MUS 1801W: Music, Society, and Cultures

Once you've identified your topic, you should start by gathering some background information on it. Keep the following points in mind when you're reading through background sources like encyclopedias and reference books:

• Brainstorm a list of 6-8 keywords associated with your topic. These can include key composers or theorists, music terms, or any other words that come to mind. These keywords will give you something to watch for when you're reading your background sources.
   
• Your list of keywords might change, and that's ok! Keep track of new keywords you identify as you explore the background on your topic. These keywords may get narrower or broader as you learn more about your topic, and it's important to stay flexible - you never know what path your research may take.
   
• Don't forget to look at the end of the encyclopedia entry you're reading - there may be a great bibliography that can point you toward additional relevant resources!

Starting your research with music-specific encyclopedias is a great way to gather trustworthy background info on composers, styles, and individual pieces that can jump start your understanding and help you get more out of resources with a more narrow focus like journal articles and books. Think of these like the scholarly versions of Wikipedia, with entries written and reviewed by experts - so you know they're trustworthy.
 

TIPS for using music encyclopedias:

• Use the search bar in the resource search for a relevant entry on your topic; usually, this should be an entry for a composer or a musical genre.
   
• Once you find a relevant entry, you can use the built-in navigation menus to jump to specific portions of it.
   
• While reading through your entry, keep track of any new keywords you come across; these will be helpful for future searches.
   
• Many music encyclopedia entries include:
  • Composer works lists: These may be a complete list of a composer's oeuvre or selected works, and will often provide information about the dates of composition, premiere performances, and even the current locations of manuscript copies.
  • Bibliographies: These are lists of books and articles that could also be helpful sources for your research!

• TIPS:
  • Click the globe icon on the right side of the MGG search interface to translate the contents of this resource to the language of your choice. Once you click on the globe, you'll need to choose a language from the dropdown menu that appears at the top of the screen. NOTE: Translation services provided by Google Translate, so they may not be perfect.
     
  • Many MGG Online entries include:
    • Composer works lists: These may be a complete list of a composer's oeuvre or selected works, and will often provide information about the dates of composition, premiere performances, and even the current locations of manuscript copies.
    • Bibliographies: these are lists of works that could also be helpful sources for your research!