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Music research themes

Research themes and artistic practice

Our research is as dynamic and varied as music itself. We explore everything from the traditional music of the Scottish borders to the latest electronic beats, and from the politics of popular music to the role of sound in society.

We take a multidisciplinary approach, blending traditional scholarship with creative practice. Our work connects music with fields like history, technology, sociology, and cultural studies to ask new questions and find fresh perspectives.

Our research can be categorised into three areas of study: performance, composition and musicology. Within these areas, our research is organised around 5 key themes:

  • Creative practices
  • Historical and cultural musicologies
  • Places and identities
  • Socially-engaged music in theory and practice
  • Voices and vocalities

Our work reflects our commitment to understanding music’s role in both historical and contemporary contexts, from the local communities of North East England to global digital cultures.

Our research themes 

Explore Music research