Scott Marcus

Scott Marcus is a Professor and Area Head of the Ethnomusicology Program at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB). He specializes in North Indian and Middle Eastern music, performance practices, Arab music theory (maqam), and tuning systems. He founded and directs the UCSB Middle East Ensemble and Music of India (sitar) Ensemble, and is affiliated with UCSB’s Center for Middle East Studies. His work bridges academic research with performance, including teaching at the Middle Eastern Music and Dance Camp in Mendocino, CA. He has authored books on Egyptian music and contributed to the Garland Encyclopedia of World Music.

Key Roles & Affiliations:

• Director of UCSB Middle East Ensemble and Music of India Ensemble
• Member, UCSB’s Center for Middle East Studies
• Past Board Member, Society for Ethnomusicology and Society for Asian Music

Research Interests: His research focuses on the intersection of theory and practice in Arab and North Indian music, including modulation, intonation, and the cultural context of folk and classical traditions. He examines how modern media (e.g., cassettes) influence religious music in India and explores the evolution of maqam theory in Arab music.

Teaching: Courses span global music cultures, tuning systems, Arab maqam theory, and instrument-specific lessons (nay, oud).