The object of empirical musical sociology is to study the social interaction and interdependence of musicians or composers, their music, and the public. Trends in historical and contemporary musical sociology and the constituents of the musical process are examined. (AM)

Music's most important function in African societies is to provide occasions for individual and organized group interactions. Modes of communication and interaction include sonic materials, the verbal texts to which sonic materials are set, and the dance through which basic structures in music are articulated. (AM)