Ways of Understanding: Ethnomusicology and the Cretan Lyra

This Dissertation explores how I, as an aspiring ethnomusicologist, combined reflection on my prior musical experience with ongoing study and research in order to develop deeper understandings variously of the musical culture in question, Ethnomusicology as a discipline, and Music Education design possibilities vis-à-vis reflection and prior experience. In exploring these issues, I problematise understandings the Cretan lyra as based primarily on the theme of music and gender in general and the performance of Cretan masculinity in particular. To this end, I critiqued the relevant literature and undertook narrative interviews with contemporary lyra-players. As a result, I reached a more nuanced understanding of the complexities of the music-scapes in which the lyra plays a part. I conclude with observations also about Ethnomusicology and Music Education course design.