An exploration of the music of the British settlers in Western Australia 1829-1841: A descriptive social and cultural history

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.