Aim
This survey collects information about the levels of strength and viability of music genres (sometimes called music traditions) across the world. It aims to test out the survey itself, and also to help build a picture of the strength of the music genres represented.
Background
The survey is part of a postdoctoral research project at the University of Newcastle (Australia), called "Vital Signs: Assessing Music Vitality and Endangerment". It is modelled on a language vitality survey by UNESCO. The concept is developed and presented in depth in my book
Music Endangerment: How Language Maintenance Can Help.
Who can do the survey
If you know something about how a specific music genre works within its social or cultural context, you are encouraged to take the survey. For example, you might be a musician, community member, fieldworker, or researcher. The music genre you choose to answer the survey about may be 'traditional' or contemporary, endangered or strong, part of a performance tradition (dance, theatre) or not.
If you can, please consider completing the survey about different genres. Please feel free to share the survey widely.
Doing the survey
This survey should take about 20 minutes to do. If you would prefer to complete your responses on paper, please contact the researcher (contact details below) for a hardcopy. These can be returned by post or email.
Your involvement
Your participation in this survey is fully voluntary. You can stop doing the survey any time by closing down your internet browser. There are no particular risks or benefits to you from doing the survey. You will help advance knowledge about music vitality and endangerment generally, as well as the particular genre you answer the survey about. I would be very grateful if you would take part.
Your details
At the end of the survey you will be invited to provide your name and contact details. You can choose whether to remain anonymous or to be acknowledged for your contribution in the research outcomes. If you would like to be acknowledged, you will be given the opportunity to check over any information you have provided, before it is made public.
Storage of results
All data will be securely stored for a minimum of five years on the researcher's university computer, with a back-up on the researcher's personal computer. Computer access to all data will be restricted by password. Completed surveys returned in hardcopy will be kept securely until the responses are transferred to digital format. Then they will be destroyed.
Accessing the results
A summary of results of this research will be available on the project website,
www.musicendangerment.com, from late 2014. This website will include an interactive map profiling all music genres for which responses have been received. You may also contact the researcher any time for more information about the results.
For more information
University of Newcastle conducts research in accordance with the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research. If you have any concerns about the ethical conduct of this project, contact the Manager, Research Ethics on +61 2 4985 4269 or human-ethics@newcastle.edu.au (and quote project H-2014-0149).
If you have any questions at any time about this research or your involvement, please contact the researcher.Researcher
Dr Catherine Grant, PhD
School of Creative Arts, University of Newcastle (UoN)
The Conservatorium, Cnr Laman and Auckland Streets
Newcastle NSW 2300, Australia
T: +61 2 4921 5838
E: catherine.grant@newcastle.edu.au
By continuing to the next page of this survey, you agree to the above.
