Program history by Bonnie Wade, April 2026
Founding
Founded in 1975–1976, UC Berkeley’s Ethnomusicology Program emerged at a pivotal moment in the history of both the department and the field. Its establishment followed several years of faculty deliberation, taking shape during a period when American universities increasingly sought to cultivate deeper engagement with different cultures, values, and ways of life.
From the outset, the program distinguished itself through a curriculum that paired undergraduate coursework with performance labs. At the same time, it was shaped by an enduring commitment to several core principles:
an attentiveness to the importance of community within the department and to the cultivation of a positive learning environment;
the active participation of every ethnomusicology faculty member in the intellectual and professional development of every graduate student;
the involvement of graduate students in undergraduate courses as preparation for teaching, for communicating with those outside the field, and for other careers in which ethnomusicological training might prove relevant;
the expectation that students would work with faculty across the campus whose expertise spoke to their own fields of interest.
Significant Developments
1975–1976 — Founding the Program: UC Berkeley’s ethnomusicology program was established, laying the foundation for five decades of teaching, research, and musical engagement.
1977 — An International Gathering: The program hosted the International Musicological Society meeting, an occasion that resulted in a major volume co-edited by Bonnie Wade and the late musicologist Daniel Heartz.
1977 — Honoring Charles Seeger: The department hosted a week-long celebration of the life and legacy of Charles Seeger, the inaugural chair of UC Berkeley’s Music Department.
1977 —Gamelan Noon Concerts Begin: Gamelan noon concerts begin and become a regular feature of the program’s performance life.
Late 1970s — Building a Regional Community: The Northern California Chapter of the Society for Ethnomusicology was established, strengthening connections among scholars and musicians across the region.
1980–1981 — A Curricular Transition: UC Berkeley’s shift from the quarter system to the semester system prompted a redesign of courses and program structure in the Music Department.
1983 — Bonnie Wade as Chair: Bonnie Wade became chair of the Music Department, serving until 1988 and helping guide the department through a period of growth and change.
1988 — Expanding the Faculty: The department hired its second ethnomusicologist, Benjamin Brinner, broadening the program’s faculty and intellectual scope.
Late 1980s–Present — Annual Javanese Shadow Plays: Since the late 1980s, Javanese shadow play performances have been presented annually, alternating with concerts of music and dance.
1990 — Hosting the Annual SEM Meeting: The program helped host the 35th Annual Meeting of the Society for Ethnomusicology in Oakland, held jointly with the American Musicological Society and the Society for Music Theory. Bonnie C. Wade chaired the local arrangements committee.
1991 — Creating Music 26: In response to the new campus-wide American Cultures requirement, Bonnie Wade created Music 26 with graduate students Anthony Brown and Marisol Berrios-Miranda.
1998 — A Third Ethnomusicologist: The department hired Jocelyne Guilbault, further expanding the program’s areas of expertise and scholarly reach.
2005 — Bonnie Wade Returns as Chair: Bonnie Wade returned as chair of the Music Department and served until 2009.
2008 — Continuing to Grow: The department hired its fourth ethnomusicologist, T. Carlis Roberts, continuing the program’s growth in faculty and curriculum.
2009 — Benjamin Brinner as Chair: Benjamin Brinner became chair of the Music Department, serving until 2014.
2014 — Balinese Gamelan Noon Concerts: Balinese gamelan noon concerts began around 2014.
2014 — Annual Balinese Shadow Plays: Balinese shadow plays organized by Lisa Gold in conjunction with the Center for Southeast Asia Studies and the Department of South and Southeast Asia Studies begin and have been presented annually since.
2016 — Honoring Bonnie Wade: Bonnie Wade retired and received the Berkeley Citation in recognition of her exceptional contributions to UC Berkeley and distinguished achievement in her field.
2016 — A New Faculty Appointment: The department hired ethnomusicologist Maria Sonevytsky.
2021 — Benjamin Brinner Retires: Benjamin Brinner retired and continued teaching part-time in the department until 2023.
2023 — New Directions in Ethnomusicology: The department hired ethnomusicologists Marié Abe and Juan David Rubio Restrepo, bringing new perspectives and areas of expertise to the program.
2024 — Jocelyne Guilbault Retires: Jocelyne Guilbault retired and, in 2025, received an honorary doctorate from McGill University in recognition of her contributions to the field.
2025 — A New Appointment: The department hired ethnomusicologist Chris Batterman Cháirez.
2026 — Celebrating 50 Years: The UC Berkeley Ethnomusicology program celebrates its 50th anniversary, marking five decades of scholarship, teaching, performance, and community.