Ethnomusicologist Charlotte Heth speaks at the College of Music鈥檚 first Distinguished Lectureship on Music, Diversity and Inclusion on Feb. 28.
On Feb. 28, the College of Music kicks off its annual with a free lecture by Native American ethnomusicologist Charlotte Heth. Titled 鈥淭oo Many Words鈥擭ot Enough Music,鈥� the lecture will celebrate music that promotes diversity through artistry.
鈥淚t鈥檚 always timely to learn and deepen our respect for varying values and cultural traditions,鈥� said Heth, professor emerita at the University of California, Los Angeles. 鈥淧erhaps especially true today, it takes courage to be tolerant, and to avoid making judgments about society鈥攐r about aspects of our society.鈥�
Indeed, in an arguably 鈥減ost-fact鈥� world, Heth looks to the musics of the world鈥擜merican Indian Music, in particular鈥攁s a means to make sense of and appreciate distinct and divergent cultures and associated societies.
鈥淭here are so many words flying around today,鈥� Heth continued. 鈥淭here鈥檚 so much judgment, anger and hate. But when we go beyond words and focus instead on the emotional aspects of music鈥攂eyond music theory鈥攚e recognize the important role it plays in all our lives, and how it can empower, heal and unify us.鈥�
Specifically, Heth鈥檚 talk will center predominantly on the influence of music and dance on American Indian lives. 鈥淚t鈥檚 all about bringing people together,鈥� she said. 鈥淏eyond words and political statements and actions, making music together鈥攚hether you鈥檙e in a church choir or a marching band鈥攄oes that. And when people come together and get to know other people from other cultures, we move past differences in culture and language toward greater understanding and respect.鈥�
A citizen of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma, Heth鈥檚 early research focused on Oklahoma Cherokee music and that of surrounding tribal groups. From there, her published, widely respected research and applied work expanded to include musical instruments, dance, education and related American Indian topics.
Heth joined the Peace Corps in 1962, teaching English and organizing a music club in Ethiopia. Upon her return, she taught in Los Angeles County public schools and earned her doctorate, followed by professional appointments at Cornell University and UCLA.
鈥淭oo often, music gets reduced to a formula, rather than a powerful means to connect and communicate,鈥� she said. 鈥淚鈥檝e been through segregation and discrimination in this country, and I was a white minority in Ethiopia. I鈥檝e seen what we lose when we label groups of people, rather than protect the worth and dignity of every individual.
鈥淚f we can somehow recognize the individual through music, we elevate that person and we change perceptions.鈥�
