David R J A Dewar

At its core my research examines intersections between professional and amateur music-making in 20th century Britain (currently focussing on the period from 1900 to the outbreak of the second war, looking at the lives and work of a range of musicians and the institutions which supported them.  

Life at this time was subject to many stressors, amongst which are the pre-war, intra-war, and post-war periods, very rapid change in the technological landscape creating some and reducing other opportunites for musicians, and tectonic changes in the prevailing social climate.

I am interested in significant issues such as how musical activity can help provide the 'glue' which promotes societal cohesion, and in how institutions assisted individuals to navigate this area of life and endeavour.  Ways in which a musical life (at any level) can enable a sense of well-being in the individual form further areas of focus.