South Korean Percussion Professor's Book Recognized by ASCAP
Katherine In-Young Lee, an associate professor of ethnomusicology, has been recognised for her significant contributions to the field. Her research on the role of music at scenes of protest during South Korea's democratization movement has garnered attention from various academic societies.
The UCLA Newsroom announced the recognition of Lee's research, which focuses on the intersection of music and political events in South Korea. This research was acknowledged with a Charles Seeger Prize from the Society for Ethnomusicology. The award, established in 1967, is given to scholars who have made outstanding contributions to ethnomusicology.
In addition to the Charles Seeger Prize, Lee's work has also been recognised with a Martin Hatch Award from the Society for Asian Music. The Martin Hatch Award is an honour bestowed by the Society for Asian Music to individuals who have made significant contributions to the understanding of Asian music.
Lee's book, titled "Dynamic Korea and Rhythmic Form," holds significant importance in ethnomusicology. The book explores the globalization of samul nori, a percussion genre from South Korea, offering new insights into Korean musical forms and their cultural contexts. Through detailed rhythmic analysis and cultural interpretation, the book enriches our understanding of Korean ethnomusicology.
Lee's research interests extend beyond Korean music to include East Asia, music and politics, sound studies, historiography, and ethnography. Her work centres on the dynamic relationship between music, culture, and identity in Korea, examining how music reflects social and cultural rhythms and informs Korean cultural expression.
Within her book, Lee contends that rhythm-based forms serve as a critical site for cross-cultural musical encounters. This perspective is reflective of her broader research interests, which seek to understand the role of music in shaping cultural narratives and social movements.
The ASCAP Foundation Deems Taylor/Virgil Thomson Awards program also recognises books, articles, and recording liner notes on the subject of music. In 2014, the award was renamed to also honour Virgil Thomson, a leading American composer and critic of the 20th century, and a former member of the ASCAP board of directors.
Lee's work continues to shape the understanding of Korean music and its role in political and social contexts. As her research is further explored and discussed, it is expected that her contributions will continue to enrich the field of ethnomusicology.
Katherine In-Young Lee's book, "Dynamic Korea and Rhythmic Form," serves as a valuable resource in the field of education-and-self-development, offering insights into the globalization of music and its cultural contexts, particularly samul nori. Additionally, her research interests in music and politics, sound studies, and ethnography extend beyond entertainment, contributing significantly to the learning of Asian music and its role in shaping cultural narratives and social movements.
