Culture of Music in University Settings (A Case study of Quaidian Music Society)

Abstract

In this study entitled “Culture of music across university settings (a Case Study of Quaidian Music society)” a pursuit has been carried out to find the dynamics of music in Quaid-i Azam university. This Anthropological study was conducted while using qualitative paradigm of social research. Data was acquired through participant observation, in-depth interviews technique, and focus group discussion. Sampling method was based on convenient, purposive and snowball sampling techniques. Sample size of study was 22. Locale of this study was Quaid-i-Azam university, Islamabad. Time duration of this study was four months but since I was a member (also president for one year) of Quaidian music society I spent few years performing music and vocals, so I was equipped with an insider’s view. This research carried two objectives. I tried to explore the culture of music in Quaid-i Azam university in pursuing first objective of this study while in second objective I tried to figure out how music is bridging gaps among various ethnic groups in QAU. Exploring the culture of music at Quaid-i-Azam university I came to know that there was very rich culture of music in university. Each perspective ethnic group have their own ethnic music and dance e.g., Pashtun’s Attan, Baloch’s Chaap, Saraiki Jhumar and the likes. These dances were frequently performed on specific folk music at QAU. Aside from culture music, there was also a rich variety of musical performances arranged by students. These include popular rock music, classical music, Qawwali and Sufi music. Exploring the second objective I came to know that music was centripetal force which connected students belonging to different ethnic groups in a network of harmony and cooperation. Students regardless of ethnic or lingual group, religion and gender were united by music at QAU. Thus, music was great binding force which kept students’ collaboration intact.