The professional ethics of the Roma musicians of Ceuaş

Abstract

Chapter 1 describes how the Roma musicians of Ceuaş conceive of their professional activity. In their opinion, when they are paid to perform they should “provide a service” and must endeavor to give satisfaction to everyone present. The chapter focuses on how musicians perceive their relationship with their clients. This is based on a key prescription: “to stay in your place.” This expression means abiding by a certain moral code, as much as it implies a particular standard of behavior. Musicians should both “keep their word” and “stay calm”: they should fulfill their contractual obligations without allowing themselves to get carried away by the atmosphere of revelry. This strict professional ethics is not specific to the musicians of Ceuaş and can be observed in other Roma communities of eastern Europe.