Music School Honors Notable Ethnomusicology Scholar A.J. Racy in Celebration
Retiring Professor A.J. Racy Looks Forward to Future Musical Endeavours
After a distinguished 43-year career, A.J. Racy, a renowned performer, composer, and author, is retiring from UCLA's School of Music. Known for his mastery of multiple traditional instruments, including the nay and buzuq, Racy has left an indelible mark on the world of ethnomusicology.
Racy's retirement does not signal an end to his musical pursuits. The scholar, who has authored the award-winning book "Making Music in the Arab World: The Culture and Artistry of Tarab," plans to continue composing, recording, and performing music.
Racy's passion for ethnomusicology, a field that combines the study of world music with related cultural theory, was inspired by great teachers and thinkers, such as the late Professor Bruno Nettl. This passion led to the establishment of the A.J. Racy Scholarship in Ethnomusicology at the School of Music, which supports both graduate and undergraduate scholars in their studies.
Racy's retirement also does not mean a departure from teaching. He may continue to give lessons on the nay at the week-long summer Arabic Music Retreat. Over the years, Racy has taken great pride in watching his students establish their own careers and take an interest in ethnomusicology.
In retirement, Racy also looks forward to joint projects with his wife, Dr. Barbara Racy. The couple shares a common vision of promoting human values like compassion, forgiveness, tolerance, contentment, and self-discipline, which they believe foster happiness.
As he prepares for his retirement, Racy plans to spend his vacations at their summer home on the coast of Maine with family. Despite the absence of verified information on his specific retirement plans or future projects after leaving UCLA, one thing is certain - A.J. Racy's contributions to the field of ethnomusicology will continue to resonate for years to come.
A.J. Racy, in his retirement, wishes to integrate his love for music with the promotion of human values, delving into various lifestyle endeavors that foster happiness. Beyond his duties at UCLA, he envisions continuing his exploration of education and self-development through music, potentially collaborating on projects with his wife, Dr. Barbara Racy.
