Module 8: REB Review - Advance Advice: Humanities

1 study Title: Who Said You Could Play the Blues Abstract: This project is part of a graduate course in ethnomusicology in which students interview professional musicians representing a particular genre or community or culture. I will seek to interview local blues artists in Saskatoon, SK. Participants will be asked about their creative process in regard to composing and/or performing, if and how they record their efforts, and how they feel about the act of composition/performance. They will also be asked to talk about the blues genre, what meaning it has for them and what they seek to communicate through their work.

2 They will be asked for their permission to be filmed, photographed, and recorded while they work. The interviews will be summarized and presented along with samples of the film, photographs and recordings for a class presentation and submitted to the course instructor in the form of a term paper that will later be submitted to the Journal of Ethnomusicology. Method: I will research the current slate of composers and performers who work primarily in the blues genre in Saskatoon, SK according to the Saskatoon Blues Association website. The available material on each participant will be included in my report.

3 I will visit each participant who agrees to be interviewed in their homes and/or studios. I will record the interviews and the artists at work with a digital video camera. I will also take still photographs of the artists in situ. Inclusion and Exclusion Criteria: - A musician currently active as a composer and/or a performer, primarily in the blues genre - at least 18 years old - At least five years of experience as a composer and/or performer in the blues genre - Must live in the Saskatoon, SK region - Must compose and/or perform in the Saskatoon, SK region (but not necessarily exclusively) Assessment of Risks There are no risks of harm to participants.

4 As the participants are performers and are being asked for permission to identify them in the context of this project; there are no risks to their privacy or confidentiality. Assessment of Benefits The participants of this study will benefit from the exposure of their work to a new audience, which may result in greater attendance at their performances and possibly increased sales of their music. Assessment of Benefits (continued): The results of this study may be of benefit to music students interested in the lived realities of being a composer or performer in the blues genre, particularly in a location without the population or resources to make pursuit of this genre financially rewarding.

5 I anticipate that the project will provide insight into the creative practice of performers and composers in this genre which may be of benefit to students, instructors and other musicians. Recruitment: I will seek to recruit a minimum of three and a maximum of five composers or performers by means of telephone or email. Participants will be told that their music will be played to a student audience and information will be provided about their upcoming performances, websites, and opportunities to purchase their music. Consent Form: See page 2.

6 Sample Questions: 1. When did you first become actively involved in music? 2. What drew you to the blues genre? 3. Who were your early influences? Who are your contemporary influences? 4. Is any of the material that you write (or perform) based on events in your own life? If yes, how so? 5. The blues is often about tragedy. Are any of your songs about or relevant to your own personal tragedies? Tell me about them. 6. Could you express yourself as well in another genre? If not, why? If yes, why not work in that genre? 7. Is it difficult to work in the blues genre outside of a major music centre?

7 8. Would you say your work has met with any success? 9. Do you ever get criticized for appropriating the music of African Americans? Do you ever feel guilty about not suffering the way they did? Dissemination A summary of my interviews will be presented to the class with images and recordings of each participant. A more detailed account of the project will be submitted as a term paper and will be included in the submission to the Journal of Ethnomusicology. Module 8: REB Review - Advance Advice: Humanities Letter of Information/Consent Form study Title: Who Said You Could Play the Blues Description: My project is an exploration of performers and composers of the blues genre in the Saskatoon, SK area.

8 You are being asked to be interviewed about your work as a blues musician and/or composer. By signing this form you agree with the following statements: I have read this document and have had all questions regarding it answered to my satisfaction. I am aware of the aims of this research project and the nature and extent of my involvement in the study . I am aware that I can contact the researcher, John Harding, (613-555-2345; email: his supervisor, B. D. Maclean (613-555-6000; email: or the Chair of the Research Ethics Board regarding any complaints or queries with respect to the research.))

9 I am aware that my participation is completely voluntary. I am aware that my identity will not be concealed and that samples of my work will be played before an audience as a part of this project. Name: _____ Date: _____ Signature: _____