Contemporary Music Review

Scope & Guideline

Navigating the Vibrant World of Current Music Practices

Introduction

Welcome to the Contemporary Music Review information hub, where our guidelines provide a wealth of knowledge about the journal’s focus and academic contributions. This page includes an extensive look at the aims and scope of Contemporary Music Review, highlighting trending and emerging areas of study. We also examine declining topics to offer insight into academic interest shifts. Our curated list of highly cited topics and recent publications is part of our effort to guide scholars, using these guidelines to stay ahead in their research endeavors.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN0749-4467
PublisherROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTD
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited Kingdom
TypeJournal
Converge1984, from 1987 to 1989, from 1991 to 2024
AbbreviationCONTEMP MUSIC REV / Contemp. Music Rev.
Frequency6 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
Address2-4 PARK SQUARE, MILTON PARK, ABINGDON OX14 4RN, OXON, ENGLAND

Aims and Scopes

The Contemporary Music Review aims to explore the multifaceted landscape of contemporary music through diverse lenses, methods, and cultural contexts. It focuses on innovative compositions, performance practices, and the evolving relationships between music, technology, and society.
  1. Exploration of New Compositions and Techniques:
    The journal emphasizes the analysis and discussion of contemporary compositions, including new methods of composing, particularly in non-Western contexts such as Indonesian music. This reflects a commitment to understanding how cultural specificities influence musical practices.
  2. Interdisciplinary Approaches to Music:
    Contemporary Music Review often intersects music with other disciplines such as visual arts, performance studies, and cultural theory. This interdisciplinary focus allows for a richer understanding of music's role in various societal and artistic frameworks.
  3. Focus on Performance and Listening Practices:
    The journal examines diverse performance practices and listening experiences, investigating how these aspects contribute to the interpretation and understanding of contemporary music, including issues of embodiment and the politics of listening.
  4. Cultural and Historical Contextualization:
    There is a consistent focus on situating contemporary music within broader historical and cultural narratives, including the influences of globalization, identity politics, and technological advancements on music creation and reception.
  5. Engagement with Social Issues:
    The journal includes research that addresses social and political issues through the lens of music, exploring themes such as feminism, race, and community engagement within contemporary musical practices.
The Contemporary Music Review is witnessing the emergence of several exciting themes that reflect current trends in the music world. These themes highlight the journal's responsiveness to contemporary issues and innovations in musical practice.
  1. Intersections of Music and Technology:
    Recent publications increasingly explore the impact of technology on music creation and performance, including the use of electronic instruments, software, and digital platforms. This trend is crucial as it reflects the ongoing evolution of music in a digital age.
  2. Global Perspectives on Music:
    There is a growing interest in music from diverse cultural backgrounds, particularly from non-Western contexts. This includes a focus on Indonesian music and the dynamics of local music scenes, indicating a shift towards a more globalized understanding of contemporary music.
  3. Social and Political Engagement through Music:
    Emerging themes related to social justice, identity politics, and community engagement are increasingly prominent. This trend highlights the role of music as a medium for activism and cultural expression in response to global challenges.
  4. Exploration of New Performance Practices:
    The journal is seeing a rise in discussions surrounding innovative performance practices, including improvisation and site-specific performances. These practices challenge traditional notions of concert settings and audience interactions.
  5. Feminist and Gender Studies in Music:
    There is an increasing body of work addressing gender dynamics in music, particularly through feminist lenses. This trend is significant as it explores representation and the role of women in contemporary music composition and performance.

Declining or Waning

While the Contemporary Music Review continues to thrive in various areas, certain themes appear to be waning in prominence. This decline may reflect shifts in academic focus or changing cultural contexts.
  1. Traditional Western Classical Music:
    Research focusing on traditional Western classical music compositions and practices has become less frequent, suggesting a shift towards more avant-garde and diverse musical forms that reflect contemporary realities.
  2. Purely Historical Music Analysis:
    There is a noticeable decrease in papers dedicated solely to historical analysis without contemporary relevance. This indicates a preference for studies that connect historical practices to current musical trends and social issues.
  3. Conventional Music Theory:
    Conventional approaches to music theory, particularly those that do not engage with contemporary practices or innovations, seem to be declining. This reflects a broader trend towards more flexible, inclusive, and applied theoretical frameworks.

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