Concise and engaging, this text covers a wide range of reference sources for research in all genres of music. Through this practical introduction to the key concepts of music research, students will develop a firm understanding of the tools used to gather data, including what types of sourcesexist, how they are arranged, and how they may best be used to do research.
Basic Music Reference is a quick-start guide designed to introduce library employees to the basic tools and techniques involved in answering questions related to music. As in every specialist subject area, music has its own terminology, but unlike most, it also has a multitude of formatson paper and other materialsas well as special notation and frequent use of foreign languages in titles and texts. These features make it particularly difficult for library employees to answer users questions and thus a guide such as this one is essential. Not all libraries with a music collection can afford to hire a music reference librarian. Even libraries with such a specialist rely on support staff and student employees to answer questions when the music librarian is not available. Whatever the scenario, this volume will serve as a helpful training tool for library employees to learn about the basic music reference tools, and to develop the techniques of greatest use when answering the most common types of music-related questions
Music librarianship offers meaningful and fulfilling work to people from varied backgrounds. As libraries adapt to everchanging economic, demographic, cultural, and technological landscapes, it is essential for music library workers to possess a keen understanding of what is needed to remain relevant and to thrive. Whether contemplating a new career in music libraries, expanding liaison responsibilities in music, seeking paths for professional development, or feeling eager to reinvigorate a music library career, readers can turn to this book to gain practical and approachable guidance to succeed. In this substantially expanded edition of Careers in Music Librarianship III, experienced expert professionals have updated their pragmatic advice and insight from the previous edition to reflect the realities and challenges of today’s landscape. Since music library work takes place in both traditional and non-traditional settings, this edition incorporates advice on a wide range of topics not covered in earlier editions, including paraprofessional employment, liaison work, archives settings, and transitions from performance-based careers. Geared toward workers in music libraries, rather than simply to those who are, or aspire to be, librarians, this volume is intended to support people on an array of potential career paths. All who work in music libraries will find both inspiration and straightforward guidance in this indispensable book.
The UK branch of the International Association of Music Libraries was founded in 1953. This volume of specially commissioned essays celebrates the golden jubilee of branch's foundation and surveys the achievements of the last 50 years. With an emphasis on practical music librarianship, the essays examine the challenges that have faced the profession in recent years, as well as current developments in the field and the impact of modern advances in information technology.
Since it was first published in 1993, the Sourcebook for Research in Music has become an invaluable resource in musical scholarship. The balance between depth of content and brevity of format makes it ideal for use as a textbook for students, a reference work for faculty and professional musicians, and as an aid for librarians. The introductory chapter includes a comprehensive list of bibliographical terms with definitions; bibliographic terms in German, French, and Italian; and the plan of the Library of Congress and the Dewey Decimal music classification systems. Integrating helpful commentary to instruct the reader on the scope and usefulness of specific items, this updated and expanded edition accounts for the rapid growth in new editions of standard works, in fields such as ethnomusicology, performance practice, women in music, popular music, education, business, and music technology. These enhancements to its already extensive bibliographies ensures that the Sourcebook will continue to be an indispensable reference for years to come.
This concise manual enables readers to learn about the traits of various library programs, adapt ideas to their own settings, and ultimately benefit from the experiences of the authors.
Postgraduate Research in Music: A Step-by-Step Guide to Writing a Thesis is an essential text for music students who are undertaking postgraduate research. Unique in its approach and scope, this is a "how to" book, a practical guide that sets out, step-by-step, how to write a thesis. It discusses all key aspects of the research process in the order in which they are encountered, from the initial stages of a research project to completion of a thesis. It also offers a music-specific focus, with explanations and examples that are immediately relevant for all music research and which take into account the special characteristics of music as a discipline. At the same time, the book provides a useful teaching framework for lecturers. All key concepts are illustrated with music-relevant examples. Exercises, and in some chapters class seminar topics as well, are included to reinforce the concepts being discussed. Reading lists are appended at the end of most chapters, enabling students to explore topics in greater depth. Valuable supplementary information, such as referencing examples, is provided in the appendices. Postgraduate Research in Music is based on the premise that there are certain principles that underpin good scholarship, regardless of the area in which the research is conducted. In distilling and discussing these principles, this book speaks to all scholars working within the discipline of music.
Scholarly Research for Musicians presents a range of research methods and techniques, incorporating both the common elements of traditional music research methodologies with innovative research strategies endemic to the fields of social science, education, and performance science. The author’s collaborative and interdisciplinary approach reinforces the belief that research is most palpable and successful when accessed through a relevant and meaningful way of organizing thoughts and knowledge. Drawing from over twenty years of classroom experience, the author organizes the text into five units: Common Bases, Qualitative Research, Quantitative Research, Performance Science, and Review. Research is presented as an accessible process, one facilitated by brainstorming and question-asking, the systematic collection of information, and the analysis and synthesis of information—all with the aim to develop a succinct conceptual framework. In explicating this process, the author introduces traditional Western thought alongside contemporary and Eastern philosophy. Experts in the field of performance science explore novel approaches to studying the audience, incorporating various measuring devices and methods. In the final chapter, the author offers strategies for disseminating and publishing research reports. Scholarly Research for Musicians demystifies the research process for musicians and music students alike, demonstrating the common principles of cohesive research plans. PowerPoint presentations are available to instructors, covering chapter discussion points in summary format. This text explores interdisciplinary methods that merge with and focus on the study of music while emphasizing concepts and materials relevant to all types of research.
Scholarly Research in Music: Shared and Disciplinary-Specific Practices, Second Edition offers a comprehensive and detailed guide to engaging in research in all disciplines of music. This second edition continues to provide the foundational principles of research for all musicians, including performers, theorists, composers, conductors, music educators, and musicologists. It strengthens the core pedagogical framework of the first edition by offering updated guidance on available technologies, methodologies, and materials. Driven by the rapidly shifting research paradigms within music, sixteen contributors expand the already broad scope of the book, with new chapters on research in today’s library, neurophenomenology in music, and self-efficacy in music performance, as well as new sections in chapters on philosophy, historical research, social science research, and statistics. Introducing research as a friendly and accessible process, the book engages students in brainstorming a topic, asking pertinent questions, systematically collecting relevant information, analyzing and synthesizing the information, and designing a cohesive research plan to conduct original research. Detailing the methodologies and techniques of both conventional and innovative approaches to music research, Scholarly Research in Music provides an essential grounding for all kinds of music researchers.
