CHHU Conference on “Family, Music and Culture: Tradition of Family Ensembles in Central Asia”

Family is considered one of the key links to human development. It is an essential institution where a person is formed and developed socially, culturally, and spiritually. It also plays a vital role in developing music aptitude, abilities, and interest in music and the creation of music.

It is in the family where the first sound of music reaches our ears through the mother’s sweet and delicate voice. With mothers’ lullabies, we enter the world of music, and from that time, its role in our daily life begins. This is the first step when we communicate with the world around us and understand it. It is considered the central pillar of society and the source of anyone's spiritual and cultural development. Many family gatherings and festivities, such as weddings, funerals, the birth of a child, a boy’s circumcision, and many other family rituals, are accompanied by music. Through the production and consuming music in the family, the social roles of people are shaped, and music and musical performances become the defining features of social life, fostering feelings of togetherness and mutual belonging. Also, arts practitioners have traditionally acquired knowledge not through formal schooling but through the traditional pedagogy of ustod -shagird. (master-apprentice).

The tradition of family ensembles in Central Asia plays a vital role in the region's cultural heritage, showcasing the rich musical and artistic practices passed down through generations. This conference aims to explore the significance of family ensembles in fostering cultural identity, social cohesion, and artistic innovation within Central Asian communities.

By bringing social sciences and humanities scholars together to explore the role of family music-making and its contribution to the development of traditional music in Tajikistan. The conference also discusses the connection between family, music, and culture. It will explore what could be learned from the relationship of music and family, both as cultural configurations, discourses, practices, and politics. For example, what role do music and family play in making cultural heritage and identities, community engagement, and state-sponsored programs? It also aims to disclose the concept of a family music ensemble as an important social and cultural phenomenon in Central Asia, particularly in Tajikistan. Music and family are strongly connected with each person's daily life, help to understand the past, present and future life, and express feelings, fostering individual and communal identity.

We invite scholars, musicians, and practitioners to submit papers that address, but are not limited to, the following themes: 

- Historical perspectives on family ensembles in different Central Asian cultures 

- The role of family legacies in preserving oral traditions and local folklore 

- Musical techniques and instruments unique to family performances 

- Contemporary influences on family legacies 

- The intergenerational transmission of skills and knowledge within family groups 

- The impact of globalisation on family musical practices 

- Case studies of notable family ensembles in Central Asia 

Submission

Submit your abstract by 31 July, 2025 to CHHU@ucentralasia.org. Abstracts should be no longer than 300 words and should clearly state the central argument, methodology, and expected contributions to the field.

- Presentation of the papers is welcome in English, Russian, and Tajik.   

- Please include your name, affiliation, and contact information with your submission. 

Process of Review

All submitted abstracts will undergo a peer-review process. Notifications of acceptance will be sent by August 20.

Format of the Conference

The conference will feature a keynote speaker, panel discussions, and a concert performance by a family ensemble.

For inquiries, please contact chorshanbe.ghoibnazarov@ucentralasia.org or visit www.ucentralasia.org

We look forward to your submissions!