Dr Karen McAulay
@karenmca.bsky.social
Musicologist historian, RCS Fellow, @iashedinburgh.bsky.social alumna. Social History of Amateur Music-Making & Scottish National Identity: Scotland's Printed Music 1880-1951 (Routledge).
https://karenmcaulaymusicologist.blog/
Wary of folk w/o profiles!
https://karenmcaulaymusicologist.blog/
Wary of folk w/o profiles!
Pinned
Proud Addition to my Published Output: Women Pursuing Musical Careers: Finding Opportunities in Late Nineteenth- and Early Twentieth-Century Scottish Music Publishing Circles
Published online today, 12 January 2026, in the RMA (Royal Musical Association) Research Chronicle, by Cambridge University Press, on Open Access:- click here. Writing this article was enormously f…
karenmcaulaymusicologist.blog
Proud Addition to my Published Output: 'Women Pursuing Musical Careers: Finding Opportunities in Late Nineteenth- and Early Twentieth-Century Scottish Music Publishing Circles', new article!
#RMAResearchChronicle #PortfolioCareers
karenmcaulaymusicologist.blog/2026/01/12/p...
#RMAResearchChronicle #PortfolioCareers
karenmcaulaymusicologist.blog/2026/01/12/p...
Aaaaargh! Had my finger ON the light switch, when ...
"LEAVE IT!!!!!", I'm ordered.
I am a 67-year old postdoc. I did not turn the light off.
#Controlling @shadowsofcontrol.bsky.social
"LEAVE IT!!!!!", I'm ordered.
I am a 67-year old postdoc. I did not turn the light off.
#Controlling @shadowsofcontrol.bsky.social
February 7, 2026 at 10:16 PM
Aaaaargh! Had my finger ON the light switch, when ...
"LEAVE IT!!!!!", I'm ordered.
I am a 67-year old postdoc. I did not turn the light off.
#Controlling @shadowsofcontrol.bsky.social
"LEAVE IT!!!!!", I'm ordered.
I am a 67-year old postdoc. I did not turn the light off.
#Controlling @shadowsofcontrol.bsky.social
As a postgraduate student many moons ago, I felt a profound sense of failure when Saturday nights were spent at the launderette. Where was my social life?
I'm now semi-retired. With my own washing machine. Saturday nights at the ironing board bring a similar sense of profound dissatisfaction!!
I'm now semi-retired. With my own washing machine. Saturday nights at the ironing board bring a similar sense of profound dissatisfaction!!
February 7, 2026 at 9:23 PM
As a postgraduate student many moons ago, I felt a profound sense of failure when Saturday nights were spent at the launderette. Where was my social life?
I'm now semi-retired. With my own washing machine. Saturday nights at the ironing board bring a similar sense of profound dissatisfaction!!
I'm now semi-retired. With my own washing machine. Saturday nights at the ironing board bring a similar sense of profound dissatisfaction!!
Terminology to Attract Attention (be careful what you blog!) karenmcaulaymusicologist.blog/2026/02/07/t...
Terminology to Attract Attention
Remember last May, I blogged about which of my articles had attracted the most ‘hits’? The Value of Using a Sensible, Meaningful Title I learnt the hard way that words with more t…
karenmcaulaymusicologist.blog
February 7, 2026 at 9:18 PM
Terminology to Attract Attention (be careful what you blog!) karenmcaulaymusicologist.blog/2026/02/07/t...
Another fresh day to endure.
When people are abusive, it's hard to imagine that they're actively planning it, in the moment.
So - it must be subconsciously motivated.
If so, what hope of ever changing whatever is going on subconsciously?
#abuse @shadowsofcontrol.bsky.social
When people are abusive, it's hard to imagine that they're actively planning it, in the moment.
So - it must be subconsciously motivated.
If so, what hope of ever changing whatever is going on subconsciously?
#abuse @shadowsofcontrol.bsky.social
February 7, 2026 at 7:40 AM
Another fresh day to endure.
When people are abusive, it's hard to imagine that they're actively planning it, in the moment.
So - it must be subconsciously motivated.
If so, what hope of ever changing whatever is going on subconsciously?
#abuse @shadowsofcontrol.bsky.social
When people are abusive, it's hard to imagine that they're actively planning it, in the moment.
So - it must be subconsciously motivated.
If so, what hope of ever changing whatever is going on subconsciously?
#abuse @shadowsofcontrol.bsky.social
'Will there be a cooked breakfast in the morning?', I'm asked.
'If you ask nicely, I'm sure -', I begin.
'Whaddaya want, a 5 star address? You needn't bother if it's too much trouble. Honestly, you've changed!'
'Hey, I was just teasing', I laugh, but he says he's sick of me belittling him.
#abuse
'If you ask nicely, I'm sure -', I begin.
'Whaddaya want, a 5 star address? You needn't bother if it's too much trouble. Honestly, you've changed!'
'Hey, I was just teasing', I laugh, but he says he's sick of me belittling him.
#abuse
February 6, 2026 at 11:32 PM
'Will there be a cooked breakfast in the morning?', I'm asked.
'If you ask nicely, I'm sure -', I begin.
'Whaddaya want, a 5 star address? You needn't bother if it's too much trouble. Honestly, you've changed!'
'Hey, I was just teasing', I laugh, but he says he's sick of me belittling him.
#abuse
'If you ask nicely, I'm sure -', I begin.
'Whaddaya want, a 5 star address? You needn't bother if it's too much trouble. Honestly, you've changed!'
'Hey, I was just teasing', I laugh, but he says he's sick of me belittling him.
#abuse
Reposted by Dr Karen McAulay
Sir Guenter Treitel came to the UK on the Kindertransport. He became the foremost authority on English contract law.
Famously, he held the Rolling Stones to their contract to play the Magdalen Ball in 1964 for £100 - they had suddenly become superstars after being booked as unknowns in 1963.
Famously, he held the Rolling Stones to their contract to play the Magdalen Ball in 1964 for £100 - they had suddenly become superstars after being booked as unknowns in 1963.
Magdalen launches Sir Guenter Treitel Scholarships.
Each year, three Sir Guenter Treitel Scholars will be provided with full funding (fees and maintenance) to study the Bachelor of Civil Law (BCL) at Magdalen College.
Read more: www.magd.ox.ac.uk/news/magdale...
Each year, three Sir Guenter Treitel Scholars will be provided with full funding (fees and maintenance) to study the Bachelor of Civil Law (BCL) at Magdalen College.
Read more: www.magd.ox.ac.uk/news/magdale...
February 6, 2026 at 3:53 PM
Sir Guenter Treitel came to the UK on the Kindertransport. He became the foremost authority on English contract law.
Famously, he held the Rolling Stones to their contract to play the Magdalen Ball in 1964 for £100 - they had suddenly become superstars after being booked as unknowns in 1963.
Famously, he held the Rolling Stones to their contract to play the Magdalen Ball in 1964 for £100 - they had suddenly become superstars after being booked as unknowns in 1963.
Reposted by Dr Karen McAulay
📣Apply for Small Grants Funding!
Are you looking to conduct research into social or cultural history? Do you need support with archival visits, organising a conference, or buying specialist equipment?
⏰Our next funding deadline is 1 March
socialhistory.org.uk/funding/smal...
Are you looking to conduct research into social or cultural history? Do you need support with archival visits, organising a conference, or buying specialist equipment?
⏰Our next funding deadline is 1 March
socialhistory.org.uk/funding/smal...
Small Grants
The Social History Society maintains a Small Grants Fund to support our members to carry out research activities and hold events. We give priority to activities and event that would otherwise remai…
socialhistory.org.uk
January 23, 2026 at 4:52 PM
📣Apply for Small Grants Funding!
Are you looking to conduct research into social or cultural history? Do you need support with archival visits, organising a conference, or buying specialist equipment?
⏰Our next funding deadline is 1 March
socialhistory.org.uk/funding/smal...
Are you looking to conduct research into social or cultural history? Do you need support with archival visits, organising a conference, or buying specialist equipment?
⏰Our next funding deadline is 1 March
socialhistory.org.uk/funding/smal...
Reposted by Dr Karen McAulay
No joke: I got angry hate mail today for writing an obituary of a Black woman scientist—because the person felt she did didn’t deserve the recognition.
Which just makes me want to share it again: www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Which just makes me want to share it again: www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Gladys Mae West obituary: mathematician who pioneered GPS technology
She made key contributions to US cold-war science despite facing huge barriers as a Black woman.
www.nature.com
February 6, 2026 at 9:09 AM
No joke: I got angry hate mail today for writing an obituary of a Black woman scientist—because the person felt she did didn’t deserve the recognition.
Which just makes me want to share it again: www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Which just makes me want to share it again: www.nature.com/articles/d41...
Meet @promiscuousprint.bsky.social ... investigating #legaldeposit materials that were NOT collected by the libraries!
I wonder if you've come across my colleague Hannah Field's Promiscuous Print project? www.promiscuousprint.com/home
Promiscuous Print | Research Project
www.promiscuousprint.com
February 6, 2026 at 7:58 AM
Meet @promiscuousprint.bsky.social ... investigating #legaldeposit materials that were NOT collected by the libraries!
OK, these were the original legal deposit libraries. Which one kept the most legal deposit music? Unsurprisingly, @britishlibrary.bsky.social
(Represented by a complete circular 'pie chart'). Another 10 pages to be captioned yet!
(Represented by a complete circular 'pie chart'). Another 10 pages to be captioned yet!
February 4, 2026 at 12:59 PM
OK, these were the original legal deposit libraries. Which one kept the most legal deposit music? Unsurprisingly, @britishlibrary.bsky.social
(Represented by a complete circular 'pie chart'). Another 10 pages to be captioned yet!
(Represented by a complete circular 'pie chart'). Another 10 pages to be captioned yet!
Maslow's Hierarchy of Reads, for students seeking the shortest possible reading list?
A list of the finest honey-based drinks, called Maslow's Hierarchy of Meads
The library of medieval histories called Maslow's Hierarchy of Bedes
February 4, 2026 at 10:17 AM
Maslow's Hierarchy of Reads, for students seeking the shortest possible reading list?
Reposted by Dr Karen McAulay
Ever wondered what secrets lie in a map? 🗺️
Join us for a day dedicated to all things cartographic. Get a behind-the-scenes look at our map collections, attend talks, and get hands-on with our drop-in activities!
📅 6 February 2026
⏰ 10:30am-4:00pm
Plan your visit > www.nls.uk/whats-on/map...
Join us for a day dedicated to all things cartographic. Get a behind-the-scenes look at our map collections, attend talks, and get hands-on with our drop-in activities!
📅 6 February 2026
⏰ 10:30am-4:00pm
Plan your visit > www.nls.uk/whats-on/map...
February 4, 2026 at 9:01 AM
Ever wondered what secrets lie in a map? 🗺️
Join us for a day dedicated to all things cartographic. Get a behind-the-scenes look at our map collections, attend talks, and get hands-on with our drop-in activities!
📅 6 February 2026
⏰ 10:30am-4:00pm
Plan your visit > www.nls.uk/whats-on/map...
Join us for a day dedicated to all things cartographic. Get a behind-the-scenes look at our map collections, attend talks, and get hands-on with our drop-in activities!
📅 6 February 2026
⏰ 10:30am-4:00pm
Plan your visit > www.nls.uk/whats-on/map...
This is the stitched equivalent of an #ElevatorPitch about my former #ClaimedFromStationersHall research project. To amuse myself, I had made a cloth book, illustrating how much #LegalDeposit music survives in each old legal deposit library. I felt it needed explanatory captions. New subtitle first!
February 4, 2026 at 8:47 AM
This is the stitched equivalent of an #ElevatorPitch about my former #ClaimedFromStationersHall research project. To amuse myself, I had made a cloth book, illustrating how much #LegalDeposit music survives in each old legal deposit library. I felt it needed explanatory captions. New subtitle first!
Just revisiting an earlier research project. I can't actually get very excited about cross-stitch, but cross-stitch lettering is quite relaxing. (Bet our Victorian forebears would disagree!)
#legaldeposit
#legaldeposit
February 3, 2026 at 11:30 PM
Just revisiting an earlier research project. I can't actually get very excited about cross-stitch, but cross-stitch lettering is quite relaxing. (Bet our Victorian forebears would disagree!)
#legaldeposit
#legaldeposit
Thought I'd had a brainwave. Colman's casserole mix (Norwich firm, must be good); & inviting Testosterone Towers to serve themselves.
The lip curled upon being told what it was. And #Self-service was echoed as though I'd uttered an insult.
I don't think He's ready for the 20th century yet ...
The lip curled upon being told what it was. And #Self-service was echoed as though I'd uttered an insult.
I don't think He's ready for the 20th century yet ...
February 3, 2026 at 6:08 PM
Thought I'd had a brainwave. Colman's casserole mix (Norwich firm, must be good); & inviting Testosterone Towers to serve themselves.
The lip curled upon being told what it was. And #Self-service was echoed as though I'd uttered an insult.
I don't think He's ready for the 20th century yet ...
The lip curled upon being told what it was. And #Self-service was echoed as though I'd uttered an insult.
I don't think He's ready for the 20th century yet ...
#Checkatrade has a 600 character limit for reviewing a trade. Luckily, we academics are EXPERT word-wranglers when it comes to fitting text into a box, and even more expert at writing #reviews!
#Review done.
#Review done.
a police officer is smiling while sitting in his car
ALT: a police officer is smiling while sitting in his car
media.tenor.com
February 3, 2026 at 12:18 PM
#Checkatrade has a 600 character limit for reviewing a trade. Luckily, we academics are EXPERT word-wranglers when it comes to fitting text into a box, and even more expert at writing #reviews!
#Review done.
#Review done.
Reposted by Dr Karen McAulay
Being interdisciplinary mostly means everyone agrees your work is interesting but not for their journal.
February 2, 2026 at 10:39 AM
Being interdisciplinary mostly means everyone agrees your work is interesting but not for their journal.
Can't escape these emails! Wikipedia says health informatics are 'the study & implementation of computer science to improve communication, understanding, & management of medical information ... a branch of engineering & applied science.'
WHERE do #Musicology & #ScottishMusicPublishers fit in?
WHERE do #Musicology & #ScottishMusicPublishers fit in?
February 2, 2026 at 9:34 AM
Can't escape these emails! Wikipedia says health informatics are 'the study & implementation of computer science to improve communication, understanding, & management of medical information ... a branch of engineering & applied science.'
WHERE do #Musicology & #ScottishMusicPublishers fit in?
WHERE do #Musicology & #ScottishMusicPublishers fit in?
Fascinating article about new book - if this link works for non-subscribers - www.heraldscotland.com/news/2581415...
February 1, 2026 at 7:49 AM
Fascinating article about new book - if this link works for non-subscribers - www.heraldscotland.com/news/2581415...
Reposted by Dr Karen McAulay
Tonight at the Tron 7.30 we’re playing the whole album live with Alison Kinnaird, Cathal McConnell, Kathryn Nicoll and Fionnlagh Mac A’ Phiocair at Celtic Connections! With special duo, trio and whole band versions of some of the solo album tracks www.celticconnections.com/event/1/kare...
January 31, 2026 at 9:59 AM
Tonight at the Tron 7.30 we’re playing the whole album live with Alison Kinnaird, Cathal McConnell, Kathryn Nicoll and Fionnlagh Mac A’ Phiocair at Celtic Connections! With special duo, trio and whole band versions of some of the solo album tracks www.celticconnections.com/event/1/kare...
Ah, my ears do confuse things. I couldn't understand why we needed metal tiles for the kitchen. Neither could the B&Q lady. Then light dawned.
Metro tiles. Like the Subway.
Metro tiles. Like the Subway.
January 30, 2026 at 3:11 PM
Ah, my ears do confuse things. I couldn't understand why we needed metal tiles for the kitchen. Neither could the B&Q lady. Then light dawned.
Metro tiles. Like the Subway.
Metro tiles. Like the Subway.
Our GPs are excellent - we have no complaints about the practice, apart from the call-handling system, which has so much garbled and distorted Pachelbel's Canon that Himself's arguable sanity is being very much challenged!
#StayOnTheLine
#StayOnTheLine
January 30, 2026 at 8:44 AM
Our GPs are excellent - we have no complaints about the practice, apart from the call-handling system, which has so much garbled and distorted Pachelbel's Canon that Himself's arguable sanity is being very much challenged!
#StayOnTheLine
#StayOnTheLine
Back on track: a research writing update. There's good news! Article now published in RMA Research Chronicle (women's musical careers), and an [unrelated] book chapter pending (about a mid-20th century song book for the Festival of Britain) karenmcaulaymusicologist.blog/2026/01/29/g...
Good News! Article now Published in RMA Research Chronicle, and an [unrelated] Book Chapter Pending
A couple of weeks ago, I mentioned that my RMA Research Chronicle article was now available online as open access. Today, it’s actually in the published issue. Receiving this email is a great…
karenmcaulaymusicologist.blog
January 29, 2026 at 4:30 PM
Back on track: a research writing update. There's good news! Article now published in RMA Research Chronicle (women's musical careers), and an [unrelated] book chapter pending (about a mid-20th century song book for the Festival of Britain) karenmcaulaymusicologist.blog/2026/01/29/g...
This 'software, incredibly simple' tagline is inconsistent with the fact that I've not managed either to report half a day's sickleave or submit an expense claim this morning.
Either that or I myself am 'liveware, incredibly stupid'.
Either that or I myself am 'liveware, incredibly stupid'.
January 29, 2026 at 11:39 AM
This 'software, incredibly simple' tagline is inconsistent with the fact that I've not managed either to report half a day's sickleave or submit an expense claim this morning.
Either that or I myself am 'liveware, incredibly stupid'.
Either that or I myself am 'liveware, incredibly stupid'.