Ethnomusicologist Jean Jenkins – Collector of World Music Instruments

http://www.nms.ac.uk/explore/stories/world-cultures/jean-jenkins-collection/

The National Museum of Scotland @NtlMuseumsScot in Edinburgh holds one of the world’s finest and most extensive collections of world music instruments gathered by the late American expatriate and renowned ethnomusicologist, Jean Jenkins.

Each display case in the exhibit is filled with ancient instruments used by varied cultures in the expressions of music making is simply inspiring. I had not heard of Jenkins until my first visit to the Festival Fringe in 2016. Gazing upon her vast research and body of work was a wonderful discovery for the research I’m engaged in on world music.

Naturally, my learning moments will benefit music aired on The Road To Higher Ground. Jenkins, who conducted many field recordings to which I hope to gain access to during my visit here in Edinburgh also authored two books that I can’t wait to read and ingest.

From independent travel and research combined with the research of others like Jenkins, comes the underpinning to the recordings aired on Higher Ground. This underpinning adds to the entertainment and edification elements of the show with education. I look forward to sharing what I discover from Jenkins’ work in the coming weeks and month on Hg.