Music and Musical Heritage as Factors for Rural Development

Abstract

This chapter reflects on the understanding and measurement of development and rural development and on how music can influence it. Now more than ever, sustainability must direct development, and life quality indicators must be taken into consideration rather than income, growth, etc. From fieldwork, deep knowledge of different European contexts and a thorough state-of-the-art research, the chapter analyses cases and projects that have had relevant impact in their territories or may be considered for different reasons good practice cases. The aim of the chapter is to analyze those factors that may be considered to evaluate the quality and impact of a case. Researching, safeguarding, and recreating musical heritage produce impacts that go far beyond the economic aspects. Some of these aspects will be highlighted in this chapter. Results and conclusions will serve therefor to advance in research lines related to music tourism, musical heritage, and rural development, but will also be useful for managers, rural agents, local governments.