The Musicological Society of Australia Inc

The Musicological Society of Australia (MSA) is the leading organisation dedicated to the research and study of music in Australia. Established to promote musicological inquiry, the society provides a key forum for scholars, researchers, and enthusiasts interested in all aspects of music research, including ethnomusicology and musicology.[1]

Mission and Activities

The MSA's primary charitable purpose is to advance the study and research of music within Australia. It achieves this through various activities, such as organizing an annual national conference that brings together members and experts to share research and foster dialogue in the field of musicology.[4]

Membership and Community

Membership in the MSA is open to individuals worldwide who have an interest in music research. Members receive a subscription to Musicology Australia, the society’s peer-reviewed scholarly journal published by Taylor & Francis. The journal, established in 1963, publishes articles spanning a broad range of musicological topics, distinguishing itself with a strong focus on ethnomusicology alongside traditional musicology.[1]

The society also supports an online community platform, the MSA Forum hosted on Humanities Commons, facilitating communication and networking among members. This unmoderated forum allows members to post announcements and engage in discussions related to musicological research.[1]

Publications

Musicology Australia serves as the flagship publication of the MSA. Since its inception, it has been a significant outlet for original music research, featuring scholarly articles that contribute to academic knowledge and discourse in musicology. The journal is accessible to members via the society’s website.[1]

Conferences

The MSA organizes an annual national conference, which is a major event for music researchers in Australia. This conference allows members and attendees to present their research, exchange ideas, and engage with the wider musicological community in a collaborative environment. The 47th National Conference was scheduled for November 2024 and held online.[1][4]

Cultural and Educational Impact

The Musicological Society of Australia plays a vital role in supporting and promoting musicological scholarship and education in Australia. By fostering research and dialogue, the society contributes to the understanding and appreciation of music in its cultural contexts. It also encourages inclusivity and diversity within the field through various study groups and forums addressing gender, indigenous music, opera studies, and artistic research in music.[1][5]

Legal and Financial Status

The MSA is registered as a cultural organisation and operates as a nonprofit entity under Australian law. It is registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) and welcomes tax-deductible donations to support its cultural and educational purposes.[1][3]

Summary

The Musicological Society of Australia Inc stands as the premier organisation for music research in Australia, fostering scholarly excellence, community engagement, and cultural enrichment through its publications, conferences, and membership activities. Its commitment to advancing musicology and ethnomusicology has established it as a cornerstone institution in the Australian and international musicological landscape.[1][4][5]

[1] https://msa.org.au [2] https://www.music.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=968%3Amusicological-society-of-australia&catid=109&Itemid=101 [3] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/95a83da7-38af-e811-a95e-000d3ad24c60 [4] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/95a83da7-38af-e811-a95e-000d3ad24c60/documents/4430f63e-f880-ed11-81ad-000d3ad0b1e9 [5] https://worldoflearning-uat.taylorfrancis.com/institutions/Musicological-Society-of-Australia-%2528MSA%2529/au/au-au.1.7.3