At the Crossroads of Music and Social Justice

An insightful critique of ethnomusicologythat challenges its colonialist roots and the resulting inequalities and exclusionary practices. At the Crossroads of Music and Social Justice provides multiple paths to restructuring the discipline around the ideologies of social justice. In the process, the 'new norm' embraces difference—the ideas, opinions, approaches, and priorities of historically  marginalized groups. This book turns the discipline on its head with the goal of encouraging ethnomusicologists to engage in self-reflection on how we research, teach and practice ethnomusicology. At the Crossroads of Music and Social Justice is an ideal companion for monographs on the history of the field.

-- Portia K. Maultsby, coeditor of Issues in African American Music: Power, Gender, Race, Representation and African American Music: An Introduction, 2nd ed.

The book's emphasis on a justice-oriented ethnomusicology offers hope. Gathering what could be called testimonio-like narratives by established scholars, the editors work to reimagine the field as one that is justice-oriented and in the process take the pulse of this exciting and necessary discipline. The editors have culled the work of authors to present the pedagogical implications as well as the practice of a social justice approach to the study of music and to performance. They are spot on in grouping the chapters around four main themes: Truth Telling and Listening Lovingly, Radical Inclusivity, Coalition Building, and Direct Action. The contributors' voices build a coherent picture through intriguing explorations of the field and offer new directions toward a justice-oriented ethnomusicology.  

-- Norma E. Cantú, Trinity Univer