About the MSA
The Musicological Society of Australia was founded in 1963 at the University of Sydney and achieved full national status in 1976. Its five regional chapters (South Australia, Sydney, Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia) provide local activities, research networks, and support groups for members. For details about local chapter activities please contact the relevant chapter presidents (listed below).
The MSA also attracts a significant international membership from individuals and institutions. It is affiliated with the International Musicological Society (IMS), International Council for Traditional Music (ICTM) and the New Zealand Musicological Society (NZMS).
MSA Position Statement
The MSA embraces and promotes music musicology in the broadest terms including historical, ethnographic, analytical, cultural, behavioural and performance research.
The key activities of the MSA include:
- Presenting an annual conference, which is regularly held in conjunction with the New Zealand Musicological Society;
- Producing the internationally peer-reviewed journal Musicology Australia, published by Taylor & Francis;
- Mentoring postgraduate students and emerging scholars; and,
- Advancing academic and public understanding and appreciation of music, an activity and resource that is fundamental to the wellbeing of individuals and communities.
Governance
In accordance with the Society’s Constitution the MSA is governed by a National Committee whose members were elected during the Society’s Annual General Meetings. It comprises an Executive, which is responsible for the ongoing operation of the Society, as well as general committee members and ex-officio members who advise the Executive and vote on matters of importance. All positions are honorary.
National Committee
Executive
- President
- Secretary
- Treasurer
- Membership Secretary
2 General Members
Ex-officio members
- Elected Chapter Presidents
- Immediate Past President
- New Zealand Musicological Society (NZMS) President
- Australian or New Zealand elected member of the International Musicological Society (IMS) Directorate
- Australian or New Zealand elected member of the Executive Board of the International Council for Traditional Music (ICTM)
Current office holders
| Office | Name |
|---|---|
| President | Sarah Collins |
| Secretary | Kathryn Roberts Parker |
| Membership Secretary | Sarah Kirby |
| Treasurer | Erin Matthews |
| Student Member | Rabiya Plush-Noad |
| General Member | Michael Hooper |
| State Chapter Presidents | |
| Tasmanian Chapter President (ex officio) | Anne-Marie Forbes |
| South Australia Chapter President (ex officio) | Steven Knopoff |
| Sydney Chapter President (ex officio) | Kathryn Roberts Parker |
| Western Australia Chapter President (ex officio) | Gemma Turvey |
| Victorian Chapter President (ex officio) | Maurice Windleburn |
| Queensland Chapter President (ex officio) | (TBC) |
| Past MSA President (ex officio) | Michael Hooper |
| IMS Delegate (ex officio) | John Griffiths |
| NZMS President (ex officio) | Nancy November |
| Public Officer | Jaki Kane |
| Access and Equity Officer | Anthea Skinner |
| Awards Committee Chair | John A Phillips |
| Media and Communications Officer | Nicholas Freer |
Affiliations
The MSA is affiliated with the following organisations:
- New Zealand Musicological Society
- International Musicological Society
- International Council for Traditional Music
Grants, Bursaries & Prizes
The MSA administers an annual pool of funding for various purposes:
- A Student Prize to be awarded to a paper presented at the National Conference.
- Student Travel Grants to help fund expenses of student members who present papers at National Conferences.
- Indigenous Scholarships (Travel Grants) to assist indigenous MSA members attend the National Conference.
- Bursaries for Indigenous Presenters
- Don & Joan Squire Award for Voluntary Services to Musicology in Australia.