Appendix 6 - International Music Council

Andrew Lum, Singaporean composer based in Taiwan but has a big following here, is also
active in developing this hybrid music.
• Cite examples of the expression of personal or community identity through
and especially through musical diversity.
music,
RESPONSE: This is certainly done within the various ethnic communities, in particular,
during festive and celebratory occasions. Among the Malay and Indian communities,
events such as weddings and temple ceremonies for the Hindus would include the
performance of traditional music.
26. The obstacles or challenges to be overcome in order to ensure better protection and
promotion of musical diversity
• On an analysis of the situation as you discover it in responding to previous
questions, how would you define these obstacles and challenges, and by what methods
do you envision them being overcome?
Consider both the international and national spheres.
International issues include the challenges posed by trade liberalisation agreements.
For instance, does a particular
agreement limit a country’s:
- right to subsidise music production, but not to offer national treatment
to foreign applicants -- e.g. provide subsidy only to locally based music
producers
RESPONSE:
- right to fund state music institutions even though this gives them a
competitive advantage over foreign providers
RESPONSE:
- right to fund national broadcasters even though this gives them a
competitive advantage over foreign providers -- e.g. when broadcaster
does not give national treatment to foreign music producers
RESPONSE:
- right to limit or direct foreign investment -- e.g. so that the music
broadcast industry remains under local control and demonstrates a
greater commitment
to local music than might a foreign owned industry
RESPONSE:
- the right to regulate in favour of the local cultural sector.
RESPONSE:
There are special issues concerning the protection and promotion of
traditional musics as the societal contexts from which they arose dissipate
or evolve. Challenges include the attitudes of younger generations, the
opportunities for musical evolution or innovation, the adequacy and
structure of music education, the presence or absence of an economic basis
for survival.
245