Shannon Dudley

Shannon Dudley is a Professor of Ethnomusicology at the University of Washington's School of Music, specializing in Caribbean music and participatory music practices. Holding a PhD from UC Berkeley, he directs the UW Steelband and teaches courses on Latin American/Caribbean music, American popular song, and community music engagement.

• Education: PhD in Ethnomusicology, UC Berkeley (1997)

His research focuses on Trinidadian steelband history, Puerto Rican musical geography, and Latino influences in U.S. popular music, with theoretical interests in nationalism, transculturation, and community music practices. Key publications include two Oxford University Press books and award-winning museum exhibit American Sabor.

Recent research includes the musical geography of Santurce, Puerto Rico, and Latino contributions to American popular music. His work has been exhibited in 18 U.S. cities and Puerto Rico through collaborations with the Smithsonian Institution.

• Scientific Awards: ARSC's 2019 prize for Best Historical Research in Recorded Rock and Popular Music

As community musician, Dudley performs with Seattle's Dingolay steelband and participates in the Seattle Fandango Project (son jarocho). He co-curated the Grammy-nominated American Sabor exhibit and book, which received the 2019 ARSC award.