The comprehensive study of pop music in the context of European integration processes in Ukraine in the late XX – early XXI century is carried out in the research. The semantic parameters according to which the European integration of Ukrainian pop music into the modern European cultural space takes place are substantiated. The main tendencies of evolutionary processes of pop music art of the end of the XX – the beginning of the XXI century are traced in measurements of transformation of forms of mass communication. The theoretical and practical principles of building a system of professional musical education in the field of pop musical art are substantiated.
The concept of "pop musical art" which is interpreted in the study as a complex cultural and artistic phenomenon is clarified. It operates in the space of mass culture and covers a wide range of genres, trends and styles of popular instrumental and vocal music. Perceptions of the role of vocal talent shows and the Eurovision Song Contest as factors contributing to the cultural European integration of modern Ukrainian pop music are deepened. The understanding of the importance of the educational activity of modern art institutions of higher education as leading centres in the training of specialists in the field of pop music of Ukraine is improved. Evaluation of the work of modern representatives of pop music and their role in the implementation of European integration cultural and artistic processes is further developed. The issues of interaction of mass music culture and pop music, European integration tendencies of Ukrainian culture, and pop music education are studied.
The European integration vector of modern Ukrainian pop art is manifested in 1) combining nationally marked elements of Ukrainian musical culture with the benefit of European and world popular music; 2) using English as communicative language and Ukrainian as a nationally marked language in the songs; 3) creative cooperation with popular European musical pop artists; 4) presentations and promotions of Ukrainian artists’ creativity abroad; 5) orientation to European humanitarian and cultural values; 6) the process of introducing of modern pop musical art into commerce and making it available on the European and world musical market.
Most Ukrainian pop artists choose a European integration vector positioning themselves as Ukrainian artists. The national component, combined with world musical trends, is an important marker for Ukrainian pop musical art, in particular for the bands VV, Kozak System, Kazka, DakhaBrakha, Onuka, Alina Pash, who combine folk motives with rock music (VV, Kozak System), pop music (Kazka), electronics (Onuka) and hip-hop (Alina Pash). The musicians focus on the European cultural values in their compositions. In particular, such as perception of a national cultural tradition in the context of multiculturalism (VV, Alina Pash), folklore as genetic roots of cultural tradition, which created a variety of cultures of Europe (VV, Kozak System, Kazka, DakhaBrakha, Onuka, Alina Pash), appealing to important topics in society, reviewing important social and political events (Okean Elzy, Kozak System, The Hardkiss), freedom and dignity of man as the highest value (Kozak System).
The Eurovision song contest had an integrational direction among musical variety competitions from the very beginning. Ukrainian artists won this competition twice (Ruslana in 2004 and Jamala in 2016), first of all, thanks to musical compositions that have successfully combined the Ukrainian and Crimean Tatar Folklore with a modern musical language. The victory of these performers, as well as the prizes of other Ukrainian artists in Eurovision, allowed Europeans to get to know Ukrainian musical culture in a new way and helped young artists to enter the European cultural space.
The musical talent shows of the European format, among which in Ukraine the most popular are Karaoke on the Maidan, Chance, Star Factory, Superstar, People's Star, Sing as a Star also are a factor in the cultural European integration of Ukrainian pop art. Several Ukrainian pop artists, including Tonya Matvienko, Mélovin, Tayanna, Alina Pash, Kazka became famous abroad thanks to the talent shows, even though they are commercial and aimed primarily at the spectacularity of the process but not finding new stars.
Pop vocal as the most demanded direction of pop musical art is taught in many artistic educational institutions of various levels nowadays. Modern programs of preparation of a variety of vocalists developed using world pedagogical experience in this area are in line with all requirements for the formation of professional competencies of the pop singer. That is why Ukrainian pop artists are required throughout the world.
