The main tasks of the department are research, teaching and publication within the range of folk music research and ethnomusicology

• Research into music and dance in contexts which are traditional, which result from traditional contexts, or which go beyond these – in Austria, Europe and in selected areas outside Europe

• Conveying theoretical knowledge about traditional musics via teaching

• Practical teaching of dance, vocal music and instrumental music in specific traditional styles

• Raising sociopolitical awareness as for minorities, transculturality, gender/queer in relation to music and dance

• Carrying out musical fieldwork, development of transcription and analysis

• International cooperation
  ICTM – International Council for Traditional Music
  EMM – Research Centre for European Multipart Music

• Organization of symposia, lectures and seminars

• Publishing