The pilot study will analyse what determines the relationship between music and
cultural identity. The hypothesis is that, historically, certain folk- inspired classical and traditional music have strong nationalist associations. On the other hand, other musical styles were regarded as international or ‘alien’ and much ‘commercial’
rock and popular music is perceived as more international / global. Research will analyse the determining factors of nationalist / international expression through musical forms, their inter-generational evolution, and provide input to the development of EU cultural and educational policy.

This study is innovative, designed to explore cross— generational and cross- cultural links between music and national, ethnic, regional and European identities. It aims to link types of music and these different levels of identity.

Will there be a music / singing event?

A special musical event will be planned in several localities, coordinated with the local ministries of culture, specialist music schools and representatives of the local professional or amateur music groups/orchestras, to which all the interviewed families and local population will be invited. Depending on the locality, musical groups will perform a concert, including songs shared by the communities.

Which regions are involved?

In geographical terms the project shall be limited to the
following regions:

The Baltic Region: Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia
Eastern Europe: Poland, Belarus, Ukraine
Central Europe: Germany
The Carpathian Basin: Western Ukraine, Slovakia, Hungary

How will the data analysis & focus groups work?

Collected data will be analysed by Oxford XXI and Music Mind Spirit Trust specialists. Data from quantitative and qualitative surveys will be consolidated for further analysis. Links with other European surveys may be also considered. On the
basis of the analysis of the results of the 3G music questionnaire, focus group discussions will be conducted with three generations by the local music school students concerning the link between favourite music and people’s identities. Focus groups will be led by trained students of local Conservatoires.

Are the aims practical or theoretical?

The aims are theoretical, in that conventional concepts and approaches are tested. They are also practical, since a major deliverable will consist of policy recommendations and suggestions. The project is methodologically innovative, in that an appropriate tool kit will be developed.

How will policy recommendations and dissemination be developed?

Results of the analysis will be presented in discussion, with analytical papers and
project reports. Policy recommendations will be provided to the local education, culture authorities, NGO’s, and presentation of the results will be at the European Cultural Parliament, Council of Europe, and mass media.

What is the next step?

A presentation will be made to the European Cultural Parliament, Council of Europe, European Youth Foundation, European NGOs European media. Additional funding is required to stage music/singing events in participating and non-participating countries of Eastern Europe. This will contribute to furthering the educational/cultural impact of the project.

How can I find out more?

For more information, please contact Dr. Lyudmila Nurse, Team Leader, or Professor Paul Robertson, Member of the European Cultural Parliament and the Project Advisory Board. You can do this by emailing: info@oxford-xxi.org or by calling +44-1844-21 88 36.

Who are partnering Oxford XXI?

Music Mind Spirit is a Charitable Trust dedicated to the betterment of humanity and the fostering of cultural and social citizenship within medicine, education and business through the better use and appreciation of music and the arts.

The SongTrees project was developed by Dr Chika Robertson as a Music Mind Spirit Trust project aimed to help children gain insight into their cultural identity through sharing musical memories with their parents, grandparents and friends. It created a
valuable archive for musical /medical research. It set out to discover what kinds of music people from different generations remember and what associations it has.

Professor Robertson, founding director of the Music Mind Spirit Trust, writes: ‘We can now begin to appreciate how musical forms and structures precisely mirror the underlying neurological forms and physiological structures that create them…. By mapping the structures of the Musical brain we are revealing the maps of both Personal Identity and the Implicit Laws of Social Relationship.'

Oxford XXI

The Old Coach House
Southern Road, Thame,
Oxfordshire OX9 2ED
England
Tel: +44 (0)1844 21 88 36
Email: info@oxford-xxi.org
Web: www.oxford-xxi.org

in association with Music Mind Spirit Trust

CULTURAL IDENTITY AND MUSIC PILOT STUDY
a component of ENRI-East Interplay of European, National and Regional Identities: nations between states along the new eastern borders of the European Union

FP7- SSH-2007-1-5.2.1: Histories and Identities-articulating national and European Identities- Project No 217227

www.oxford-xxi.org