Biography
Joe Kinzer received his Ph.D. in ethnomusicology from the University of Washington in 2017, and specializes in issues of identity and religious expression in Asian musical contexts. He has taught ethnomusicology courses at the University of Washington and Northern Illinois University. Currently, he is the Senior Curatorial Assistant for Harvard University’s Archive of World Music and Affiliate Faculty member for Antioch University’s Individualized Master of Arts (IMA) Program. He plays the ‘ud (Arab lute) in Boston College’s Astaza! ensemble and is Section Editor for the Malaysian Journal of Music. His book, Arab Lutes and Global Roots in the Music of Muslim Malaysia (Routledge, forthcoming), explores how centuries of conflicting Hindu-Buddhist and Islamic influences from India and the Middle East have transformed and continue to complicate Malay cultural politics in 21st century musical practices. Joe resides in Boston with his wife and daughter.