Inspiration or appropriation? Impetus for analysis

NPR’s weekend edition recently featured the story Inspiration Or Appropriation? Behind Music Copyright Lawsuits. The story leads with the question:

“Where do you draw the line between inspiration and appropriation when it comes to musical compositions?”

This is a fabulous generative, essential, or driving question that could lead to variegated investigations, projects, and student problem solving. As with similar reportage, this story features the perspectives of musicologists, in this case Judith Finell.

This and similar generative questions can provide an impetus for deep and multifaceted engagement with music through a form of forensic musicology. Consider how related projects can offer students opportunities to engage in music analysis (responding) and discuss sociocultural or philosophical aspects of music (connecting).

For additional information and perspectives on forensic musicology as a form of analysis in music education consider taking a look at my article From musical detectives to DJs: Expanding aural skills and analysis through engaging popular music and culture.

Also consider taking a look at related blog posts such as:

• Blurred lines, forensic musicology, and music
• Dead Prez & Jean-Pierre Rampal – A serendipitous sample discovery