A short summary of Mieke's research:

I am currently researching the intellectual history of institutionalised music studies in South Africa. In particular, I am concerned with the establishment and consolidation of the discipline, the work of individuals instrumental in this project, as well as the ways in which the discipline has responded to political transitions and paradigm shifts in scholarship. The emphasis on institutionalised music studies brings to the fore a focus on the establishment and development of music departments at universities, the development of discourse through journals and other publications, work produced by postgraduate students as well as the overarching bodies that managed and often directed research activities.

My master's research investigated the decolonisation of the music curriculum at four South African tertiary music departments. As part of this work, I discovered that the lack of curricular decolonisation and transformation in these departments often stemmed from deeply-entrenched beliefs, such as the supremacy of Western art music and the (problematic) notion of music as apolitical and therefore not in need of critical reflection and (possible) transformation. My doctoral, and now postdoctoral, work developed from my desire to understand how these beliefs were tied up with the very origins of not only music departments in South Africa, but the discipline of music studies at large.

Research for Impact is one of the core strategic themes in SU`s Vision 2040. Can you describe the (potential) impact of your research?

My research is energised by various recent efforts to understand the influence of South Africa’s troubled colonial and apartheid history on the shaping of academic disciplines and discourses. It is envisioned that this systematic engagement with the history of institutionalised music studies and its protagonists in South Africa will assist scholars in their efforts to grapple with the pasts, present and futures of the discipline by providing a historically engaged impulse for disciplinary introspection and transformation. As such, the project can open up the way for the radical transformational work which has been lacking in South African tertiary institutions as well as the largely white-washed tertiary music education landscape.

In the ever-changing environment of academia, what are some of the obstacles postdoctoral researchers are faced with?

Whilst a postdoctoral fellowship is a wonderful opportunity for a young scholar to enhance their research record, the transient nature of such a fellowship, the shortage of postdoctoral positions across South Africa and the often barely-sufficient pay are serious challenges. Postdoctoral fellows also face the obstacle of having to manage the diverse and often substantial commitments of a postdoctoral fellow, which often include supervision and other such tasks in addition to their own research.

What excites you about your work?

History and music have been two of my greatest passions since I was a child. As a BMus Performing Arts student, I often felt a desire to be busy with something that had a tangible impact on the world and its people. I feel incredibly fortunate that my work enables me to live out all of these passions daily. I am also constantly captivated by the thrill of archival work and the possibility of endless discoveries in the dusty boxes of an archive - I feel like a kid in a candy store every time I walk into a new archive.

When you're not in the lab, library or in the field conducting research, what do you do to unwind?

In my free time I am an avid reader of both fiction and non-fiction. I also enjoy gardening and exploring the beautiful winelands - whether on foot or by visiting local wine farms and gardens - with my husband, family and friends.

How has the postdoctoral researcher programme of SU contributed to your research career? 

Stellenbosch University's postdoctoral researcher programme has provided me with the opportunity to be mentored by two of South Africa's foremost music scholars: Prof. Stephanus Muller and Dr Carina Venter. Their intellectual brilliance and kindness is a source of constant inspiration.

What advice, if any, would you look to impart to future postdoctoral researchers?

The transition from doctoral studies to a postdoctoral fellowship can be tough. You are allowed to feel intimidated, and perhaps even lost at times, but do not let this stop you from believing in the value of your work and your value as a scholar and an individual.

Connect with Mieke and her work: 

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mieke-struwig-40720a1a5/
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=NoS30rYAAAAJ&hl=en&oi=ao