We try to give a complete and 100% accurate review of the books we read. All of the information is based on our opinion alone. We donrsquo;t look at what other people say because everyone has their own opinion. If you find our reviews helpful; click Yes. If you find something wrong; please let us know so that we can correct our review. I hope our review was helpful with making your choice easier.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. Extremem Weather Systems another great book by Speedy Publishing and Baby Professor.By NMamzlverExtreme Weather Systems: 3rd Grade Geography Series. Extreme weather is defined as unusual; severe or unseasonal weather. A thunderstorm is characterized by the presence of lightning and its acoustic effect on the Earths atmosphere known as thunder. Tornadoes or twisters is a rapidly spinning tube of air that touches both the ground and a cloud above. A waterspout is an intense column of water that occurs above a body of water. Hurricanes are the most dangerous natural hazards to people. Hurricanes usually form in the tropics of the world. Blizzards are produced by snow and large volumes of wind. HIgh winds produce unusually cold temperatures called wind chill. Ice storms are characterized by rain that falls and freezes as it hits the ground or trees; power lines; roofs etc... Its a storm that is formed by freezing rain. A heat wave is a prolonged period of excessively hot weather. Extreme heat can cause; cramps; sweating and fainting.My grandson is in 3rd grade and this book would be awesome for him. I believe this book should be a part of his extensive library. Something that should be a great read for him. He reads way above his age as he grows so does his knowledge of the world as did his mother at his age. Reading invokes imagination; knowledge from a foundational status. Reading makes the brain work where television arrests the brain function by not making any one think. I so do love these books for children and adults; making us think about what we can do and what might be if we open our minds.****I am grateful to have received this product at a discounted or free rate in exchange for a honest; fair; unbiased and non-compensated review. If you feel that this review has assisted you in making your decision about this product or your shopping needs. Please press ldquo;yesrdquo; button indicating this review was helpful. This helps the sellers; as well as myself maintain a great relationship and the ability to be able to continue to give you the shopper a great relationship with the seller; if there is one.****
