SEM Sound Studies Workshop 2026

Dear all,

The SEM Sound Studies Section will host a workshop, Locating Sound Studies, led by Amy Skjerseth, an assistant professor of popular music at the University of California, Riverside. The workshop will take place from 8 to 9 p.m. in Oak during the SEM 2026 conference in Bloomington, Indiana. Here is Amy’s workshop description:

“What is the relationship of sound studies to ethnomusicology, and music studies more broadly: is it a field, a method, a set of overlapping fields and methods? How does sound studies fit into ethnomusicology departments and curricula? into music departments and otherwise? into our institutions as a whole? What does sounds studies currently look and sound like as research, in practice, in our classrooms, and in our communities? This workshop asks participants to ponder these questions first in small groups, which each will assemble a short syllabus or reading list, and then brainstorm what reading groups and research seminars in sound studies might look like on each participant's campus/community. How do we deal with the ways in which interdisciplinary is mandated, yet often falls short of that mandate, in institutions? How can we do truly interdisciplinary research and practice in sound and music studies? To this end, Jonathan Sterne once said that “to do interdisciplinary work, you need to know in depth the field from which you are speaking”; by way of answers, we will ask what ethnomusicology brings to sound studies, and vice versa. We welcome participants with a wide range of investments, backgrounds, and more”

This will be a warm and engaging session. In the first part, participants will work in small groups to discuss and develop potential syllabi and reading lists. In the second part, the discussion will continue as a larger group. Participants are encouraged to bring their top 5 to 10 readings or viewing materials in sound studies and be prepared to share how they would teach or engage with these resources.

We look forward to seeing you in November!

SEM Sound Studies Section Executive Committee