Jennifer Fraser

Jennifer Fraser is a Professor of Ethnomusicology and Anthropology at Oberlin College & Conservatory. She holds a BA from the University of Sydney (1996), an MA in Ethnomusicology from Brown University (1998), and a PhD in Musicology from the University of Illinois (2007). Her research focuses on Minangkabau music traditions in West Sumatra, Indonesia, and their intersection with ethnicity, gender, Islam, and cultural resilience. She is a pioneer in digital humanities, public ethnomusicology, and community-engaged scholarship, exemplified by projects like Song in the Sumatran Highlands and Bang on a Gong.

Fraser teaches courses such as Decolonizing Ethnomusicology and Ethnomusicology as Activism, emphasizing experiential learning and pedagogical innovation. She has received notable awards, including the National Endowment for the Humanities Summer Stipend (2020) and the Teaching Excellence Award (2009–10). Her work bridges scholarship and practice, advocating for decolonial frameworks in academia and cultural preservation.

Her research explores evolving musical practices in Indonesia, including talempong gong ensembles and their sustainability in modern contexts. She also engages in collaborative projects with communities, students, and institutions to reimagine ethnographic representation through digital platforms. Fraser’s contributions span scholarly publications, curated exhibitions, and community initiatives, reflecting her commitment to interdisciplinary and socially engaged scholarship.