"There are a number of problems common to all island societies that vary in significance depending on an island's size, demographics and its proximity to the mainland. Problems include remoteness and insularity, peripherality to centralized sites of decision-making, a limited range of natural resources, specialization of economics, small markets, a narrow skills base, poor infrastructure and environmental fragility. These issues are discussed in relation to the creation of music in the construction of an islander identity. Of particular interest is the way in which islanders discuss their music and how it articulates the idea of the 'other' diaspora. Finally, Island Musics considers the musical industry, music education and the preservation of musical cultural heritage."--BOOK JACKET