Music Research Guide

Follow the steps below to find relevant resources for your topic.

1. Identify Keywords
2. Locate Background Information
3. Search the Library Catalog
4. Find Music Articles
5. Use Print Sources
6. Select and Evaluate WWW Resources

• Before beginning research, state the topic of the search concisely (in one sentence). An example of a search statement which is expressed succinctly is:
  What vocal warm-up exercises are used for training high school singers in the United States?
• From this search statement identify the main concepts of the search. In the above search statement, vocal and warm-up exercises would represent the two main concepts of the search. The concept of the high school grade level and United States geographic area would enable the search to be narrowed even further.
• Brainstorm a list of keyword synonyms for each concept identified above. Use these keywords throughout a search to find variant terms used to describe the main concepts. Different indexes may use different terminology to categorize the same concept. (Remember, as the search progresses, some new keywords will be discovered to add to the list and some keywords on the list in the beginning will be discarded if found to be inappropriate.) Sample lists of keyword synonyms are shown below for finding information on the topic vocal warm-up exercises for training high school singers in the United States:

• At the start of a research project, consult specialized dictionaries or encyclopedias to obtain a concise overview of a concept, school of thought, or a particular person's contribution to the dramatic and theater arts. Music Sources contains a list of specialized dictionaries and encyclopedias available in Owens Library applicable to music research assignments. The Oxford Music Online is an especially good source for beginning historical research on Western musical traditions and musicians as well as research on music theory, musical instruments and the national musical traditions of most countries.
• If information is needed on a time period, an ethnic group, or the history of a particular nation, link to the Nations, Ethnic Groups, and Time Periods section of the Selected Drama and Theater Sources page.
• If information is needed on visual arts or world culture, link to the Art History and World Culture section of the Selected Drama and Theater Sources page.