Kendra Stepputat

Kendra Stepputat is an Associate Professor at the Institute for Ethnomusicology of the University of Music and Performing Arts Graz (KUG). She holds a master's degree from the Free University of Berlin and Humboldt University of Berlin, focusing on Comparative Musicology, Journalism, Communication Studies, and Southeast Asian Studies. Her doctoral research (completed at KUG in 2010) centered on Balinese music and dance, with a Darmasiswa scholarship year at the University of Indonesian Arts in Bali. From 2003–2009, she worked as a research assistant at Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg's Department of Musicology. Her current research explores Balinese music/dance traditions and Tango Argentino as a translocal culture, employing choreomusicological methods.

Education:

• Master's in Comparative Musicology, Journalism, and Communication Studies (Free University of Berlin, 2003)
• Master's in Southeast Asian Studies (Humboldt University of Berlin, 2003)
• Doctorate in Ethnomusicology (KUG, 2010)

Research Focus: Balinese gamelan beleganjur, translocal cultural practices of Tango Argentino, and interdisciplinary choreomusicological approaches. Practical engagement includes teaching Balinese gamelan and active participation in music/dance performance.

Awards: 2016–2019 FWF-funded Elise Richter Research Fellowship supporting her habilitation project on tango argentino.

Teaching & Practice: Leads courses in ethnomusicology and Balinese gamelan performance at KUG, integrating hands-on musical practice into her academic work.