The Song Genre Survey, part of SIL's Arts Dataset Program, aims to gather insights on 3-5 of the most widely known or loved song genres within a community. For this survey, members of the community themselves determine what they consider to be their most salient song genres. A song genre is a type or category of songs that people in the community can identify and discuss. The category often has a name, and songs in the genre are marked by a set of similar features.
The survey and accompanying instructions for how to use it are available in the following languages. Each folder includes two documents: the Song Genre Survey 1.0 (the actual survey tool) and a page of instructions:
Watch the instructional video below to learn how to fill out the Song Genre Survey:
To learn more about the Song Genre Survey, visit SIL's Arts Dataset Program page, which include FAQs and examples from Indoneisa and Nigeria. You can also learn about the Song Genre Dataset for language groups.
Mini-grant for Individuals and their Organizations
The SIL Arts Dataset initiative is pleased to announce a small grant opportunity to advance the growth of the project. This grant supports completing 30 distinct song genre surveys (with a limit of no more than five surveys from any single community) to foster broad cultural and geographic representation. Submissions must introduce unique song genres that do not duplicate existing records in the dataset, and surveys must meet the necessary quality standards for acceptance. Prospective individuals are required to submit a recommendation from their affiliated organization with their application. The project is subject to a six-month completion timeline. Award payment—via PayPal, Wise, or check— will be disbursed upon the official acceptance of the completed surveys into the dataset. This grant is for $250 in total, with $100 for the individual and $150 for the organization. To apply, fill out and submit this form: Arts Dataset Mini-Grants for Individuals & Organizations.
There is a limited number of grants. We'll review applications in the order we receive them.
Mini-grant for Students and Scholars
The SIL Arts Dataset initiative is pleased to announce a scholarly research incentive, designed to integrate high-quality data into the Song Genre Dataset while promoting academic scholarship. This incentive is offered to student researchers who conduct and submit a minimum of three song genre surveys to the official dataset, and who formally reference the surveys or their results within a successfully defended thesis, dissertation, or a publication accepted by a peer-reviewed journal. The financial incentive is $300-$500, based on the scope of the field research. Payment will be made via PayPal, Wise or check, upon verification of the final academic publication or thesis acceptance. Recognizing the varied timelines of academic programs, the overall project duration will be flexible and discussed with the Arts Dataset Program coordinator to ensure alignment with the researcher’s specific academic and research needs. To apply, fill out and submit this form: Arts Dataset Mini_Grant for Students & Scholars.
There is a limited number of grants. We'll review applications in the order we receive them.
