Music History as Labor History
Rethinking "Work" in Musicology
Abstract
This article proposes that music history instructors consider revising their courses to include information about the many forms of labor involved in music-making. After sketching an account of the issues at stake for musicians, I present a brief exploration of labor as it relates to my own research and teaching, and a discussion of ways we can incorporate these ideas into our curricula. I address some of the major labor-related elements that may inform students' understanding (for example, exploitation and the market) and discuss selected theories of labor. The article also provides specific examples of assignments and other pedagogical tools that may help instructors who want to adopt this approach in their courses.
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