RMA Vision, Mission, Identity

Since its founding as the “Musical Association” in 1874, both music and the ways we understand it have changed significantly. In recent years, there has been a move towards greater diversity within the organisation, both in its membership and in the areas of music study and practice that it encompasses. These changes have highlighted a need to reflect on the identity of the Royal Musical Association. Why might some people object to the remit and name of the Royal Musical Association? And why might others find it unproblematic?

The aims of the event are:

• To imagine an RMA of the future: Is it an umbrella organisation for music studies or does it represent a particular subdisciplinary community within the larger field of music studies? Should it be genre or methods-specific? What might its position and identity be in relation to other musical associations?
• To share multiple perspectives on the meanings of the Association’s name including why it might be perceived as problematic (or not);
• To propose specific actions regarding identity and mission;
• To engage voices from within and beyond the RMA membership on these questions.

Schedule:

• Provocations and reflections from Tom Attah, Jo Hicks, Erin Johnson-Williams, Leanne Langley, Laudan Nooshin, Michelle Phillips, Julian Rushton;
• Break;
• ‘Sandpit’ discussions on sub-topics related to the theme and actions.

The language of the conference is English.

Organised on behalf of the RMA Council by Nicola Dibben, Freya Jarman, Laudan Nooshin.