Socio-economic concerns of young musicians of traditional genres in Cambodia: implications for music sustainability

Recent work in applied ethnomusicology attempts to explain the dynamics of music endangerment and sustainability across global contexts. Building on these efforts, this article explores the relationships between the socio-economic circumstances of young musicians of traditional Cambodian genres, and the sustainability of those genres. Interviews with four young musicians illustrate some of the complex ways in which socio-economic concerns impact the maintenance and revitalisation of traditional musical practices in Cambodia. Many of these practices remain highly endangered, due to both the massive social and cultural disruption of the Khmer Rouge era and the ongoing socio-economic and political challenges since that time. The article concludes with recommendations on supporting the livelihoods of young musicians in contemporary Cambodia, as well as developing more effective strategies to support the viable future of that country’s traditional music.