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This Library Research Guide will provide information about and access to some of the most significant research materials available from McFarlin Library related to Music. The tabs above cover research options such as:
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Selecting a research topic is much like deciding on a travel destination. Once you have narrowed your ideas to an interesting subject, write down a brief statement about this topic. For example: "Rock groups of the 60s, their popularity and major influence on the music industry." Once the topic is selected, write down specific questions that you'll want to answer. The research process will drive your destination. Your original topic may develop into something entirely different. You may choose to follow an alternate path and go down a different road.
After determining the topic, you can map out your route. You must identify the types of sources that will provide the information needed, then determine where to find these sources. Types of sources that should be considered include books, periodicals, the Internet, and other libraries (through interlibrary loan).
The key to finding books is the online library catalog called Discovery. Search in Discovery by selecting a keyword that best describes your topic. You can also search by title, author, subject, or keyword. In addition to books, the catalog allows you to search for periodicals, government documents, audiovisual material, and Special Collections.
If you get lost during your sight-seeing trip, stop and ask directions. The following reference sources will be most useful to acquire quick answers to any questions you may have.
Begin with Encyclopedias, then to get off the main drag, use Subject Encyclopedias.
What does it mean? Use a Dictionary.
How much, how many? Find Statistical Information.
Who? Find Biographical Information.
How can I get in touch? Use a Directory.
Where do I go from here? Bibliographies.
Periodicals include newspapers, magazines, and journals. They are published regularly, daily, weekly, monthly, quarterly. Journals are periodicals containing articles written by experts in a particular field of study. If the researcher wrote the article, is it a primary source. If reporters write the article, such as in popular magazines, it is a secondary source. Typically, journal articles contain extensive bibliographies that lead to additional sources.
Journal List - If there is a specific journal that you are looking for, this will take you directly to McFarlin's holdings.
Discovery - If there is a specific article that you are looking for, you can search Summon with that article's title.
Database List - If you don't have a specific journal or article in mind, then McFarlin's databases will allow you to search multiple journals with a keyword.
Writing About Music
Know the Music
First, get to know the music intimately. Study the music until you are able to describe the piece to another person without using the score. You should be able to highlight major changes, identify formal divisions, sing or play major themes, and identify any points of interest in the piece.
Create Your Thesis
Your thesis should indicate what you think is the most important about the music. For example, you can focus on one or two stylistic elements of the music, or you can write about important aspects of the piece. The thesis should be one of the first sentences in your paper.
Introduction
If your first sentence is not your thesis, then it should introduce the material. The rest of the introduction should include your thesis and a breakdown of your paper.
Organization
Logically group your information so that your point comes across effectively and convincingly. All claims must be supported with specific musical examples. Make references to the score using measure numbers or a copy of the relevant sections of the score. Check your style guide to properly use music abbreviations.
Supporting Your Claim
Depending on your claim, there are several ways to support your thesis. The following guidelines should provide you with ideas on how to support your thesis.
Description of Musical Elements
Describe the key, meter, tempo, instrumentation, and overall form of the piece.
Identify and explain important melodic motifs, themes, and their development.
Analyze the harmonic language, chord progressions, and tonal centers
Examine rhythmic and metric patterns, as well as any notable rhythmic devices.
Discuss other pertinent musical elements like texture, timbre, dynamics, articulations, etc.
In-Depth Analysis
Provide a detailed analysis of how the various musical elements identified earlier interact and function within the overall structure.
Use appropriate music theory terminology and concepts to analyze compositional techniques, stylistic influences, and innovative aspects of the work.
For performances, analyze elements like interpretation, expression, phrasing, and technical execution.
Interpretation and Evaluation
Interpret the deeper meanings, emotions, or expressive qualities conveyed by the music.
Evaluate the artistic merits, innovations, and significance of the work within its stylistic context.
Offer a critical perspective on the strengths, weaknesses, and overall aesthetic value of the piece.
Conclusion
Summarize your main analytical points and interpretations. Restate the significance of your findings and how they support your thesis.
In Music, as in other fields of study, it is very important that you cite the sources that you use to form and articulate your ideas.
Musicians typically use the Chicago Style citation format.
For an excellent and free citation management software option, check out our page on Zotero.
For a quick and easy citation generator, try ZBib by Zotero.
