This book investigates the fundamental relationship between music and culture by examining how musical practices are shaped by, and in turn shape, the societies in which they exist. Martin Clayton, a prominent scholar in the field, compiles a collection of essays from experts in musicology, anthropology, and sociology to establish a framework for cultural music studies. The text provides a comprehensive overview of the theoretical underpinnings of the discipline while grounding these concepts in specific, real-world examples. It serves as a foundational resource for students and researchers seeking to understand the intersection of musical performance and cultural identity.

Experts recognize this anthology as a foundational text for those entering the field of cultural musicology. Readers frequently note the academic rigor and the breadth of the interdisciplinary approach, making it a standard reference for university-level study.