Paul Berliner

Paul Berliner is Arts and Sciences Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Music at Duke University, specializing in ethnomusicology with focus on African mbira music and jazz improvisation. His seminal publications include ethnographic studies of Zimbabwean Shona music traditions and cognitive analyses of jazz improvisation practices.

Research interests encompass musical knowledge transmission, cross-cultural collaboration, and performance practices in African and jazz traditions. Berliner has conducted extensive fieldwork in Zimbabwe, documenting mbira masters' artistic practices.

• Fellow, American Academy of Arts and Sciences (2004)
• Guggenheim Fellowship (1996)
• Alan Merriam Prize (1995)
• Two-time Fellow, National Humanities Center