SOAS Research Online

Abstract

Lucy Durán is a Senior Lecturer in African music in the Music Department of the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London. Her principal field of research is Mande music, which she has been researching since 1977. Her recent research project, “Growing into Music” (http://www. growingintomusic. co.uk/), uses the medium of film to document children learning musical skills and knowledge in the oral traditions of India, Azerbaijan, Mali, Cuba and Venezuela. Duran has a long professional involvement with the music industry, working as a music producer, journalist and broadcaster. With two Grammy nominations, she has produced over fifteen albums. Having devoted much of her professional life to balancing her broadcasting, recording and academic work, Duran argues for the need to forge better links and understanding between the creative industries and academia.