The Iranian Ethnomusicology Network, in collaboration with Sonic Tehran, established the Fieldwork Talk Series as a space for discussing the practical realities of ethnographic research. The series invites researchers and students with fieldwork experience to share challenges, reflections, and methodological questions arising from their research, including issues related to economic limitations, gender, nationality, religion, access, and other aspects of positionality and fieldwork practice.
The series is intentionally open and flexible. Presentations do not need to follow the conventional twenty-minute conference format, use PowerPoint, or be heavily theoretical. Short accounts of fieldwork experiences and challenges are equally welcome. A central aim is to create space not only for experienced scholars, but also for students and early-career researchers, including those conducting fieldwork for the first time.
1. Ethical Challenges and Exclusivity in Fieldwork in Eastern Khorasan
Date: September 18, 2024
Time: 7:30 PM Tehran time
Format: Online
In collaboration with: Sonic Tehran
Speakers
Taiss Ghayrati
PhD student in Ethnomusicology at the University of British Columbia; MA in Ethnomusicology from the University of Art in Tehran; BA in Iranian Music Performance from the University of Tehran.
Presentation:
Ethical Challenges in Fieldwork with Women Singers in Eastern Khorasan, Iran
Arman Najjar
MA student in Ethnomusicology at the University of Art in Tehran.
Presentation:
Exclusivity in Fieldwork Research on the Music of Eastern Khorasan
Description
The first session brought together two researchers examining different challenges of conducting ethnographic research in eastern Khorasan. Taiss Ghayrati discussed ethical issues arising in fieldwork with women singers, while Arman Najjar addressed exclusivity and gatekeeping in research on regional musical traditions. Together, the presentations focused on ethical, interpersonal, and access-related dimensions of fieldwork.
2. Fieldwork Challenges in Persian Rap
Date: October 16, 2024
Time: 7:30 PM Tehran time
Format: Online
In collaboration with: Sonic Tehran
Speaker: Hossein Feilizadeh
MA graduate in Ethnomusicology from the University of Tehran.
Presentation:
Fieldwork Challenges in Persian Rap
Description
In this session, Hossein Feilizadeh discussed the challenges of conducting ethnographic research in the rapidly changing environment of Persian rap. He considered the significant differences between researching rap and other popular music scenes in Iran and emphasized the importance of adapting and personalizing fieldwork methods to the specific conditions of the genre. Particular attention was given to the rapid transformations occurring among musicians, audiences, and media.
3. Fieldwork Challenges in Central Mazandaran
Date: November 13, 2024
Time: 7:30 PM Tehran time
Format: Online
In collaboration with: Sonic Tehran
Speaker: Solmaz Bazazi
Graduate in Iranian Music Performance from the University of Guilan, specializing in kamancheh; MA student in Ethnomusicology at the University of Art in Tehran.
Presentation:
Fieldwork Challenges in Central Mazandaran
Description
Solmaz Bazazi discussed challenges encountered while conducting fieldwork in central Mazandaran, particularly in the region extending from the Tajan River to the Haraz River. Her presentation focused on difficulties in accessing sources and establishing relationships with knowledgeable interlocutors. These challenges occurred not only within governmental institutions, but also among local musicians and researchers.
Call for Participation
Following the initial sessions, IEN invited researchers and students with fieldwork experience to participate in future panels. Contributions could address any aspect of fieldwork practice, including challenges connected to economic circumstances, gender identity, nationality, religious affiliation, access, or other dimensions of the research process.
The series particularly encourages students and early-career researchers to contribute, including those who may have only recently begun conducting fieldwork. Presentations may vary in length and format and do not need to resemble conventional conference papers. The emphasis is on sharing experiences, raising questions, and creating discussion around fieldwork as a central method in ethnomusicology and related humanities and social-science disciplines.