ABSTRACT
This chapter considers the measurement of globalization, especially the availability, reliability and validity of data which could serve as appropriate indicators. The graph entitled 'Commodity flow and indicators' provides a framework for locating different parameters of measurement. The transnational orientation and organization of the music industry has to be distinguished analytically from the globalization of music which refers to the global distribution of music as a commodity as well as to its 'hybridization'. The best sources of information are trade publications and data from the industry itself, such as from the International Federation of the Phonographic Industry. The degree of 'autonomy' or 'independence' is the crucial point in the study of globalization. In the study of globalization, a great challenge to music analysis is how to relate a musical text to a certain territory or ethnicity. The collection and scrutiny of data concerning global music production is one aim of the project "Music and Globalization" undertaken by the Mediacult Institute.
