Henderson Postgraduate Scholarship: Supporting Evelyn’s mission to revitalise Indigenous music traditions
Unlocking opportunities for emerging researchers
Evelyn Quispe L., a doctoral candidate from Bolivia, is forging a path for Indigenous music preservation and revitalisation through her research at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music.
Evelyn (right) with her family in Bolivia.
Evelyn’s journey into music research began through her study of linguistics, where she first encountered the rich cultural significance of Aboriginal Australian music.
“When I began studying Aboriginal Australian cultures as a linguist, I was amazed to discover that Aboriginal music carries holistic, foundational, and - at the same time - personal and relational meanings of their society,” she shares.
Her academic background in linguistics, combined with her Indigenous heritage, inspired Evelyn’s interest in exploring the powerful role of musical tradition in Indigenous communities.
“As a person who also belongs to an Indigenous nation in South America, I found similarities in perceptions and purposes of music-making between Australian Aboriginal people and my own indigenous culture,” Evelyn explains.
Driven by this connection, Evelyn decided to pursue a doctorate at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. Her research is being conducted under the broader project Rethinking the dynamics of place in Warlpiri performance, an ARC DECRA project led by Dr Georgia Curran. Dr Curran's project investigates new contemporary pathways for transmitting ceremonial songs. Working under this broader project and the supervision of Dr Curran and Associate Professor Myfany Turpin, Evelyn is able to receive guidance, friendship and financial support for her fieldwork.
Evelyn (left) on country with her Warlpiri sister, Yamurna Napurrurla.
Evelyn's research focuses on exploring and revitalising Warlpiri women’s songs, known as Yawulyu.
“These songs have meaning and functions artistically embedded in their narrative stories,” Evelyn explains.
“My research analyses this relationship between songs and narrative stories to activate cultural pathways for transmission of the songs.”
Through this project, Evelyn aims to create contemporary pathways to keep these songs alive, ensuring that they continue to play a vital role in the community's cultural practices.
The Henderson Postgraduate Scholarship has been instrumental in supporting Evelyn to pursue her research. Established in 1992 through a donation by George Wallace Henderson, the Henderson Postgraduate Scholarship supports students at the Sydney Conservatorium who are enrolled in postgraduate coursework or research degrees.
Evelyn (centre-left) with her friends in Sydney
“As an international student, without this scholarship, I would not be able to pursue these studies,” she shares.
For Evelyn, the scholarship has not only removed financial barriers but also opened doors to unique opportunities. The support of the scholarship has allowed Evelyn to connect with Warlpiri Aboriginal communities and their cultural knowledge, as well as with the Australian academic and scientific expertise to study the Aboriginal songs and language.
“This opportunity allows me to become involved in the Australian linguistics and ethnomusicological world,” reflects Evelyn.
Looking ahead, Evelyn is eager to continue working with Warlpiri communities. She hopes to build on this collaborative work that has become central to her academic journey, and use her research to contribute to a larger mission of preserving music traditions globally.
My career goal is to work on projects focused on revitalising and transmitting Indigenous music practice.
"My goal is to be involved in active research, provide training and lectures on musical knowledge, linguistic skills, and education for intercultural purposes, in connection between academia and Aboriginal communities,” says Evelyn.
She envisions future projects that connect Aboriginal Australian music traditions with Indigenous Bolivian music, bridging cultural gaps and fosters connections between different Indigenous communities. With her professional background in both linguistics and education, and emerging research expertise, she is uniquely positioned to make meaningful contributions to these intercultural exchanges.
Evelyn in Bolivia with her mother, siblings, nephews and niece.
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Header image: Festivities in the Thuskupaya community, located in the Andes mountains of Bolivia.