Author Identifier
John Ralph: http://orcid.org/0009-0002-2253-0953
Date of Award
2026
Document Type
Thesis
Publisher
Edith Cowan University
Degree Name
Master of Arts (Performing Arts)
School
Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts
First Supervisor
Jonathan Marshall
Second Supervisor
Jonathan Paget
Abstract
The exploration of the music made by the British settlers in Western Australia in the first twelve years of colonisation from 1829 illuminates a neglected aspect of early Western Australian colonial history. Music had an important role in commenting on social, environmental and political events. It was used to define social boundaries, to worship, enhance work, and to covertly protest. The British settlers would write songs influenced by experiences in their new home, signifying a focus on the future, albeit with echoes of the Britain they had left behind. The narrative will illuminate the history of the songs and tunes, the individuals who made music and the instruments played, as well as the context and space in which the music was performed, situating it in the physical and social environment in which it was used.
Access Note
Access to this thesis is embargoed until 14th February 2027
DOI
10.25958/e8bn-0b10
Recommended Citation
Ralph, J. (2026). An exploration of the music of the British settlers in Western Australia 1829-1841: A descriptive social and cultural history. Edith Cowan University. https://doi.org/10.25958/e8bn-0b10