FOR STUDENTS : ALL THE INGREDIENTS OF A GOOD ESSAY
Music Essays
Our free music essays cover a range of topics and themes including music history, education, the music business, songwriting, audio recording and production, composition and technology, sound engineering and more.
Racial oppression is not a thing of the past in America. It has only been a short number of years since blacks in America were greatly oppressed. Many decades of discrimination lead one to internalize racism and oppression. African Americans have suffered the most by the hands of blatant and covert racists. In the song, … Read more
The album good kid, m.A.A.d city, a literary epic by Kendrick Lamar, holds many elements of epic poetry. The story of this album surrounds K dot, a troubled teen growing up in Compton. It follows his troubles with characters like Sherane, and conflicts like getting jumped, getting in trouble for borrowing his mothers van, or … Read more
There are lots of people who helped influence the wind band. Of these many composers James Clifton Williams and Robert E. Jager are two of those great composers that have heavily influenced the past. These composers have also greatly affected the history of music by making over 100 popular compositions. These two men have greatly … Read more
When music comes to mind, who do you think of? 21 Savage? Lil Uzi Vert? Post Malone? Or do you think of Beethoven? Jimi Hendrix? Or what about Elvis Presley? Well if it wasn’t for some of these guys, you wouldn’t have the music you listen to today. Jazz was also a major influence on … Read more
It has always been a debate whether the term World Music represents all the music around the world or the non-Western music/ third world music (Feld, 2000). World Music has been influenced by the globalisation during the 20th century. Which are the main factors of this influence and how it affects the identity and diversity … Read more
Who runs the world? According to Beyonce Giselle Knowles-Carter, its us, women. Often referred to as ‘Queen B,’ over the years Beyonce has most certainly and successfully made a place for herself in the music industry and in the hearts of many. The title ‘Queen B’ itself screams of authority, power and respect. Beyonce’s songs … Read more
With reference to the relevant academic literature – whether musicological or sociological – describe the ways in which scholars have written about politics in relation to popular music. Then, making use of well-chosen examples of artists and/or music from the twenty-first century, evaluate the extent to which those authors’ concepts remain relevant. Introduction Music as … Read more
Jesus Christ Superstar is a 1970s rock opera written by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice. The production focuses on the last week of Jesus’ life, ending with his crucifixion, and places a sympathetic emphasis on Judas’ decision to betray Jesus. It confronts themes of manipulation, betrayal, love, and faith through a political and religious … Read more
Change is difficult to acknowledge, but on the other hand it’s difficult to bring. Change can be acquired various diverse ways; it tends to be brought through savagery, talks or words. Wars constrained change through brutality, Gandhi brought it through addresses and Hughes caused it by his lyrics. Winston Churchill once stated, “There is nothing … Read more
We wake up to different music every day, whether its waking up to an alarm clock or tuning into Spotify on the way to work. Music is beautiful to listen daily, it helps us develop mental energy to keep us motivated and happy. Music is an extraordinary type of articulation and can be utilized to … Read more
Over the many years of David Bowie’s astounding career, he has inspired millions of people with his eccentric style and dramatic music transformations. Bowie’s strong art sensibility helped make his music and live performances extremely visual and artistic. He is celebrated for blurring genres and opening minds around the globe and he has influenced more music … Read more
Romanticism is a term that often causes quite a lot of conflict between music historians, musicologists and other researchers of this era of music. The Romantic period of music roughly spans between 1830-1900. Due to its time frame many people use the term synonymously with 19th century music, however this would disregard many other movements … Read more
Music is a vessel of communication that allows people to express emotion and meaning, even if the artist’s spoken language is not comprehensible to the listener. (HARGREAVES, MIELL and MACDONALD, 1997). Due to technological development and the increasing commercialisation of music over the last two decades, music has become a greater part of our everyday … Read more
Music in education is essential to our children because it increases their listening skills and is a common method of communication for cultures worldwide. As schools consider cutting music programs to focus on core academic subjects, it is crucial to recognize that music is a vital part of basic education. Eliminating music from the curriculum … Read more
Synopsis Act I J. Pierrepont Finch, a young window washer in New York City with large ambitions, reads the book How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. The “Book Voice” tells him that he will be successful in the business world if he follows the book’s advice. Excited, Finch enters the World Wide Wicket … Read more
Writing music essays
Here are our top tips for your next music essay:
Choose a narrow and well-defined topic: When writing a music essay at university level, it is important to choose a topic that is specific and well-defined. This will help you to focus your research and ensure that your essay is clear and concise. Scroll down for some titles and themes to inspire you.
Research thoroughly: In order to write a high-quality music essay, it is essential to do thorough research. This means reading books, academic journals, and other relevant sources to gain a comprehensive understanding of your topic.
Use appropriate sources: It is important to use reputable sources when writing a music essay at university level. This means using scholarly books and journals, as well as primary sources such as recordings and scores. Top sources for music students include:
JSTOR: JSTOR is a digital library that provides access to thousands of academic journals, books, and primary sources. It is an excellent resource for students studying music history, music theory, and musicology.
RILM Abstracts of Music Literature: RILM is a comprehensive database of music literature that provides abstracts and full-text articles on all aspects of music. It is an excellent resource for students studying musicology, ethnomusicology, and music theory.
Music Index: Music Index is a comprehensive database of music-related articles, reviews, and news that provides access to more than 850 international music periodicals. It is an excellent resource for students studying music history, performance, and composition.
Grove Music Online: Grove Music Online is an authoritative resource that provides access to the full text of the New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians, as well as several other music reference works. It is an excellent resource for students studying music history, music theory, and musicology.
Oxford Music Online: Oxford Music Online is another comprehensive resource that provides access to several music reference works, including the Oxford Dictionary of Music and the Oxford Companion to Music. It is an excellent resource for students studying music history, music theory, and musicology.
Music Theory Online: Music Theory Online is an open-access journal that publishes articles, reviews, and analyses on all aspects of music theory. It is an excellent resource for students studying music theory, composition, and performance.
Develop a clear argument: A strong music essay should have a clear argument or thesis statement that is supported by evidence. Take the time to develop your argument and ensure that it is well-supported by your research.
Analyze and interpret music: In addition to discussing the historical or cultural context of music, it is important to analyze and interpret the music itself. This means discussing elements such as harmony, melody, rhythm, and form, and how they contribute to the overall meaning and impact of the music.
Use appropriate terminology: When writing about music, it is important to use appropriate terminology and musical notation. This demonstrates your understanding of the subject matter and helps to clarify your arguments
Edit and proofread: Finally, be sure to edit and proofread your essay thoroughly. This means checking for grammar and spelling errors, as well as ensuring that your arguments are clear and well-supported.
Music essay sample titles
Writing a music essay and stuck for inspiration? Here are some ideas for titles and topics to inspire you:
The Evolution of Jazz Music: An Analysis of Key Innovations and Influences: Jazz music has undergone significant changes since its inception in the early 20th century. This essay topic would explore the evolution of jazz music from its roots in blues and ragtime, through the swing era, bebop, and beyond. The essay would investigate the key innovations and influential musicians that have helped shape the genre, from Louis Armstrong to Miles Davis, John Coltrane, and beyond.
The Role of Music in Film: A Study of Its Impact on Narrative and Emotion: Music plays a crucial role in shaping the emotional and narrative impact of film. This essay topic would explore the ways in which music is used in film to enhance mood, create tension, and convey meaning. The essay would investigate examples from iconic films such as Star Wars, Jaws, and Psycho to contemporary examples like Inception and The Social Network.
The Impact of Technology on Music Production and Distribution: The advent of digital technology has revolutionized the music industry, from the way music is produced to the way it is distributed and consumed. This essay topic would investigate the ways in which technology has transformed the music industry, from the rise of home recording studios to the impact of streaming services on the music market. The essay would also explore the ethical and legal implications of music piracy and copyright infringement in the digital age.
The Influence of Music on Culture and Society: Music has the power to shape cultural and societal norms and values, as well as reflect them. This essay topic would explore the ways in which music has influenced culture and society throughout history, from the folk songs of the American Civil Rights Movement to the punk rock movement of the 1970s and beyond. The essay would also investigate the impact of music on identity formation, social movements, and political activism.
The Intersection of Music and Religion: A Study of Sacred Music Across Cultures: Music has played a central role in religious practice across cultures throughout history. This essay topic would explore the intersection of music and religion, investigating the role of sacred music in various religions, from Gregorian chant in Christianity to qawwali in Islam and beyond. The essay would also investigate the ways in which music shapes religious experience and expression, and the potential for interfaith dialogue and understanding through music.
