Music Thesis Statements

Music stimulates brain development and productive function. In humans, music is an instinctive desire to create and enjoy, it is not forgotten by diseases such as Parkinson’s or dementia, and it has been shown to assist kids with ADHD and ADD focus. Charles Darwin, together with other experts, believes that music was used to aid human evolution and bonding over time.

A study done at the University of Southern California found that when people with Alzheimer’s disease listened to personalized music, it activated regions of their brain that were otherwise inactive. The music helped the patients reconnect with lost memories and improved their verbal skills.

In another study done at Stanford University School of Medicine, it was found that music can help reduce stress hormones and inflammation in the body. The study was done on rats, but the findings can be translated to humans as well.

To export a reference to this essay please select a referencing style below:

Related essays:

  • Essay Topic Generator
  • Summary Generator
  • Thesis Maker Academic
  • Sentence Rephraser
  • Read My Paper
  • Hypothesis Generator
  • Cover Page Generator
  • Text Compactor
  • Essay Scrambler
  • Essay Plagiarism Checker
  • Hook Generator
  • AI Writing Checker
  • Notes Maker
  • Overnight Essay Writing
  • Topic Ideas
  • Writing Tips
  • Essay Writing (by Genre)
  • Essay Writing (by Topic)

Music Essay: Topics, How-to Guide, & Examples

Music is a very personal experience; an essay on music aims to describe and analyze it.

How significant is music to our lives? Is it merely background noise for our great deeds? Or is it something that sets the tune of our whole existence? Whatever the answer is, one thing is sure: writing a music essay can be pretty tricky at times. After all, It’s a vast topic with a considerable history behind it.

Here, you will find some tips for going around this trickiness, along with 143 music essay topics for your piece, and 2 music essay examples . But first, we need to decide what exactly we are writing about.

  • 🎵 The Basics
  • 🎼 Music Essay: Writing Steps
  • 🎸 143 Essay Topics
  • 📻 2 Examples

🎵 Music Essay: What Is It about?

The idea of writing anything about music looks daunting at first glance. Thanks to the number of things you seemingly have to perform to write a good piece: using huge music theory words, analyzing all of the musical constituents, understanding the profound meaning behind every melody, and much other complicated stuff.

We’re delighted to inform you that none of that is essential to achieve the summit of a well-written music essay. It’s mostly about what response music invokes in you . Just tell people how it makes you feel. The only thing you need to keep in mind is that music is a very personal experience and talking about the subjective experience is something anyone can do. This can be done in several forms.

Here are some of them:

  • Descriptive music essay . One of the simplest ways to describe something is to, well, describe it . It’s like painting but with a keyboard and a text editor. Here, you can connect to the reader through deep imagery of some musical pieces that you think are worth writing an essay about. Like describing a grimdark future inspired by some depressing lyrics you heard recently. Or you can simply go with picturing a classical music concert essay. Tell everyone how awesome classical music is and why they should spend their next weekend on an orchestra performance.
  • Narrative music essay. Here you want to tell a story and use it to support your point of view. Create a tale about a young musician struggling to attain success to show how harsh and unforgiving the music industry can be. Or do the opposite and tell a story of a great artistic triumph to inspire others to never give up on their dreams. Keep in mind that you are writing a story, and every story has a character. And the characters communicate with each other. So don’t forget to include characters and dialogs.
  • Persuasive music essay. This one is all about making the reader accept your point of view. This type of essay probably would be great for writing a work on the topic of “Why I love Linkin Park” or “My favorite jazz band of all times” since it probably involves a lot of emotional attachment. And emotions are something you definitely want to push in a persuasive music essay. You may also want to include some logical justification and checked facts. Statistics or sources you find reliable also can be cited.
  • Compare & contrast music essay. The name of the genre speaks for itself.If you have difficulties choosing between two things you want to write about, you can compare them . And there are a lot of things to compare in music. Including but not limited to genres, singers, composers, music eras, the list is nearly infinite if you brainstorm hard enough. The structure here is plain and simple: Describe thing 1. Describe thing 2. Compare them.

🎼 Essay on Music: How to Write

Writing a music essay is no different from writing a piece on any other topic in the big picture. You will always need the argumentation, the overall structure, and exciting ideas.

The picture contains the five steps necessary to write a music essay.

But for music, in particular, you will also need to listen and set the listened things out the way that will set the reader on the same wavelength.

Here are some tips to help you with accomplishing that.

Music Essay: 5 Writing Steps

  • Do the analysis. Before your fingers even touch the keyboard, just sitting back and reflecting on the things you’ll write about can be highly beneficial. This step can be applied to any music essay topic. If you make a statement about some lyrics you find beauteous, for instance, you can listen to the song again. And while relistening, try to observe details you haven’t noticed before. How does the melody frame the lyrics? What makes it sound so lyrical? Why does the music sound like it does when certain words are sung? The more questions you make and answer, the better.
  • Thesis – A thesis statement is a part of introduction you will try to prove, disapprove or discuss in the body of your writing.
  • Body – The biggest and the most informative part. In a regular 5-paragraph it consists of 2-3 paragraphs with all argumentation necessary to support your thesis statement.
  • Conclusion – The final part. Nothing new needs to be told here. Just restate your thesis collect your body information in a couple of brief sentences. Plan on the details as well. And try to think of as many as you can. If you’re using a narrative style, what chronological order will there be? What characters will you insert into your narrative? Maybe you should let go of chronology and arrange the story’s events in order of significance? Or in the persuasive piece, you ought to think about the argumentation you’re going to provide. Check the viability of your sources and make sure the statistics you cite are not outdated. Do your research, simply put.
  • Make a strong thesis statement. The thesis is the essential part of your essay. It’s not an argument, and thus you shouldn’t be trying to impose your point of view right from the get-go. If your thesis statement goes, “Rock music is undoubtedly the best genre out there with no considerable competition and here’s why.” you probably want to consider the possibility of a counterargument to your point. “The energy rock music gives and the majestic mood it can get you into makes it one of the best genres presented in today’s music industry” would be a better choice. If you have any difficulties formulating your thesis statement, you might want to use our free thesis-generating tool . Note that it is able to make various theses depending on the essay type.
  • Don’t be scared of big music words. While it’s not obligatory to know every term out there, some of them can help express seemingly complicated ideas in a laconic way. It’s not wrong to say that you find the speed and rhythm of the music to be just suitable for the time it takes. But you can also phrase it into “I like the tempo” and be done with it. Although tempo might not be the most complex music word, it shows the point.
  • Go sentimental. Music in itself is one enormous sentiment. Therefore, if you think you’re being too sensual with your essay, you’re probably not. Use metaphorical language and compare your favorite song to a trip to the stars. Or express your feeling towards a band you adore by putting it on par with antique gods. There’re no limits to your feelings, so don’t be scared to exceed them.

🎸 143 Music Essay Topics

If the topic of your work is not assigned, it can be challenging to either come up with one or choose one of the many ideas you have. Here are some possible options for you to go with:

  • The best ways to enjoy your favorite band’s new album.
  • Classical music as a way of energy for the whole day.
  • What Is Hip-Hop Subculture?
  • Rap music and its characteristics.
  • What makes music challenging to listen to?
  • Social Commentary in Pop Music Industry.
  • How does low-fi music chill you out.
  • A perfect playlist for working out.
  • Music Paper: The Type of Music Jazz.
  • Motivational music and its effect on you.
  • Music Education: The Descriptive Research Methods.
  • Is there such thing as “Cooking music”?
  • Effects of Music in Advertising.
  • Choosing a song for your alarm clock.
  • Social Use of Music in Contemporary American Society.
  • Can your music taste define your character?
  • Woodstock The Music Event and Festival.
  • What is the best music to relieve your stress?
  • Ethnomusicology in Analyzing Society’ Music.
  • What is “Alternative” music?
  • How can jazz music make you feel?
  • Dance style: Capoeira.
  • Why does music make us dance?
  • The National Centre of Popular Music.
  • Good and bad music. How to define?
  • Hip-hop in Japan and cultural globalization.
  • Defining features of The Beatles music.
  • Popular music in the modern culture.
  • What were the first rappers in history, and how were they different?
  • Chamber Music in the Early Twentieth Century.
  • What meaning can a song without lyrics have?
  • The effect of music on culture.
  • The future of electronic music.
  • Choir Director & Participants in Music Making.
  • Live music and the wonders it can do.
  • Popular music in America.
  • The mix of traditional and modern music and its specifics.
  • Folk Music: Evolution of the Term and Scholars’ Works.
  • How important is appearance for a musician?
  • Feminism in the hip-hop culture.
  • Musical instruments and the mood they bring.
  • Sound analysis and aural experiences from music.
  • Defining qualities of Elvis Pressley’s music.
  • The Use of Violin in the Baroque Concerto.
  • Ambient music is not a background.
  • Descriptive Qualitative Research in Music Education.
  • My first time seeing an orchestra concert.
  • Hip-Hop Culture: What Philosophy to Choose?
  • The struggles of an amateur musician in modern days.
  • Teachers Pursuing a Master’s Degree in Music Education.
  • The story of Queen’s success.
  • Use of Music in Classrooms of in-Service Teachers.
  • The day I fell in love with underground music.
  • The first date and how the choice of music can affect it.
  • The Effects of Hip-Hop, Rap Music on Young Women in Academia.
  • My music taste progression.
  • When did the music I love become old?
  • Presentation for the Russian Musical Society.
  • The two-faced reality of the music industry.
  • Frank Zappa: composer & social critic.
  • Why do I feel threatened at a punk-rock concert?
  • The great triumph of 80’s rock music.
  • E-concert report: Pieces by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky.
  • The role of music in fighting prejudice.
  • The origins of hip-hop culture.
  • The most fantastic song I’ve ever heard.
  • The magic of Christmas music.
  • The Beatles: Eight Days a Week – the touring years.
  • The origin story of Coldplay.
  • My appreciation of heavy-metal bands.
  • History of jazz music.
  • Music effects on unborn children.
  • American Popular Music and Its Styles.
  • The effectiveness of music therapy.
  • Hip-Hop and Theatre, Hip-Hop in Theatre or Hip-Hop Theatre.
  • Heavy music and aggressive behavior.
  • Teaching and Learning Music Technologically.
  • Rap music and its influence on crime rates.
  • Minimalism in Music and Its Development.
  • The coexistence of traditional and modern music.
  • How effective is music in pushing propaganda?
  • Popular Music and Its Impact on the Economy and Politics.
  • The importance of a national anthem.
  • The Illegal Downloading of Music.
  • The most ear-pleasing instrument.
  • Music industry: the downfall caused by technology.
  • The psychological and physiological impact of music.
  • The problems of music piracy.
  • DMCA pros and cons.
  • Personality traits and musical elements preferences.
  • The music and the freedom of speech.
  • Is the music industry accessible?
  • Music, media and culture influence on behavior.
  • Can drugs help you to write lyrics?
  • Manufactured bands. Good or bad?
  • African music’s contribution to contemporary genres.
  • Why is pop music popular?
  • Visual Music: The Concept of ‘Visual Music’ and Historical Excurse.
  • Should we listen to less music?
  • Do physical copies of music still make sense?
  • Heavy metal music gender trends.
  • The importance of background music in movies?
  • The world without music. Better or worse?
  • Studying Music Evolution.
  • The extreme difference between jazz and acid jazz.
  • Historic Violin Pedagogical Treatises and Teaching.
  • How different can the tastes of people from various countries be?
  • Sociology of Music: What Music Means in Our Life.
  • Comparing rap: old vs. new.
  • Your today’s music taste. Better or worse?
  • The History and Concept of Rock Music.
  • Professional and amateur music.
  • Presentation on Articulation Related to the Violin.
  • The idea of depression in different songs.
  • Gender and Sexuality in Popular Media.
  • The 80s and 2000’s rock: compare and contrast.
  • Debussy’s String Quartet and Influence on Symphonic Music.
  • Office with background music vs. office without it.
  • Performing Forces Related to Violin in the 19th Century.
  • The difference between rap and hip-hop.
  • Music Education Pre-Service and Beginning Teachers’ Learning.
  • The visions of the future in various music genres.
  • Philosophy Scenario in Music Education.
  • Listening to music or listening to lyrics?
  • Debussy’s String Quartet and His Influence on Symphonic Music.
  • Does it matter to listen to music outdoor or indoors?
  • French Romanticism Features in Camille Saint-Saens’s Music.
  • Western and eastern traditional music.
  • History of Community Jazz Bands in Floridoniaville City.
  • Baroque and renaissance classical music comparison.
  • Folk Music Definition and Development.
  • The usage of acoustic guitar in happy and depressive songs.
  • The Mind of Music: Psychology of Musicians.
  • Calm or energetic music for driving. What’s better?
  • Rave parties vs. country festivals.
  • Is there a difference in men’s and women’s music tastes?
  • The Violin Trio Music in the Early Twentieth Century: Specific Features of Aram Khachaturian’s and Bela Bartok’s Contrast.
  • How do your high school and college music differ? And why?
  • Mozart’s Third Violin Concert Performance Skills.
  • Music therapy. Active or receptive?
  • Tchaikovsky’s Violin Concerto in D Major: A Western Form of the Russian Music.
  • Importance of a Choir Director in Music Making.

Haven’t found anything suitable in the lists above? Feel free to use our essay topic generator for more ideas.

📻 Music Essay Examples

Here we will look at two simple examples of a written music essay with a brief parsing of principal components for each.

Classical Music Concert Essay

If we’re going to write something about a classical concert, the narrative essay would be one of the best ways to do that. Remember that introduction and thesis are in the same paragraph. Pay attention to the absence of thesis. It’s a common thing in a narrative style essay.

Since the beginning of my conscious life, I have been highly skeptical about classical music. I saw nothing appealing and worth paying attention to in it. The melody seemed tedious, and the whole genre appeared to me as arrogant snobbish pedant music for people of the exact nature.
Although the concert hall was not the thing to subvert my expectations, it looked just what your imagination demonstrates to you after hearing “A classical music concert hall” with a formidable orchestra in between.   My friend of 5 years, on the other hand, was quite a reason for a change in my perception of the genre. He was the sole reason for me to be there in the first place. And given how grounded and straightforward he always was, his classical music enthusiasm was a surprising discovery.   But what completely devastated my skepticism was the music itself. Thanks to my friend, I listened to it with no prejudice in my heart for the first time. And it sounded magnificent. It was an hour and a half long emotional adventure with emotions coming in all colors.
This experience has taught me never to let my poor knowledge of any music genre dictate my music preferences. Now I always experience things first and judge them after. Never the other way around.

Essay on Music Therapy

Going with a persuasive style for this topic might be a decent idea. Many people are doubtful about music being somehow related to health, and an essay on music therapy is a proper tool to convince them.

People have always tried to find a solution to health. And while our physical condition is well researched, our psychological state still leaves a lot of questions unanswered. For instance, the question of music somehow influencing our mental health and body.
And the answer to this matter is music therapy that has been shown to reduce stress levels, strengthen memory, and even fight mental disorders.
The fact that music bears at least some amount of impact on people has been scientifically proven on countless occasions. But I doubt you need scientific work to realize that the sound of your alarm clock in the middle of the day will cause some amount of anxiety. Hearing a motivational piece while jogging, on the other hand, will make sure you will not fall off the distance early due to poor motivation. A similar principle applies to us when it comes down to music therapy. It operates music to either soften the negative emotions or enhance the positive ones. Research suggests that music can reduce stress levels, strengthen your memory and even help with depression. Furthermore, the therapy serves well in fighting even severe medical disorders like autism or aphasia. To all others, music therapy does not limit itself to listening to music. It also gives a chance to create it. Active music therapy is widely and effectively used when treating motor or mental disorders among children helping them to overcome their burden in adolescence.
In conclusion, it is fair to mention that music therapy is not pseudoscientific nonsense but an effective tool in curing various illnesses. And while it is not a panacea, it can certainly be a great support to both your body and mind.

Overall, you need to bear in mind that a music essay is no different from any other type. Make sure to keep the structure, logic, and coherence together, and you’ll be good to go. Make sure to let us know if the article was any use for you, good luck with your assignment, and thank you for your time!

🔗 References

  • Writing about Music: A Guide to Writing | Harvard College
  • 6 Tips for Writing About Music – Writer’s Digest
  • Music – UNC Writing Center
  • The music essay – The Guardian
  • Write Your Essay | UNSW Current Students
  • How to Write an Essay

Essay About Music

  • Essay Writing Guides

Essay About Music for Any Student

Our extensive article will walk you through the complex process of writing an essay about music. We’ll present you with a step-by-step guide on conveying the subtleties of music through writing, from picking an exciting topic and doing extensive research to dissecting musical aspects and adding personal observations.

Whether you’re analyzing the historical significance of a musical era, assessing the influence of a particular musician or band, or investigating the cultural and emotional aspects of music, our guide seeks to provide you with the fundamental knowledge and abilities required to write a well-reasoned essay. Come along on this journey with us as we explore the skill of turning music’s profound message into an engaging story.

Essays about Music: Importance and Impact

Music is a profound expression of human creativity, emotion, and culture that transcends cultural boundaries. It serves as a companion, providing solace and amplifying the human experience. Its influence extends beyond individuals, shaping the collective identity of communities and contributing to global culture.

To effectively explore the world of writing about music, one must first understand the fundamental elements that constitute this universal language. The music encompasses a vast array of sounds organized in a structured manner, from classical symphonies to contemporary pop hits, traditional folk tunes, and avant-garde experimental compositions. The diversity of musical forms reflects the kaleidoscope of human creativity, and understanding this diversity lays the groundwork for appreciating the nuanced aspects of different genres and styles.

Music’s emotional and cultural impact is remarkable, as it evokes feelings ranging from joy to sorrow, nostalgia to anticipation. It is a vessel for cultural narratives, preserving traditions and reflecting the spirit of an era. Exploring music’s emotional and cultural dimensions provides writers with a rich tapestry of motifs to weave into their essays about music, allowing for a more profound exploration of the human experience through the lens of musical expression.

Choose Essay Topics About Music

The essay-writing process involves selecting a topic that shapes the narrative and allows the writer to explore the intricacies of musical expression, history, and cultural impact. There are three main ways to choose essay topics about music:

  • Selecting a specific genre or style: Each genre has unique characteristics, histories, and cultural contexts. For example, the evolution of hip-hop can be explored by examining its roots in African and African-American communities, its socio-political impact, and the artistic innovations that have shaped its trajectory over the decades.
  • Exploring the historical significance of a musical era: Music has reflected societal changes, political movements, and cultural shifts throughout history. Writers can focus on a specific period, such as the Renaissance, the Roaring Twenties, or the counterculture movements of the 1960s, and analyze how the music of that era influenced and was affected by the broader socio-political landscape. For example, an essay could explore the impact of the Beatles during the tumultuous 1960s, examining how their music mirrored the cultural upheavals of the time and influenced popular music.
  • Analyzing the impact of a particular artist or band: Focusing on the life and work of a specific artist or band allows for a detailed examination of their contributions to the musical landscape, unique style, artistic evolution, and lasting impact on music and society. For example, an essay focused on Bob Dylan’s impact could explore his role as a poet-prophet during the folk revival of the 1960s, his transition to electronic music, and his enduring influence on subsequent generations of musicians.

Understanding the background of the chosen topic is essential for providing readers with a comprehensive view of its development and significance. That’s what we are going to analyze further.

Understanding Music Essay Examples

In crafting an insightful essay about music, it is crucial to conduct thorough research. This involves using credible sources such as scholarly articles, books, academic journals, and reputable websites dedicated to music history, theory, and criticism. By drawing on authoritative sources, writers can ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information in their essays.

This involves delving into the historical evolution of the genre, key milestones, and cultural influences that shaped its trajectory. By studying the background, writers can contextualize the music within a broader historical narrative, unraveling the threads that connect artistic expression to the time’s social, political, and cultural landscapes. For example, if the essay focuses on the development of blues music, researching the historical roots in African American communities, migration patterns that spread the genre, and its evolution through different regions and eras would be integral to providing a nuanced understanding.

Understanding the cultural context of the music adds depth and richness to the narrative. Culture shapes and is shaped by music, and understanding this symbiotic relationship is crucial for a comprehensive analysis. Writers should explore the societal norms, values, and movements that influenced the creation and reception of the music they are examining. They should consider the cultural milieu, social dynamics, and even geographical influences that contributed to forming a particular musical style.

In conclusion, the research and information-gathering phase lays the groundwork for a well-informed and insightful exploration of the chosen music essay examples. By utilizing credible sources, studying the background, and understanding the cultural context, writers can embark on a journey that informs, captivates, and enriches the reader’s understanding of music in its multifaceted dimensions.

How to Write an Essay About Music – Valuable Insights

A well-structured essay about music is essential for capturing the reader’s attention and understanding of the subject matter. The essay should follow a structured approach, starting with an introduction about music essay that captures the reader’s attention with a compelling hook. This can be a thought-provoking question, anecdote, quote, or surprising fact. The thesis statement should clearly articulate the central argument or perspective of the essay, outlining the central theme and key points to be explored in subsequent sections.

The body paragraphs should be divided into distinct paragraphs dedicated to a specific aspect or point related to the thesis. Evidence and examples should be provided to support arguments, such as quoting lyrics, citing critical reviews, or referencing historical events. This helps provide a comprehensive understanding of the chosen topic.

Maintaining a logical flow between paragraphs is crucial, as it helps readers follow the logical progression of the essay and understand the relationships between different aspects of the topic. Transitional phrases and explicit connections between ideas help readers follow the logical progression of the essay.

In the conclusion, summarize critical points discussed in the body paragraphs, reinforcing the thesis statement and emphasizing how the evidence presented throughout the essay supports the overarching argument. This reinforces the central theme and leaves a lasting impression on the reader. In the Beatles essay, the conclusion might reiterate how their innovative approach to music defined a generation and left a significant mark on popular music history.

Lastly, the argumentative essay about music should leave a lasting impression on the reader by connecting the themes to broader cultural or societal implications or posing a thought-provoking question that encourages further reflection. In the case of the Beatles essay, the conclusion might invite readers to consider the ongoing impact of their music on contemporary artists or encourage reflection on the timeless nature of artistic innovation.

Follow 55K+ satisfied students. Get your papers done by pros.

Write a strong thesis statement.

A strong thesis statement is vital for a music essay, providing a clear roadmap for the writer and the reader. It defines the central argument or perspective, ensures clarity and relevance, and sets the tone for music essays. A concise and focused articulation of the central argument or perspective is essential, such as analyzing the cultural impact of a genre, the artist’s style evolution, or the societal resonance of a musical movement.

Clarity is paramount in a thesis statement, as it should convey the essay’s main idea in a way that the reader quickly understands. Avoiding vague or overly broad statements enhances clarity and relevance.

The thesis statement serves as the introductory handshake between the writer and the reader, setting the tone for the essay. Depending on the essay’s nature, it can range from analytical and objective to passionate and subjective. For example, if the essay explores the emotional impact of a specific genre, the thesis might set a tone of subjective reflection.

Incorporating Analysis and Critique

An essay about my favorite music requires a nuanced analysis and critique that delves into the intricacies of musical elements, assesses the impact on the audience, and allows the music writer to offer personal insights and interpretations. The music essay writing should evaluate the musical elements such as lyrics, melody, harmony, and rhythm, focusing on their poetic qualities, thematic depth, and storytelling capacity. It should also explore the symbiotic relationship between the music and its audience, exploring how the chosen music resonates with listeners, triggers emotional responses, and influences societal attitudes.

This may involve examining historical reactions, critical reviews, or audience testimonials. When you write an essay about music, you should also offer personal insights and interpretations, allowing the writer to inject their voice into the narrative and share their views of the music’s meaning. This multifaceted approach to analysis and critique enriches the narrative and encourages readers to engage with the music more profoundly, resulting in a lasting impact.

Persuasive Speech Topics

  • Academic Writing Guides

Problem and Solution Essay Topics

  • Research Paper Writing Guides

Guide on How to Write a Music Essay: Topics and Examples

thesis statement on music

Let's Understand What is Music Essay

You know how some school assignments are fun to write by default, right? When students see them on the course syllabus, they feel less like a burden and more like a guaranteed pleasure. They are about our interests and hobbies and therefore feel innate and intuitive to write. They are easy to navigate, and interesting topic ideas just pop into your head without much trouble.

music

Music essays belong to the category of fun essay writing. What is music essay? Anything from in-depth analysis to personal thoughts put into words and then to paper can fall into a music essay category. An essay about music can cover a wide range of topics, including music history, theory, social impact, significance, and musical review. It can be an analytical essay about any music genre, musical instruments, or today's music industry.

Don't get us wrong, you will still need to do extensive research to connect your opinions to a broader context, and you can't step out of academic writing standards, but the essay writing process will be fun.

In this article, our custom essay writing service is going to guide you through every step of writing an excellent music essay. You can draw inspiration from the list of music essay topics that our team prepared, and later on, you will learn what an outstanding essay on music is by an example of a music review essay.

What are Some Music Topics to Write About

There are so many exciting music topics to write about. We would have trouble choosing one. You can write about various music genres, be it country music or classical music; you can research music therapy or how music production happens.

Okay, forgive us for getting carried away; music makes us enthusiastic. Below you will find a list of various music essay topics prepared from our thesis writing service . Choose one and write a memorable essay about everyone's favorite art form.

Music Argumentative Essay Topics

Music essays can be written about an infinite number of themes. You can even write about performance or media comparison.

Here is a list of music argumentative essay topics. These edge-cutting topics will challenge your readers and get you an easy A+.

  • Exploring the evolution of modern music styles of the 21st century
  • Is it ethical to own and play rare musical instruments?
  • Is music therapy an effective mental health treatment?
  • Exploring the Intersection of Technology and Creativity in electronic music
  • The Relevance of traditional music theory in modern music production
  • The Role of musical pieces in the Transmission of cultural identity
  • The value of historical analysis in understanding the significance of music in society
  • How does exposing listeners to different genres of music break down barriers
  • Exploring the cognitive effects of music on human brain development
  • The therapeutic potential of music in treating mental disorders

Why is Music Important Essay Topics

Do you know which essay thrills our team the most? The importance of music in life essay. We put our minds together and came up with a list of topics about why music is so central to human life. Start writing why is music important essay, and we guarantee you that you will be surprised by how much fun you had crafting it.  

  • Popular Music and its Role in shaping cultural trends
  • Music as a metaphorical language for expressing emotions and thoughts
  • How music changes and influences social and political movements
  • How the music of different countries translates their history to outsiders
  • The innate connection between music and human beings
  • How music helps us understand feelings we have never experienced
  • Does music affect our everyday life and the way we think?
  • Examining the cross-cultural significance of music in society
  • How rock music influenced 70's political ideologies
  • How rap music closes gaps between different racial groups in the US

Consider delegating your ' write my essay ' request to our expert writers for crafting a perfect paper on any music topic!

Why I Love Music Essay Topics

We want to know what is music to you, and the best way to tell us is to write a why I love music essay. Below you will find a list of music essay topics that will help you express your love for music.

  • I love how certain songs and artists evoke Memories and Emotions
  • I love the diversity of music genres and how different styles enrich my love for music
  • I love how music connects me with people of different backgrounds
  • How the music of Linkin Park helped me through life's toughest challenges
  • What does my love for popular music say about me?
  • How the unique sounds of string instruments fuel my love for music
  • How music provides a temporary Release from the stresses of daily life
  • How music motivates me to chase my dreams
  • How the raw energy of rock music gets me through my daily life
  • Why my favorite song is more than just music to me

Need a Music Essay ASAP?

Our expert team is quick to get you an A+ on all your assignments!

Music Therapy Essay Topics

One of the most interesting topics about music for an essay is music therapy. We are sure you have heard all the stories of how music cures not only mental but also physical pains. Below you can find a list of topics that will help you craft a compelling music therapy essay. And don't forget that you can always rely on our assistance for fulfilling your ' write my paper ' requests!

  • The effectiveness of music therapy in reducing stress and pain for cancer patients
  • Does pop music have the same effects on music therapy as classical music?
  • Exploring the benefits of music therapy with other genres beyond classical music
  • The potential of music therapy in aiding substance abuse treatment and recovery
  • The Role of music therapy in Addressing PTSD and Trauma in military veterans
  • The impact of music therapy on enhancing social interaction and emotional expression in individuals with developmental disabilities
  • The use of music therapy in managing chronic pain
  • Does musical therapy help depression?
  • Does music reduce anxiety levels?
  • Is music therapy better than traditional medicine?

History of Music Essay Topics

If you love analytical essays and prefer to see the bigger picture, you can always write a music description essay. Below you can find some of the most interesting topics for the history of music essay.

  • The Significance of natural instruments in music production and performance
  • Tracing the historical development of Western music theory
  • How electronic music traces its roots back to classical music
  • How the music industry evolved from sheet music to streaming services
  • How modern producers relate to classical composers
  • The Origins and Influence of Jazz Music
  • How folk music saved the Stories of unnamed heroes
  • Do we know what the music of ancient civilizations sounded like?
  • Where does your favorite bandstand in the line of music evolve?
  • The Influence of African American Music on modern pop culture

Benefits of Music Essay Topics

If you are someone who wonders what are some of the values that music brings to our daily life, you should write the benefits of music essay. The music essay titles below can inspire you to write a captivating essay:

  • How music can be used to promote cultural awareness and understanding
  • The benefits of music education in promoting creativity and innovation
  • The social benefits of participating in music groups
  • The Impact of Music on Memory and Learning
  • The cognitive benefits of music education in early childhood development
  • The effects of music on mood and behavior
  • How learning to play an instrument improves cognitive functions.
  • How music connects people distanced by thousands of miles
  • The benefits of listening to music while exercising
  • How music can express the feelings words fail to do so 

Music Analysis Essay Example

Reading other people's papers is a great way to scale yours. There are many music essay examples, but the one crafted by our expert writers stands out in every possible way. You can learn what a great thesis statement looks like, how to write an engaging introduction, and what comprehensive body paragraphs should look like. 

Click on the sample below to see the music analysis essay example. 

How to Write a Music Essay with Steps

Writing music essays is definitely not rocket science, so don't be afraid. It's just like writing any other paper, and a music essay outline looks like any other essay structure.

music steps

  • Start by choosing a music essay topic. You can use our list above to get inspired. Choose a topic about music that feels more relevant and less researched so you can add brand-new insights. As we discussed, your music essay can be just about anything; it can be a concert report or an analytical paper about the evolution of music.
  • Continue by researching the topic. Gather all the relevant materials and information for your essay on music and start taking notes. You can use these notes as building blocks for the paper. Be prepared; even for short essays, you may need to read books and long articles.
  • Once you have all the necessary information, the ideas in your head will start to take shape. The next step is to develop a thesis statement out of all the ideas you have in your head. A thesis statement is a must as it informs readers what the entire music essay is about. Don't be afraid to be bold in your statement; new outlooks are always appreciated.
  • Next, you'll need a music essay introduction. Here you introduce the readers to the context and background information about the research topic. It should be clear, brief, and engaging. You should set the tone of your essay from the very beginning. Don't forget the introduction is where the thesis statement goes.
  • One of the most important parts of essay writing is crafting a central body paragraph about music. This is where you elaborate on your thesis, make main points, and support them with the evidence you gathered beforehand. Remember, your music essay should be well structured and depict a clear picture of your ideas.
  • Next, you will need to come up with an ideal closing paragraph. Here you will need to once again revisit the main points in your music essay, restate them in a logical manner and give the readers your final thoughts.
  • Don't forget to proofread your college essay. Whether you write a long or short essay on music, there will be grammatical and factual errors. Revise and look through your writing with a critical mind. You may find that some parts need rewriting.

Key Takeaways

Music essays are a pleasure to write and read. There are so many topics and themes to choose from, and if you follow our How to Write a Music Essay guide, you are guaranteed to craft a top-notch essay every time.

Be bold when selecting a subject even when unsure what is research essay topic on music, take the writing process easy, follow the academic standards, and you are good to go. Use our music essay sample to challenge yourself and write a professional paper. 

If you feel stuck and have no time our team of expert writers is always ready to give you help from all subject ( medical school personal statement school help ). Visit our website, submit your ' write my research paper ' request and a guaranteed A+ essay will be on your way in just one click.

Need Help in Writing an Impressive Paper?

Our expert writers are here to write a quality paper that will make you the star of your class!

FAQs on Writing a Music Essay

Though music essay writing is not the hardest job on the planet, there are still some questions that often pop up. Now that you have a writing guide and a list of essay topics about music, it's time to address the remaining inquiries. Keep reading to find the answers to the frequently asked questions. 

Should Artists' Music be Used in Advertising?

What type of music is best for writing an essay, why do people love music.

Adam Jason

is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.

thesis statement on music

/   % width Posts:

Thesis statement for an argumentative essay about music

Lydia 6 / 13   Jan 11, 2010   #2 In other to have a good thesis statement, you need some attitude in it to make it intriguing or to attract the reader's attention.

OP Rolyet270 1 / 4   Jan 11, 2010   #3 Thank you! This really helps me.

OP Rolyet270 1 / 4   Jan 15, 2010   #4 My thesis changed: Music is a very important part or our lives and without it we would not be as advanced as we are today. How is this??

thesis statement on music

brittdeno 1 / 6   Jan 17, 2010   #6 Good points, Kevin! Just some fodder to think about -- when I was in college, I wrote a paper for my linguistic anthropology class about the evolution of language. I started out by talking about singing/music: how it is universal to every society, how singing may have helped lay the basis for the evolution of our vocal chords so we can talk, how it is used to bring people together for community and to promote altruistic behavior (think about singing in churches!). Taylor, you're on the right path by thinking about music and society; brainstorm ways music may have shaped society as we know it! I always liked thinking of my thesis paragraphs as a funnel, starting out broadly and then narrowing down to a specific, arguable thesis. This topic is perfect for that since music IS such a universal constant. Best of luck!

Tong - / 3   Jan 22, 2010   #8 My thesis changed: Music is a very important part or our lives and without it we would not be as advanced as we are today. How is this?? It is still significantly generalization as the audience would be in doubt how important this part (music) is, then why without it we would not be as advanced as we are today? this thesis will raise at least two subtopics you are going to discuss in the body: 1) the importance of music 2) is it definitely necessary for us to be advanced with music? These two subtopics contain lots of arguments you are going to settle in the body. At least, you should narrow down them. My suggestion is: Music is one of many important parts of our lives because it can be an approach not only to reduce each of our mental tension but also to inspire our feelings in artistic sense. Then, there are only two subtopics to develop into two paragraphs in the body: 1) music is an approach to reduce people's mental tension 2) music inspires people's feelings in artistic sense You can use those ideas from your beginning brainstorming as supporting ideas for each subtopics. Hope this from mine is helpful. Nice weekend!

/ /

thesis statement on music

Table of contents

  • 1 How to Write an Essay on Music
  • 2.1 Argumentative Essay Topics about Music
  • 2.2 Topics for College Essays about Music
  • 2.3 Controversial Topics in Music
  • 2.4 Classical Music Essay Topics
  • 2.5 Jazz Music Essay Topics
  • 2.6 Rock and Pop Music Essay Topics
  • 2.7 Persuasive Essay Topics about Music

Music is a magical world of different sounds and stories. When we talk about music, there are so many things we can explore. Writing essays about sound lets us share our feelings and thoughts about this wonderful art. In this collection, you will find 140 music essay topics.

These topics are carefully chosen to help you think and write about sound in many exciting ways. Whether you love listening to music or playing an instrument, these topics about music for an essay will spark your creativity. They cover everything, from your favorite songs to the history of music. So, get ready to dive into the sound world with these fun and interesting essay ideas!

How to Write an Essay on Music

Writing an essay about sound can be a fun and exciting way to express your thoughts and feelings about this amazing art form. Whether you are working on college essays about music, or research paper topics on music, here are some steps to help you create a great piece of writing.

  • First, choose a topic that you are passionate about. It could be anything from your favorite musician to a specific sound genre. For a college essay about sound, you might want to share a personal story about how music has impacted your life. For argumentative essay topics about sound, consider issues like the importance of sound education or the effects of music on the brain. If you’re working on a research paper on sound, explore the history of a certain music style or the role of sound in different cultures.
  • Once you have your topic, start with some research. Look for interesting facts, stories, and opinions about your topic. This will give you many ideas and help you understand your topic better.
  • Next, create an outline for your essay. This will help you organize your thoughts and keep your writing clear and focused. Start with an introduction that introduces your topic and grabs the reader’s attention. Then, write a few paragraphs that explain your main points. Each paragraph should focus on one main idea or argument. In your writing, explain things in a way that’s easy to understand. Use simple words and short sentences.
  • Also, try to include examples and personal experiences to make your essay more interesting and relatable.

Need help with essay writing? Get your paper written by a professional writer Get Help Reviews.io 4.9/5

List of Topics about Music for an Essay – 40 words

Discover a world of music topics to write about in this list! From fun ideas to controversial topics in music, these essay suggestions will inspire you to explore the diverse and exciting universe of music.

Argumentative Essay Topics about Music

Dive into the world of melodies and rhythms with these essay topics about music! Whether you’re passionate about different genres or curious about the impact of sound, these argumentative essay topics will guide you to explore and express your views on various musical aspects. So, let’s get ready to write and debate about the diverse and vibrant universe of sound.

  • Is Melody Essential in Every School’s Curriculum
  • The Impact of Melody on Mental Health
  • Should There Be More Support for Local Musicians
  • The Role of Songs in Cultural Preservation
  • Does Modern Melody Lack Originality
  • The Effects of Sound on Productivity
  • Are Music Award Shows Biased
  • The Importance of Lyrics in Songs
  • Should Songs Be Used in Advertising
  • The Influence of Music on Fashion Trends
  • Does Melody Promote a Better Global Understanding
  • Should Explicit Sound Be Censored
  • Are Songs Festivals Beneficial for Local Communities
  • The Role of Technology in Melody Production
  • Is Classical Melody Still Relevant in the Modern Era
  • The Impact of Social Media on Musicians’ Success
  • Should Music Be Included in Workplace Settings
  • The Role of Melody in Political Movements
  • Are Music Streaming Services Fair to Artists
  • The Importance of Preserving Traditional Melody

Topics for College Essays about Music

Step into the rhythm of words with these research paper topics about music, perfect for college essays. These topics offer a wide range of ideas, from personal experiences to cultural impacts, inviting you to explore the profound influence of sound. They are designed to inspire deep thought and passionate writing, helping you connect your academic skills with your love for melody.

  • How Sound Influences Fashion Trends
  • The Role of Melody in Different Cultures
  • Personal Growth Through Learning a Musical Instrument
  • The Evolution of a Specific Melody Genre
  • The Impact of Songs Streaming Services on Artists
  • Music as a Form of Social Protest
  • The Psychological Effects of Melody on the Human Mind
  • The Importance of Songs Education in Schools
  • The Relationship Between Melody and Memory
  • How Technology Has Changed the Way We Experience Music
  • The Representation of Women in Music
  • Music’s Role in Personal Identity
  • The Influence of Melody on Mood and Behavior
  • The Resurgence of Vinyl Records in the Digital Age
  • The Globalization of Music and Its Effects
  • The Economic Impact of the Songs Industry
  • Melody as a Tool for International Diplomacy
  • The Ethics of Music Sampling and Remixing
  • The Role of Melody in Film and Media
  • The Future of Live Music Performances

Controversial Topics in Music

Embark on a journey through the provocative and often debated realms of music with these 20 topics on controversial topics in music. These topics are designed to stir thought and conversation, challenging you to explore the music world’s more contentious and complex aspects. From ethical dilemmas to cultural controversies, these subjects offer diverse perspectives for deep exploration and spirited discussion.

  • The Impact of Song Piracy on the Industry
  • Censorship in Songs and Its Effects on Artistic Freedom
  • The Portrayal of Women in Popular Song Videos
  • The Commercialization of Indie Melody Genres
  • The Role of Auto-Tune in Modern Music
  • Melody as a Tool for Political Propaganda
  • The Influence of Corporate Sponsors in Melody Festivals
  • The Ethical Considerations of Posthumous Melody Releases
  • Cultural Appropriation in the Song Industry
  • The Decline of Traditional Songs Forms
  • The Relationship Between Melody and Substance Abuse
  • The Effect of Digital Streaming on Melody Quality
  • The Representation of Minority Groups in Mainstream Music
  • The Debate Over Explicit Lyrics and Parental Advisory Labels
  • The Rise of AI in Songs Creation
  • The Impact of Reality Song Shows on the Industry
  • The Role of Gender in Melody Award Nominations
  • Melody and Its Influence on Youth Behavior
  • The Sustainability of the Music Tour Industry
  • The Shift in Melody Consumption From Albums to Singles

Classical Music Essay Topics

Go on an enlightening journey through the world of melodies and harmonies with these 20 music topics to research, perfect for crafting compelling college essays. These topics delve into music’s vast and varied dimensions, from its historical roots to its modern-day impact. They are designed to ignite your curiosity and inspire in-depth exploration, blending academic rigor with a passion for music.

  • The Evolution of Melody Through the Decades
  • The Influence of Classical Song on Modern Genres
  • The Psychological Effects of Melody Therapy
  • The Role of Women Composers in Song History
  • The Impact of Social Media on Emerging Musicians
  • The Significance of Folk Song in Cultural Heritage
  • The Development of Electronic Melody and Its Future
  • Melody Censorship and Its Implications for Artistic Expression
  • The Role of Song in Film and Storytelling
  • The Globalization of Songs Genres and Styles
  • The Relationship Between Music and Fashion Trends
  • The History of Rock Melody and Its Cultural Impact
  • The Use of Songs in Advertising and Consumer Behavior
  • The Effects of Song Streaming on the Melody Industry
  • The Intersection of Melody and Political Movements
  • The Role of Songs in Shaping Youth Culture
  • The Cultural Significance of Melody Festivals Worldwide
  • The Preservation and Revival of Indigenous Music
  • The Impact of Technology on Songs Production and Distribution
  • The Contribution of Music to Mental Health and Wellbeing

Jazz Music Essay Topics

Step into the soulful and vibrant jazz world with these music topics for essays. Jazz, a genre rich in history and innovation, offers a treasure trove of fascinating themes for exploration. These essay topics will guide you through jazz’s intricate rhythms and stories, from its early beginnings to its modern interpretations. Delve into this mesmerizing music style’s legendary artists, iconic performances, and cultural impacts.

  • The Origins of Jazz and Its Early Influences
  • The Evolution of Jazz Through the 20th Century
  • Key Figures in the Development of Jazz Music
  • The Role of Improvisation in Jazz
  • The Influence of Jazz on Other Melody Genres
  • The Cultural Significance of Jazz in the Harlem Renaissance
  • The Globalization of Jazz Melody
  • The Impact of Technology on Jazz Recording and Production
  • The Fusion of Jazz With Other Musical Styles
  • Jazz as a Form of Social and Political Expression
  • The Portrayal of Jazz in Cinema and Literature
  • The Future of Jazz in the Digital Age
  • The Role of Jazz in Education and Music Therapy
  • Women in Jazz: Contributions and Challenges
  • The Jazz Scene in Different Parts of the World
  • The Preservation of Classic Jazz in Modern Times
  • The Influence of Jazz on Fashion and Lifestyle
  • Jazz Clubs and Their Role in Cultural Development
  • The Impact of Jazz Festivals on Local Communities
  • The Relationship Between Jazz and Modern Dance Forms

Rock and Pop Music Essay Topics

Rock and pop music, with its pulsing rhythms and catchy melodies, have captivated audiences for decades. This collection of 20 unique essay topics explores the depth and diversity of these influential genres. From the electric energy of rock to the widespread appeal of pop, these topics invite you to delve into the history, evolution, and cultural significance of these dynamic music styles. Whether examining iconic artists, groundbreaking albums, or the social impact of these genres, each topic offers a fascinating avenue for exploration and discussion in your essays.

  • The Evolution of Rock Songs From the 1950s to Today
  • The Influence of Pop Melody on Global Culture
  • The Role of Songs Videos in Shaping Rock and Pop
  • The Impact of Digital Streaming on the Rock and Pop Industry
  • The Significance of the Beatles in Music History
  • The Rise and Fall of Glam Rock
  • The Role of Women in the Development of Pop Music
  • The Influence of Rock Melody on Fashion Trends
  • The Changing Face of Pop Songs in the 21st Century
  • The Impact of Social Media on Rock and Pop Musicians
  • The Fusion of Rock With Other Melody Genres
  • The Role of Rock and Pop Music in Political Movements
  • The Evolution of Live Performances in Rock and Pop
  • The Significance of the Grammy Awards in Rock and Pop
  • The Depiction of Rock and Pop Songs in Movies
  • The Influence of Technology on the Production of Rock and Pop Music
  • The Cultural Diversity in the Rock and Pop Melody Scenes
  • The Role of Indie Labels in the Rock and Pop Industry
  • The Impact of Fan Culture on Rock and Pop Song
  • The Sustainability of Rock and Pop Songs in the Streaming Era

Persuasive Essay Topics about Music

Take a trip through melody and argument with these 20 music-related persuasive essay topics. Each topic, chosen for its ability to inspire compelling arguments and deep research, falls under the umbrella of musical topics for research papers. These prompts will challenge you to explore various facets of music, from cultural significance to technological impacts. As you delve into these topics, you’ll be encouraged to form strong opinions and support them with well-researched evidence, making your essays informative and persuasive.

  • The Necessity of Melody Education in Schools for Overall Development
  • The Impact of Classical Songs on Cognitive Abilities
  • Song Streaming Services and Their Effect on the Industry
  • The Role of Melody in Maintaining Mental Health
  • Songs as a Universal Language Bridging Cultural Divides
  • The Importance of Preserving Traditional Melody Forms
  • Music’s Influence on Fashion and Lifestyle
  • The Ethical Implications of Auto-Tune in Song Production
  • The Role of Social Media in the Success of New Artists
  • The Power of Songs in Social and Political Activism
  • The Benefits of Attending Live Music Performances
  • Songs as a Tool for Improving Concentration and Productivity
  • The Evolution of Melody Genres and Its Cultural Impact
  • The Effects of Background Song in Public Spaces
  • The Role of Songs in Advertising Effectiveness
  • Music’s Influence on Youth and Teen Development
  • The Relationship Between Melody and Emotional Intelligence
  • The Future of Virtual Reality Concerts in the Melody Industry
  • The Impact of Songs Piracy on Artists and Producers
  • The Role of Melody in Enhancing Cross-Cultural Communication

Readers also enjoyed

Music History Paper Topics

WHY WAIT? PLACE AN ORDER RIGHT NOW!

Just fill out the form, press the button, and have no worries!

We use cookies to give you the best experience possible. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy.

thesis statement on music

University Library

Dissertation and Thesis Research and Writing Guide for Music Students

Getting started.

  • Conducting Your Research
  • Writing Your Thesis or Dissertation
  • Citation Resources
  • Copyright Permissions
  • Depositing Your Thesis or Dissertation

Music & Performing Arts Library

Profile Photo

This is a guide to library resources for graduate students in the School of Music working on a thesis or dissertation.

Use the tabs to the left to navigate the guide and see what resources we have available.

If you have questions about the Library or accessing resources related to your thesis or dissertation work that we didn't cover in this guide, please let us know! You can contact the librarians at [email protected] or by clicking the "Email Me" button on the left.

***Please note: the information included in this guide regarding graduation and dissertation requirements is intended as a guideline only. Always check with the School of Music or the Graduate College Thesis Office if you have questions about these requirements as they will be best able to provide up to date information.

Getting Help

Need research help.

If you need help with your research or are having trouble tracking down the sources you need, you can make an appointment with a librarian to discuss your research one-on-one. Don't hesitate to reach out or schedule an appointment if you need help! You are also always welcome to ask for assistance at the service desk at MPAL.

Questions About Graduate Requirements?

If you have questions about graduate requirements, you can reach out to the School of Music Graduate Academic Affairs for clarification. They can be reached via email at [email protected]

We are also including links to the Graduate College Handbook and the Thesis Office below in case you want to consult policies or requirements yourself.

  • Graduate College Handbook of Policy and Requirements
  • Thesis Office
  • School of Music's Student Resources

Guides to Researching & Writing About Music

  • Research Guides
  • Writing Guides

As you conduct your research, you may find it helpful to consult some of the handbooks below to help guide you through the research process. For help with writing about music - including selecting the right terminology as well as general style tips - be sure to check out the next tab of this box!

Cover Art

  • Next: Conducting Your Research >>
  • Last Updated: Jun 5, 2024 3:41 PM
  • URL: https://guides.library.illinois.edu/musicdissthesis
  • Free Samples
  • Premium Essays
  • Editing Services Editing Proofreading Rewriting
  • Extra Tools Essay Topic Generator Thesis Generator Citation Generator GPA Calculator Study Guides Donate Paper
  • Essay Writing Help
  • About Us About Us Testimonials FAQ
  • Music Thesis Statement
  • Samples List

An thesis examples on music statement is a prosaic composition of a small volume and free composition, expressing individual impressions and thoughts on a specific occasion or issue and obviously not claiming a definitive or exhaustive interpretation of the subject.

Some signs of music statement thesis:

  • the presence of a specific topic or question. A work devoted to the analysis of a wide range of problems in biology, by definition, cannot be performed in the genre of music statement thesis topic.
  • The thesis expresses individual impressions and thoughts on a specific occasion or issue, in this case, on music statement and does not knowingly pretend to a definitive or exhaustive interpretation of the subject.
  • As a rule, an essay suggests a new, subjectively colored word about something, such a work may have a philosophical, historical, biographical, journalistic, literary, critical, popular scientific or purely fiction character.
  • in the content of an thesis samples on music statement, first of all, the author’s personality is assessed - his worldview, thoughts and feelings.

The goal of an thesis in music statement is to develop such skills as independent creative thinking and writing out your own thoughts.

Writing an thesis is extremely useful, because it allows the author to learn to clearly and correctly formulate thoughts, structure information, use basic concepts, highlight causal relationships, illustrate experience with relevant examples, and substantiate his conclusions.

  • Studentshare

Examples List on Music Thesis Statement

  • TERMS & CONDITIONS
  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • COOKIES POLICY

Have a language expert improve your writing

Run a free plagiarism check in 10 minutes, generate accurate citations for free.

  • Knowledge Base
  • How to Write a Thesis Statement | 4 Steps & Examples

How to Write a Thesis Statement | 4 Steps & Examples

Published on January 11, 2019 by Shona McCombes . Revised on August 15, 2023 by Eoghan Ryan.

A thesis statement is a sentence that sums up the central point of your paper or essay . It usually comes near the end of your introduction .

Your thesis will look a bit different depending on the type of essay you’re writing. But the thesis statement should always clearly state the main idea you want to get across. Everything else in your essay should relate back to this idea.

You can write your thesis statement by following four simple steps:

  • Start with a question
  • Write your initial answer
  • Develop your answer
  • Refine your thesis statement

Instantly correct all language mistakes in your text

Upload your document to correct all your mistakes in minutes

upload-your-document-ai-proofreader

Table of contents

What is a thesis statement, placement of the thesis statement, step 1: start with a question, step 2: write your initial answer, step 3: develop your answer, step 4: refine your thesis statement, types of thesis statements, other interesting articles, frequently asked questions about thesis statements.

A thesis statement summarizes the central points of your essay. It is a signpost telling the reader what the essay will argue and why.

The best thesis statements are:

  • Concise: A good thesis statement is short and sweet—don’t use more words than necessary. State your point clearly and directly in one or two sentences.
  • Contentious: Your thesis shouldn’t be a simple statement of fact that everyone already knows. A good thesis statement is a claim that requires further evidence or analysis to back it up.
  • Coherent: Everything mentioned in your thesis statement must be supported and explained in the rest of your paper.

Here's why students love Scribbr's proofreading services

Discover proofreading & editing

The thesis statement generally appears at the end of your essay introduction or research paper introduction .

The spread of the internet has had a world-changing effect, not least on the world of education. The use of the internet in academic contexts and among young people more generally is hotly debated. For many who did not grow up with this technology, its effects seem alarming and potentially harmful. This concern, while understandable, is misguided. The negatives of internet use are outweighed by its many benefits for education: the internet facilitates easier access to information, exposure to different perspectives, and a flexible learning environment for both students and teachers.

You should come up with an initial thesis, sometimes called a working thesis , early in the writing process . As soon as you’ve decided on your essay topic , you need to work out what you want to say about it—a clear thesis will give your essay direction and structure.

You might already have a question in your assignment, but if not, try to come up with your own. What would you like to find out or decide about your topic?

For example, you might ask:

After some initial research, you can formulate a tentative answer to this question. At this stage it can be simple, and it should guide the research process and writing process .

Now you need to consider why this is your answer and how you will convince your reader to agree with you. As you read more about your topic and begin writing, your answer should get more detailed.

In your essay about the internet and education, the thesis states your position and sketches out the key arguments you’ll use to support it.

The negatives of internet use are outweighed by its many benefits for education because it facilitates easier access to information.

In your essay about braille, the thesis statement summarizes the key historical development that you’ll explain.

The invention of braille in the 19th century transformed the lives of blind people, allowing them to participate more actively in public life.

A strong thesis statement should tell the reader:

  • Why you hold this position
  • What they’ll learn from your essay
  • The key points of your argument or narrative

The final thesis statement doesn’t just state your position, but summarizes your overall argument or the entire topic you’re going to explain. To strengthen a weak thesis statement, it can help to consider the broader context of your topic.

These examples are more specific and show that you’ll explore your topic in depth.

Your thesis statement should match the goals of your essay, which vary depending on the type of essay you’re writing:

  • In an argumentative essay , your thesis statement should take a strong position. Your aim in the essay is to convince your reader of this thesis based on evidence and logical reasoning.
  • In an expository essay , you’ll aim to explain the facts of a topic or process. Your thesis statement doesn’t have to include a strong opinion in this case, but it should clearly state the central point you want to make, and mention the key elements you’ll explain.

If you want to know more about AI tools , college essays , or fallacies make sure to check out some of our other articles with explanations and examples or go directly to our tools!

  • Ad hominem fallacy
  • Post hoc fallacy
  • Appeal to authority fallacy
  • False cause fallacy
  • Sunk cost fallacy

College essays

  • Choosing Essay Topic
  • Write a College Essay
  • Write a Diversity Essay
  • College Essay Format & Structure
  • Comparing and Contrasting in an Essay

 (AI) Tools

  • Grammar Checker
  • Paraphrasing Tool
  • Text Summarizer
  • AI Detector
  • Plagiarism Checker
  • Citation Generator

A thesis statement is a sentence that sums up the central point of your paper or essay . Everything else you write should relate to this key idea.

The thesis statement is essential in any academic essay or research paper for two main reasons:

  • It gives your writing direction and focus.
  • It gives the reader a concise summary of your main point.

Without a clear thesis statement, an essay can end up rambling and unfocused, leaving your reader unsure of exactly what you want to say.

Follow these four steps to come up with a thesis statement :

  • Ask a question about your topic .
  • Write your initial answer.
  • Develop your answer by including reasons.
  • Refine your answer, adding more detail and nuance.

The thesis statement should be placed at the end of your essay introduction .

Cite this Scribbr article

If you want to cite this source, you can copy and paste the citation or click the “Cite this Scribbr article” button to automatically add the citation to our free Citation Generator.

McCombes, S. (2023, August 15). How to Write a Thesis Statement | 4 Steps & Examples. Scribbr. Retrieved August 26, 2024, from https://www.scribbr.com/academic-essay/thesis-statement/

Is this article helpful?

Shona McCombes

Shona McCombes

Other students also liked, how to write an essay introduction | 4 steps & examples, how to write topic sentences | 4 steps, examples & purpose, academic paragraph structure | step-by-step guide & examples, what is your plagiarism score.

University Libraries

  • UI School of Music
  • Location and Hours
  • My Personal Library

Music Dissertations, Theses, and Recording Projects: a guide: Musical Examples

  • Get Started
  • Formatting Your Thesis
  • Musical Examples
  • Bibliography This link opens in a new window
  • Open Access
  • Dissertation and Theses Databases

Placing Musical Examples in your Document

Musical examples should be labeled in sequence throughout your document. Proper formatting of your musical examples will make it easier to generate the List of Musical Examples table in the prefatory pages of your document.

D. Kern Holoman's book  Writing about Music  contains a chapter on musical examples. Holoman shows examples of how to set simple and complex examples within a document, as well as how to write example captions.

Scanning Musical Examples vs. Transcribing Music Examples

There are two routes to placing a musical example into a document. The first option is to scan a copy of the original and cut it down to the size/measures needed for the example. This works well if you just need to show a copy of the music, but in many cases, a musical example expands or distills the work in question in order to highlight particular aspects of the music. For example, you may want to add some analytical markings to the music, extract the melody, or compare and contrast two parts from the same work. 

Whether you scan a copy of the musical example or create your own, you will need to determine the copyright status of the work and the edition in question (see the Copyright and Licensing tab for more information).

If transcribing, you can use the School of Music ITC to make your examples. Music notation software  Sibelius and Finale are loaded on all the computers. There are many video and other online tutorials on how to use both programs.

If you are not a frequent user of this software and doing all your own music examples will slow your writing process significantly, you might want to consider hiring a colleague to make your examples for you.

Determining Copyright Status

If you are planning to include musical examples in your thesis or dissertation, you may need to obtain a license to do so. How does that work? Check our our musical examples checklist and tools:

    First, get organized. Make a comprehensive list of all musical examples that will appear in your document. Start with a full citation for the item, then list each example, including measure numbers and parts used (violin only, piano and voice, full score, etc.).

    Second, determine the copyright status of each work in your list.  Is it in the public domain, Creative Commons licensed, or under copyright? Add copyright information for each example in your list.   If you're not sure how to determine the copyright status of the works on your list, look at the information below to learn more about public domain, Creative Commons, and request licenses for copyrighted materials.

Need a sample list to work with?

The Library's got your covered. Check out our sample list that you can adapt and use to organize your list of usical examples:

Licensing Musical Examples that are copyrighted

   If the work is under copyright, identify the copyright holder(s). 

   Make a list of all your musical examples. Include measure numbers, parts (are you showing the full score, or just the violin part or string parts, etc.), publisher, date of publication, and any other relevant edition information.

  Contact rights holders to request a license.

Music Publishers

  • Bärenreiter (reproduction rights)
  • Boosey and Hawkes(print permissions)
  • Breitkopf und Härtel (application for reprint license)
  • Carl Fischer (dissertation or thesis)
  • Durand/Salabert
  • see list of represented publishers here
  • Schirmer, Chester, Novello, Leduc, Wilhelm Hansen...and more

Public Domain and other copyright exemptions

If the work is public domain, you will not need to obtain a license. Do provide a citation for your musical examples so that readers know which edition was used. Use this chart from Cornell University to determine if the work is in the public domain.

What is Creative Commons?

 In 2001, Creative Commons was developed as a way for creators to declare copyrighting terms for their content so that reuse would be a more fluid and transparent process. Today, creators can use  Creative Commons licenses  to communicate terms like attribution, commercial or non-commercial use, derivates, and like sharing to other who wish to reuse content without as much mediation between creator and user. Creative Commons is baked into many corners of internet searching, like Google Images, YouTube and Vimeo licensing, and many other content repositories. 

If the work is Creative Commons licensed, follow the requirements of the license.

 - credit must be given to the author (BY)
 - credit must be given to the author (BY), adaptations must be shared under the same terms (SA)
 - credit must be given to the author (BY), no derivatives or adaptations of the work are permitted (ND)
 - credit must be given to the author (BY), only noncommercial uses of the work are permitted (NC)
  - credit must be given to the author (BY), only noncommercial uses of the work are permitted (NC), adaptations much be shared under the same terms (SA)
 - credit must be given to the author (BY), only noncommercial uses of the work are permitted (NC), no derivatives or adaptations of the work are permitted (ND)

Want to learn more about Creative Commons? Check out this video: 

Your Music Librarian

Profile Photo

  • << Previous: Formatting Your Thesis
  • Next: Bibliography >>
  • Last Updated: Jul 19, 2024 12:39 PM
  • URL: https://guides.lib.uiowa.edu/musictd
  • About the AMS-PSG
  • AMS-PSG Bylaws
  • CFP: AMS 2024 PSG Evening Panel
  • Past Events
  • Blog: The Jigsaw

© 2024 Teaching Music History

Rhetorical Analysis Essays in Music Appreciation: A Sample Assignment

Many of us college music professors have struggled to create writing assignments that meet our pedagogical goals and engage students. As music teachers, we need to create equitable assignments that meet our students where they are, help them gain the skills that will be necessary for their success, and meet our course general objectives for thinking and writing about music. In this post, I discuss the rhetorical analysis assignment I use in my music appreciation sections and how I scaffold the informal low-stakes writing and research skills necessary for students to be successful.

  • Post date 7 August 2022
  • Post categories In Pedagogy Study Group , Resources , Teaching Tips

blog banner for Michele Aichele's essay, Rhetorical Analysis Essays in Music Appreciation: A Sample Assignment

Many of us college music professors have struggled to create writing assignments that meet our pedagogical goals AND engage students. Additionally, many college professors have found that students are unequipped to engage in college-level writing activities, which may become even more widespread as we deal with first-time college students in the COVID era. As music teachers, we need to create equitable assignments that meet our students where they are, help them gain the skills that will be necessary for their success, and meet our course general objectives for thinking and writing about music. In this post, I discuss the rhetorical analysis assignment I use in my music appreciation sections and how I scaffold the informal low-stakes writing and research skills necessary for students to be successful. The structure of this assignment reinforces what students learn in their writing courses, helping them become more proficient in the skills they will need to be successful in college. This assignment could be adapted to other music courses, especially those for non-majors, and to other forms that are becoming popular in college classes including the long blog post, the podcast, or the album review.

Rhetorical analyses are common assignments in first-year college courses because they allow students to work on building the skills of analyzing information and creating an argument about that information. I chose a rhetorical analysis because I wanted to align the curriculum goals in my class with other core classes at the university level. Studies have shown that aligning curriculum across courses improves student learning and outcomes (Grubb & Cox, 2005; Fink, 2013). For many of my college students, especially those who have not had the advantage of advanced placement courses in high school, this is the first time they are exposed to academic writing, and they benefit by a wider exposure.

I teach Music Appreciation at two Hispanic Serving Institutions (HSIs) in Texas that enroll many first-generation and underserved students. To supplement my in-class teaching, I use Kevin Salfen’s Pathways to Music as the textbook. Pathways to Music models a variety of ways of analyzing and writing about music through its five sections or “pathways”: Ritual, Emotion, Work, Art, and Politics. For each of these pathways, students see different models of discussing music from across the world and make connections to their own musical experiences. They get to learn about musical rituals, musical expression of emotions, the work involved in creating music, musical art (aesthetics), and musical politics (messages) not only from the textbook, but from each other. Furthermore, musical rhetoric is discussed during the second pathway. Students learn that rhetoric is communication, and the six major components of rhetoric can be applied to music analysis: topic, audience, persona, context, purpose, and genre.

To plan this assignment, I began with my expectations for what I want students to do in the final paper. Students are to choose a piece of music and analyze it for what it says and how it musically conveys this message. Considering this goal, I reverse-engineered the course to cover the skills they would need to achieve that goal and build them throughout the semester. The final project prompt, given below, is similar to other rhetorical paper prompts used in college courses. The prompt addresses all six elements of a rhetorical situation. It asks students to think about the topic of the music, who listens to the music, how the performer(s) want(s) to be perceived by the audience, and the context, purpose, and genre of the piece of music.

thesis statement on music

The skills required to perform this rhetorical analysis are then broken down into “write to learn” activities in the form of weekly blog posts. Music, as an aural art, can be very difficult to write about, even for trained professionals, so blogs provide regular opportunities to build such skills. Weekly blogs require students to continually practice communicating about music, and ideas seen in the blogs can be discussed during class time. About half of the blog posts in my class directly engage students in the process of writing their final paper.

One of the first blog posts I have students tackle during the semester is to listen to and reflect on the “How to Listen to Music in 4 Easy Steps” from the Switched on Pop podcast . Hosts Nate Sloan and Charlie Harding walk listeners through their four steps of how to listen to and interpret music through the example of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah.” I let the students know that while this is not the only way of listening to music, it provides a good model for those unfamiliar with actively listening to music. The first step is the “liner notes,” where the listener learns the contextual information of the song: who made it, when, where, and how. Next, they model the “needle drop,” which is simply listening to the song all the way through. The third step is the “scratch,” where the listener goes back to the recording and focuses on short sections that draw them in. For this step, listeners need to listen multiple times and consider what it is that is drawing them into the piece. Finally, the fourth step is “remixing” a song. “Remixing” in the Switched on Pop method is not a re-creation of the song, but encourages the students to make connections and interpret what they hear. The “remix” asks them to consider what they think the song means and why, which is primarily what I want students to be able to do by the end of the semester. In their blog post, students summarize the four steps from Switched on Pop and compare that method of listening to their own style of listening to music.

thesis statement on music

The second pathway from the textbook introduces the idea of musical rhetoric for conveying musical emotion. For an in-class activity, I have the students look at an example mentioned in the textbook to see how the musical choices made impact the message of the music. In class, we listen to “Hurt,” first by Nine Inch Nails and then Johnny Cash’s cover.  Through this activity, students can hear and compare how the different choices of instrumentation, singing style, slight lyrical changes, and the context in which the musicians made their music can affect how the music makes them feel different emotions.

After we have learned about rhetorical analysis, I have the students listen to another music podcast and analyze how the hosts discuss the music. I provide a list of suggested podcasts that cover a variety of musical styles for students to choose from. Students are able to bring podcast episodes to me for approval. In order for the podcast to be approved, it has to discuss the music (or musician) in some informative way and not be just a radio show. Students listen to the episode and write about the context of the podcast episode. This information includes who the hosts are, when the hosts made it, and the purpose the hosts made the episode—what did the hosts want the listeners to do with the information they provided? Students then share their insights during class. Because of the diversity of student interests, we get to hear about many musical styles and ways of discussing music. This assignment is useful because it provides another model of discussing music and has students practice their rhetorical analysis skills.

Suggested list of podcasts:

  • Brown, Angela & Joshua Thompson.  Melanated Moments in Classical Music.  https://www.classicalmusicindy.org/podcasts/melanated-moments/ .
  • Coe, Tyler. Cocaine & Rhinestones: The History of Country Music Podcast. https://cocaineandrhinestones.com/episodes/season-one .
  • Conger, Cristen and Caroline Ervin. Stuff Mom Never Told You from How Stuff Works. https://www.stuffmomnevertoldyou.com/podcasts . (Students must find an episode on a musical topic).
  • Contreras, Felix.  Alt Latino from NPR. https://www.npr.org/sections/altlatino/192684845/our-show .
  • Giddens, Rhiannon.  Aria Code Podcast . https://www.wnycstudios.org/shows/aria-code .
  • Golan, Ross.  And the Writer Is… Podcast. http://www.andthewriteris.com/band/ .
  • Hamilton, Kirk. Strong Songs. https://strongsongspodcast.com/ .
  • Ronson, Mark.  Fader Uncovered. https://www.thefader.com/podcasts/uncovered .
  • Sloan, Nate and Charlie Harding. Switched on Pop. https://www.switchedonpop.com .
  • Weilerstein, Joshua. Sticky Notes: The Classical Music Podcast . https://stickynotespodcast.libsyn.com
  • Wilson, Tracy and Holly Frey. Stuff You Missed in History Class. https://www.missedinhistory.com . (Students must find an episode on a musical topic).

To promote good writing habits, I have the students submit a “Topic Proposal” blog in the first half of the semester. This assignment ensures that they are already thinking about their music example and can collect resources and practice their analyses throughout the semester. In the topic proposal, students indicate what piece they want to analyze for their final project and why they chose this piece. Students are not allowed to choose the same piece as another student. Additionally, allowing students to choose what piece they want to analyze increases student excitement in the project and allows them to explore and reflect on their own musical values.

Information literacy is another important skill for student success in their academic careers. To help with information literacy, I introduce students to the library, teach them how to find sources, and then discuss how to evaluate those sources. I prefer to do this by taking the students to the library and meeting with a librarian, but that is not always possible. Many of our academic librarians have created short library introduction videos that could be helpful as well. During these tutorials, I introduce the students to databases that would be particularly helpful to them in this class, like Credo Reference or Oxford Music Online. Students learn the acronym CRAAP (Currency, Relevance, Authority, Accuracy, and Purpose) and practice evaluating sources in order to find reliable sources. On the reflection post for this assignment, many students have divulged that this is the first time these topics have been taught to them. Once we have covered the CRAAP test and library sources, students then do a “source report” blog. Students have to find a source related to their topic, summarize it, and evaluate it with the CRAAP test. While there are not many articles on the specific songs, works, and artists in which the students are interested, I encourage them to look up sources on related genres and styles to contextualize their piece. Practicing evaluating sources helps build their critical thinking skills.

thesis statement on music

At this point in the semester, I have students do a Rhetorical Situation Chart for their chosen example. I adapted this rhetorical situation chart, linked below, from an Advanced Placement Summer Institute English Language and Composition workshop led by Teri Marshall. By this time in class, students are used to rhetorical analysis because they have encountered it in other course activities. They research the context, the audience, the persona, the purpose, and the style of their example and begin figuring out what they want to say about the piece. The synthesis statement at the bottom of the worksheet can then be revised into a thesis statement for their papers.

Now that students have some sources and ideas regarding what they want to discuss, I have them submit a “half-draft” of their paper where they begin translating all of the information they have into a prose paper. The half-draft is also a low-stakes assignment where students get credit for turning in two to three paragraphs and an outline of further points. This shows that they are thinking about the music and what it conveys, and we can focus on higher-order issues with the writing. At this point, I also look at the sources students are using and let them know if they need to find more and point them in the right direction. I do not evaluate the drafts for grammar, but I do provide feedback on common errors. The goal is to encourage early writing and continuing the “write to learn” process.

The final paper is due a few weeks after students have received feedback on the half draft and is evaluated for thesis, structure, effectiveness of analysis, and use of sources. Since implementing this assignment in the fall of 2020, the papers I have received are much improved from previous semesters. While the writing still is not perfect, these papers make for a much more enjoyable read and demonstrate that students are able to communicate about music. For those in my classes who have had effective writing pedagogy before, this provides another opportunity for them to practice and apply their skills to writing about music they love.

There are a few things I particularly love about this assignment and the thought processes students go through in creating their analyses. The assignment uses low-stakes writing for students to practice their musical analyses without fear of failure. Students also become better informed consumers of music who can contextualize and discuss musical performances. Finally, this assignment provides a tangible way for students to explain to me why they love the music they love. Students reflect at the end of the semester about what they have learned and their relationship to music. For some final thoughts about the paper, this is what the students themselves say they learned in their final blog post of the semester:

I was very hesitant that I wouldn’t enjoy this class when I was signed up for it and saw it on my schedule, but I was very pleasantly surprised! I really did enjoy this class and I think I’ve learned so many new ways that I can listen to music. As a musician, it was really nice and interesting to get to see where some of the pieces that I’ve played or even just listened to came from. I also really liked comparing the music we listen to now to music that was popular in different time periods, and how music from so many years ago is still influencing music today ! I really enjoyed the “Music as Art” section, because it goes to show how much work goes into some of the songs we listen to, as well as how often times, many musicians don’t intend for their pieces to be formal art, but the connections we make to the piece give it meaning and a whole different purpose. I really enjoyed this class! I think I have a bigger appreciation for all the work and talent and craft that goes into making all the pieces I know and love today. 🙂
I didn’t have any expectations for this class due to never taking any sort of music class before. I thought it was going to focus more on instruments and reading music. Learning about how to analyze music and music history was eye-opening. As odd as it sounds, I actually learned how to listen to music and how aspects of music created and used many years ago are still used today. Before this class, I just thought lyrics were the only meaningful part of a song and everything else was just put in to make the song sound better. Now I know that every part of the song holds meaning and nothing is added or done unintentionally, everything has a purpose. Now when I listen to music I can feel the emotion beyond the lyrics and have a better understanding of the message the artist is trying to send. This class definitely gave me a new perspective on music. When I listen to music now I can identify the type of message the artist is sending, the emotion they were trying to provoke, and who their intended audience is. When we first analyzed music I thought it was going to be such a long process and would turn into me disliking music, but it is the complete opposite. I am able to analyze the song after listening to it a few times and after each analysis, I am amazed by what I discover. After taking this course I have a deeper appreciation for music. 
I never gave much thought to the way I listened to music before this class or even thought about the evaluation of music at all. My favorite part of this class was learning about all of the different eras of music and how they impacted each generation. When I listen to music now I find myself trying to hear the different instruments being played along with trying to figure out the style and patterns throughout the song. Doing this has made me find new meaning in songs that I’ve listened to forever. I also like that I can hear certain music and relate it back or hear similarities from music that was made long ago. Learning how present day artist implement parts of music from a different age and era is really cool. This class has definitely changed the way I listen to music and without even thinking about it I find myself hearing part of a song or hearing the instruments being played and I think about where that came from and why the artist chose that instrument for the specific piece being played. It’s interesting how much goes into making music that I never even knew. I have a new found appreciation for music and the artist who make it. 

Sources and Further Reading

Burkholder, J. Peter. “Decode the Discipline of Music History for Our Students.” Journal of Music History Pedagogy 1, no. 2 (2011): 93–111.

Crain, Timothy. “Beyond Coverage: Teaching for Understanding in the Music History Survey Classroom.” Journal of Music History Pedagogy 4, no. 2 (2014): 301–318.

Deadman, Alison. “Sonata, What Do You Want of Me?”: Teaching Rhetorical Strategies for Writing About Music.” Journal of Music History Pedagogy 6, no. 1 (2013): 23–40.

Epstein, Louis, Taylor Okonek, and Anna Perkins. “Mind the Gap: Inclusive Pedagogies for Diverse Classrooms.” Journal of Music History Pedagogy 9, no. 2 (2019): 119–172.

Fink, L. Dee. Creating Significant Learning Experiences: An Integrated Approach to Designing College Courses . Somerset: John Wiley & Sons, 2013.

Grubb, W. Norton and Rebecca Cox. “Pedagogical Alignment and Curricular Consistency: The Challenges for Developmental Education.” New Directions for Community Colleges 129 (2005): 93–103.

Haefeli, Sara. “Using Blogs for Better Student Writing Outcomes.” Journal of Music History Pedagogy 4, no. 1 (2013): 39–70.

hooks, bell. Teaching to Transgress: Education as the Practice of Freedom. New York: Routledge, 1994.

Hund, Jennifer L. “What Is the Discipline of Music Appreciation? Reconsidering the Concert Report.” Journal of Music History Pedagogy 4, no. 2 (2014): 255–72.

_____. “Writing About Music in Large Music Appreciation Classrooms Using Active Learning, Discipline-Specific Skills, and Peer Review.” Journal of Music History Pedagogy 2, no. 2 (2012): 117–32.

Kiefer, Kate, Mike Palmquist, Nick Carbone, Michelle Cox, and Dan Melzer. “Introduction to Writing Across the Curriculum.” The WAC Clearinghouse. https://wac.colostate.edu/resources/wac/intro .

Knyt, Errin. “Rethinking the Music History Research Paper Assignment.” Journal of Music History Pedagogy 4, no. 1 (2013): 23–37.

Marshall, Teri “Analyzing the Rhetorical Situation.” Advanced Placement Summer Institute: English Language and Composition. St. Mary’s Hall, San Antonio, Texas, June 2018.

Sloan, Nate and Charlie Harding. Switched on Pop. https://switchedonpop.com/ .

Talbert, Robert. Flipped Learning: A Guide for Higher Education Faculty. Bloomfield: Stylus Publishing, 2017.

Wells, Elizabeth Anne. “Foundation Courses in Music History: A Case Study.” Journal of Music History Pedagogy 6, no. 1 (2016): 41–56.

Wright, Jeffrey. “Teaching Research and Writing Across the Music History Curriculum.” Journal of Music History Pedagogy 7, no. 1 (2016): 35–42.

  • Tags assignment , Pedagogy Study Group , writing

Related Posts

thesis statement on music

Making Writing Assignments Worth Your Time: The Interactive Writing Process

The editors of The Jigsaw are pleased to publish this guest post by Kimberly Hieb, Assistant Professor of Music at West Texas A&M University and Secretary/Treasurer of the AMS…

  • Post date 14 April 2018
  • Post categories In Resources , Teaching Tips
  • Tags assignments , authentic assessment , feedback , NSSE , rubrics , writing

Banner for Annotating Taruskin and How It Went, by Dr. Anna Zayaruznaya.

Annotating Taruskin and How It Went

In memoriam by Anna Zayaruznaya To use, or not to use? That is the problem. We teachers know what textbooks are and what they aren’t; what they enable…

  • Post date 13 October 2023
  • Tags annotation , creativity , pedagogy , Pedagogy Study Group , textbook

Blog banner with title and authors.

Crip It, Flip It, and Reverse It: Implementing Accommodation and Accessibility in the Music Classroom

By Alexandria Carrico, Katherine Grennell, and James Deaville

  • Post date 22 June 2022
  • Post categories In Pedagogy Study Group , Teaching Tips , Uncategorized
  • Tags accessibility , Pedagogy Study Group , UDL

thesis statement on music

Revitalizing the Dreaded Course Evaluation

Turn Your Evals into a Research Tool by Dr. Sara Haefeli

  • Post date 25 April 2022
  • Post categories In Pedagogy Study Group , Teaching Tips
  • Tags course evaluations , feedback , Pedagogy Study Group , research
  • Harvard Library
  • Research Guides
  • Faculty of Arts & Sciences Libraries

Music Research Guide

Dissertations and theses.

  • HOLLIS (Library catalog and more)
  • Dictionaries, Encyclopedias, Bibliographies
  • Recordings and Videos
  • Scores and Sheet Music
  • Concert Reviews
  • Collected Works Editions
  • Music in Special Collections
  • Ethnomusicology Research @ Harvard
  • Jazz Research @ Harvard This link opens in a new window
  • American Indigenous Music
  • Senior Thesis Style Guide: Footnotes
  • Senior Thesis Style Guide: Bibliography
  • Multimedia Production Resources
  • ProQuest Dissertations and Theses Global (AKA Dissertation Abstracts) Full text of graduate works added since 1997, along with selected full text for works written prior to 1997 and citations for dissertations and theses dating from 1743-present.
  • DASH (Digital Access to Scholarship at Harvard) A central, open-access repository of research (including dissertations and scholarly articles) by members of the Harvard community.
  • Doctoral Dissertations in Musicology - Online (DDM) A bibliography of completed dissertations and proposed topics in musicology, music theory, ethnomusicology, and related disciplines. Maintained by the American Musicological Society.
  • MTO Dissertation Index An index of dissertations in music theory, with abstracts and tables of contents, maintained by the Society for Music Theory.
  • << Previous: Collected Works Editions
  • Next: Music in Special Collections >>

Except where otherwise noted, this work is subject to a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License , which allows anyone to share and adapt our material as long as proper attribution is given. For details and exceptions, see the Harvard Library Copyright Policy ©2021 Presidents and Fellows of Harvard College.

  • How It Works
  • PhD thesis writing
  • Master thesis writing
  • Bachelor thesis writing
  • Dissertation writing service
  • Dissertation abstract writing
  • Thesis proposal writing
  • Thesis editing service
  • Thesis proofreading service
  • Thesis formatting service
  • Coursework writing service
  • Research paper writing service
  • Architecture thesis writing
  • Computer science thesis writing
  • Engineering thesis writing
  • History thesis writing
  • MBA thesis writing
  • Nursing dissertation writing
  • Psychology dissertation writing
  • Sociology thesis writing
  • Statistics dissertation writing
  • Buy dissertation online
  • Write my dissertation
  • Cheap thesis
  • Cheap dissertation
  • Custom dissertation
  • Dissertation help
  • Pay for thesis
  • Pay for dissertation
  • Senior thesis
  • Write my thesis

216 Awesome Music Topics That Will Inspire Your Thesis

music topics

On this page, you will find the ultimate list of 216 brand new, 100% original music topics for high school, college and university students. No, it’s not a trick! You can use any of our topics about music for free and you don’t even have to give us credit. Many of these research topics on music should work great in 2023.

In addition, we have the best step by step guide to writing a research paper right here on this page. Just like the topics, you can read the guide for free. It will help you stay focused on what’s important and ensure you don’t miss any steps. And remember, if you need assistance with your academic writing tasks, our native English-speaking writers are the most reliable on the Internet!

Writing A Research Paper About Music

So, what is music? Music is a form of art that uses sound and rhythm to create an emotional or aesthetic experience. It can be created by combining different elements such as melody, harmony, rhythm and timbre. Music is a universal language that can be found in all cultures and has been an important part of human history for thousands of years. It can evoke emotions, tell stories, and communicate ideas. Music can take many forms, including vocal or instrumental, solo or ensemble, live or recorded, and can be classified into various genres such as rock, pop, classical, jazz, and many more.

But how do you write a research paper about music quickly? Well, we have a great step by step guide for you right here.

Choose a music topic. Select a topic that interests you and that you have enough background knowledge on to research and write about. Conduct research. Use a variety of sources to gather information on your topic, including books, academic journals, online databases, and primary sources such as interviews or musical recordings. Organize your research. Once you have gathered enough information, organize your research into an outline or a mind map to help you visualize how your paper will flow. Write a thesis statement. Your thesis statement should be a concise statement that summarizes the main argument of your paper. Write a rough draft. Begin writing your paper using the information you have gathered and the outline or mind map you created. Focus on creating a clear and coherent argument, and be sure to cite all sources using the appropriate citation style. Help with coursework services can aid you in succeeding with this part. Revise and edit. Once you have completed a rough draft, revise and edit your paper to improve its clarity, organization, and coherence. Check for grammar and spelling errors, and make sure all citations are correct and properly formatted. Create a bibliography or works cited page. Include a list of all sources you used in your research, including books, articles, interviews, and recordings. Finalize your paper. After making all necessary revisions and edits, finalize your paper and ensure that it meets all the requirements set by your instructor or professor. Proofread everything and make sure it’s perfectly written. You don’t want to lose points over some typos, do you?

Easy Research Topics About Music

  • The history and evolution of hip-hop culture
  • The impact of classical music on modern composers
  • The role of music in therapy for mental health
  • The cultural significance of jazz in African-American communities
  • The influence of traditional folk music on contemporary artists
  • The development of electronic music over the past decade
  • The use of music in film to enhance storytelling
  • The rise of K-pop and its global popularity
  • The effects of music on our learning abilities
  • The use of music in branding in the fashion industry
  • The influence of the Beatles on popular music
  • The intersection of music and politics in the 1960s
  • The cultural significance of reggae music in Jamaica
  • The history and evolution of country music in America
  • The impact of music streaming on the music industry

Opinion Essay Music Topics

  • Music piracy: Should it be considered a serious crime?
  • Should music education be mandatory in schools?
  • Is autotune ruining the quality of music?
  • Are music awards shows still relevant in today’s industry?
  • Should music lyrics be censored for explicit content?
  • Is it fair that some musicians earn more money than others?
  • Is classical music still relevant in modern society?
  • Should music festivals have age restrictions for attendees?
  • Is it fair for musicians to be judged on their personal lives?
  • Is the current state of the music industry sustainable?
  • Should musicians be held accountable for the messages in their lyrics?
  • Is the role of the record label still important in the age of digital music?
  • Should musicians be able to express their political views in their music?
  • Does the use of music in movies and TV shows enhance or detract from the storytelling?

Interesting Music Research Topics

  • The impact of music on athletic performance
  • The use of music in advertising and consumer behavior
  • The role of music in enhancing cognitive abilities
  • The effects of music on stress reduction and relaxation
  • The cultural significance of music in indigenous communities
  • The influence of music on fashion and style trends
  • The evolution of protest music and its impact on society
  • The effects of music on Alzheimer’s disease
  • The intersection of music and technology in the music industry
  • The effects of music on emotional intelligence and empathy
  • The cultural significance of hip hop music in the African diaspora
  • The influence of music on human behavior and decision-making
  • The effects of music on physical performance and exercise
  • The role of music in promoting social and political activism

Research Paper Topics On Music

  • The effects of music on the brain and mental health
  • The impact of streaming on the music industry
  • The history and evolution of rap music
  • The cultural significance of traditional folk music
  • The use of music in video games to enhance the gaming experience
  • The role of music in religious and spiritual practices
  • The effects of music on memory and learning
  • The development of rock and roll in America
  • The intersection of music and politics in the 21st century
  • The cultural significance of country music in the South
  • The use of music in autism therapy
  • The impact of social media on music promotion and marketing
  • The influence of music on the LGBTQ+ community
  • The effects of music on social behavior and interaction

Argumentative Essay Topics About Music

  • Does music have a negative effect on behavior?
  • Is streaming music harming the music industry?
  • Can music censorship be justified in certain cases?
  • Is cultural appropriation a problem in the music industry?
  • Should musicians be held accountable for controversial lyrics?
  • Is autotune a helpful tool or a crutch for musicians?
  • Should music education be a required part of the curriculum?
  • Is the use of explicit lyrics in music harmful?
  • Should music festivals be required to have safety measures?
  • Does the use of profanity in music undermine its artistic value?
  • Can music be used to promote political messages effectively?
  • Should musicians be allowed to profit from tragedies?

Current Music Topics To Write About In 2023

  • The rise of TikTok and its impact on music promotion
  • The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on UK music
  • The use of virtual concerts and live streaming during COVID-19
  • The influence of social media on music consumption and trends
  • The emergence of new genres and sub-genres in popular music
  • Talk about cancel culture in music
  • The debate over the use of explicit lyrics in music
  • The impact of climate change on music festivals and events
  • The use of artificial intelligence in music production and composition
  • The influence of music on political and social movements
  • The rise of female and non-binary artists in the music industry
  • The effects of globalization on the diversity of music around the world
  • The role of nostalgia in the popularity of music from past decades

Musical Topics About Famous Musicians

  • The life and legacy of Beethoven
  • The impact of Elvis Presley on rock and roll
  • The career and contributions of Bob Dylan
  • The influence of Michael Jackson on pop music
  • The musical evolution of Madonna over time
  • The enduring appeal of the Rolling Stones
  • The career of Prince and his impact on music
  • The contributions of David Bowie to pop culture
  • The iconic sound of Jimi Hendrix’s guitar
  • The impact of Whitney Houston on the music industry
  • The life and career of Freddie Mercury of Queen
  • The artistry and impact of Joni Mitchell
  • The groundbreaking work of Stevie Wonder in R&B
  • The musical legacy of the Beatles and their influence on pop music

Music Research Paper Topics For College

  • The cultural significance of the accordion in folk music
  • The use of sampling in hip-hop and electronic music production
  • The evolution of the drum kit in popular music
  • The significance of Taylor Swift in contemporary country-pop music
  • The effects of drug abuse in the music industry
  • The role of music in shaping political movements and protests
  • The impact of streaming services on the music industry and artists’ income
  • The significance of the Burning Man festival in music and culture
  • The emergence and growth of Afrobeat music globally
  • The role of musical collaboration in the creation of new music genres
  • The use of autotune and other vocal processing tools in pop music
  • The effects of social and political issues on rap music lyrics
  • The significance of the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in pop culture
  • The impact of music on emotional regulation and mental health

Our Controversial Music Topics

  • The controversy of the “cancel culture” in US music
  • The impact of music piracy on the industry and artists
  • The ethical concerns of music sampling without permission
  • The controversy surrounding lip-syncing during live performances
  • The debate over the authenticity of auto-tune in music
  • The controversy surrounding the use of profanity in music
  • The debate over the cultural appropriation of music styles
  • The controversy surrounding music festivals and their impact on local communities
  • The debate over the role of music in promoting violence and aggression
  • The controversy surrounding the ownership of an artist’s discography
  • The ethical concerns of musicians profiting from songs about tragedies and disasters

Captivating Music Thesis Topics

  • The role of music in promoting social justice
  • The impact of music streaming on album sales
  • The significance of lyrics in contemporary pop music
  • The evolution of heavy metal music over time
  • The influence of gospel music on rock and roll
  • The effects of music education on cognitive development
  • The cultural significance of hip-hop music in America
  • The role of music in promoting environmental awareness and activism
  • The impact of music festivals on local economies
  • The evolution of country music and its impact on popular music
  • The use of music in advertising and marketing strategies

Classical Music Topic Ideas

  • The influence of Baroque music on classical music
  • The history and evolution of the symphony orchestra
  • The career and legacy of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
  • The significance of Ludwig van Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony
  • The evolution of opera as an art form
  • The role of women composers in classical music history
  • The impact of the Romantic era on classical music
  • The use of program music to tell a story through music
  • The significance of the concerto in classical music
  • The influence of Johann Sebastian Bach on classical music
  • The contributions of Antonio Vivaldi to the concerto form
  • The use of counterpoint in classical music composition
  • The role of chamber music in classical music history
  • The significance of George Frideric Handel’s Messiah in classical music

Interesting Music Topics For High School

  • The history and evolution of the piano as a musical instrument
  • The significance of Beethoven in classical music
  • The impact of Elvis Presley on US music
  • The emergence and growth of the hip-hop music genre
  • The role of music festivals in contemporary music culture
  • The effects of technology on music production and performance
  • The influence of social media on music promotion and distribution
  • The effects of music on mental health and well-being
  • The role of music in popular culture and media
  • The impact of musical soundtracks on movies and TV shows
  • The use of music therapy for individuals with autism spectrum disorder
  • The significance of the Coachella Music Festival in modern music culture
  • The cultural significance of the ukulele in Hawaiian culture

Awesome Music Research Questions For 2023

  • Should musicians be required to use their platform to promote social justice causes?
  • Is music piracy a victimless crime or does it harm the industry?
  • Should music venues be required to provide safe spaces for concertgoers?
  • Is the Grammy Awards selection process biased towards mainstream artists?
  • Should music streaming services pay musicians higher royalties?
  • Is it appropriate for music to be used in political campaign advertisements?
  • Should music journalists be required to disclose their personal biases in reviews?
  • Is it ethical for musicians to profit from songs about tragedies and disasters?
  • Should music education be funded equally across all schools and districts?
  • Is it fair for record labels to own the rights to an artist’s entire discography?
  • Should music festivals have more diverse and inclusive lineups?
  • Should musicians be allowed to use drugs and alcohol as part of their creative process?

Fantastic Music Topics For Research

  • The evolution of the electric guitar in rock music
  • The cultural significance of the sitar in Indian music
  • The impact of synthesizers on contemporary music production
  • The use of technology in the creation and performance of music
  • The influence of Beyoncé on modern pop music
  • The significance of Kendrick Lamar in contemporary rap music
  • The effects of misogyny and sexism in the rap music industry
  • The emergence and growth of K-pop music globally
  • The significance of Coachella Music Festival in the music industry
  • The history and evolution of the Woodstock Music Festival
  • The impact of music festivals on tourism and local economies
  • The role of music festivals in shaping music trends and culture
  • The effects of music piracy on the music industry
  • The impact of social media on the promotion and distribution of music
  • The role of music in the Black Lives Matter movement

Catchy Music Related Research Topics

  • Is hip-hop culture beneficial or harmful to society?
  • Is it ethical to sample music without permission?
  • Should music streaming services censor explicit content?
  • Is auto-tune a valid musical technique or a crutch?
  • Does the music industry unfairly exploit young artists?
  • Should radio stations be required to play a certain percentage of local music?
  • Is the practice of lip-syncing during live performances acceptable?
  • Is music education undervalued and underfunded in schools?
  • Does the use of profanity in music contribute to a decline in society?
  • Should music venues be held accountable for the safety of concertgoers?

Informative Speech Topics About Music

  • The history and evolution of jazz music
  • The cultural significance of classical music in Europe
  • The origins and development of blues music in America
  • The influence of Latin American music on American popular music
  • The impact of technology on music production and distribution
  • The role of music in expressing emotions and feelings
  • The effects of music therapy on mental health and wellbeing
  • The cultural significance of traditional music in Africa
  • The use of music in films and television to create mood and atmosphere
  • The influence of the Beatles on popular music and culture
  • The evolution of electronic dance music (EDM)
  • The role of music in promoting cultural diversity and unity
  • The impact of social media on the music industry and fan culture

Get Quick Research Paper And Thesis Help

Do you need assistance with your research paper or thesis? Getting thesis help has never been easier! Our experts with write you a high quality academic paper in as little as 3 hours, even in the middle of the night. Yes, our customer support department is online 24/7 to take your order and assign it to our best available writer. We can write you a good essay for any class and any course – online or face to face.

Get a cheap thesis writing help about music fast and spend more free time with your friends or family. Everything we send to our customers is unique, 100% written from scratch online. Every student will be satisfied with our work because every professor will be compelled to give our work an A+ rating. What are you waiting for? Get the help you need right now and improve your GPA!

religion research paper topics

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Comment * Error message

Name * Error message

Email * Error message

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

As Putin continues killing civilians, bombing kindergartens, and threatening WWIII, Ukraine fights for the world's peaceful future.

Ukraine Live Updates

Digital Commons @ University of South Florida

  • USF Research
  • USF Libraries

Digital Commons @ USF > College of The Arts > School of Music > Music Education > Theses and Dissertations

Music Education Theses and Dissertations

Theses/dissertations from 2015 2015.

Origins of Music Programs in Liberal Arts Institutions: The Story of Three Florida Catholic Universities , Cynthia S. Selph

Theses/Dissertations from 2010 2010

A Philosophical Inquiry on the Valuation and Selection of Musical Materials for Culturally Diverse Learners in Global Environments , Jonathan Bassett

Upper Elementary Boys’ Participation During Group Singing Activities in Single-sex and Coeducational Classes , Zadda M. Bazzy

An Examination of the Influence of Band Director Teaching Style and Personality on Ratings at Concert and Marching Band Events , Timothy J. Groulx

Empowered for Practice: The Relationship Among Perceived Autonomy Support, Competence, and Task Persistence of Undergraduate Applied Music Students , Julie F. Troum

Theses/Dissertations from 2009 2009

An Exploratory Study of the Use of Imagery by Vocal Professionals: Applications of a Sport Psychology Framework , Patricia Louise Bowes

Theses/Dissertations from 2008 2008

Perceptions of Effective Teaching and Pre-Service Preparation for Urban Elementary General Music Classrooms: A Study of Teachers of Different Cultural Backgrounds in Various Cultural Settings , Lisa J. Lehmberg

Theses/Dissertations from 2006 2006

Teaching strategies of successful college trombone professors for undergradute students , Matthew T. Buckmaster

The influence of performance background on instrumentalists' ability to discriminate and label cornet and trumpet timbre , Gary Compton

Theses/Dissertations from 2005 2005

The Effect of Conducting Gesture on Expressive-Interpretive Performance of College Music Majors , Ronald Wayne Gallops

Effect of Age on 11- to 18-Year-Olds’ Discrimination of Nuances in Instrumental and Speech Phrase Interpretations , Andrew Sioberg

Theses/Dissertations from 2003 2003

Choral Music Education: A Survey of Research 1996-2002 , Amber Turcott

Advanced Search

  • Email Notifications and RSS
  • All Collections
  • USF Faculty Publications
  • Open Access Journals
  • Conferences and Events
  • Theses and Dissertations
  • Textbooks Collection

Useful Links

  • Rights Information
  • SelectedWorks
  • Submit Research

Home | About | Help | My Account | Accessibility Statement | Language and Diversity Statements

Privacy Copyright

Scholar Commons

Home > USC Columbia > Music, School of > Music Theses and Dissertations

Music Theses and Dissertations

Theses/dissertations from 2023 2023.

Comprehensive Method for Clarinet Latin American Music Heritage Case Study – Venezuela , Carmen Teresa Borregales

Contemporary Vocal Pedagogy in the Choral Ensemble Rehearsal: A Guide for Secondary Educators , Luke Lee Browder

A Pedagogical and Analytical Study of the Carnatic Saxophone Performance Tradition of Kadri Gopalnath , Caleb James Carpenter

Symphony No. V: Elements (Julie Giroux, 2018); An Overview Of Programmatic Elements and Performance Devices , Zackery Augustus Deininger

A Conductor’s Guide to Lucrecia Roces Kasilag’s Misang Pilipino (1965) , Denise Ysabel Ellis

The Theory of Intonation: Boris Asafiev and the Russian Piano School Tradition , Polina Golubkova

A Comparative Analysis of Samuel Barber’s Third Essay for Orchestra, Op. 47 , David Abrams Gordon

Injury Prevention Exercise Guidelines for Flutists , Ziqing Guan

Luis Abraham Delgadillo: A Rediscovery of His Piano Music , Fanarelia Auxiliadora Guerrero López

A Holistic Approach for Neurodivergent Learners In the High School Choral Classroom , Peter Allen Haley

Creative Insights on the Commissioning, Analysis, and Performance of Four New Works for Saxophone , Andrew Joseph Hutchens

An Analysis of Selected Vocal Works by George Walker , Ginger Sharnell Jones-Robinson

Bohuslav Martinů’s Eight Preludes For Piano H. 181: Style Analysis and Pedagogical Approaches In Piano Performance , Jinkyung Kim

An Investigative Analysis of Fernando Sor’s Introduction and Variations on “O Cara Armonia” From Mozart’s The Magic Flute , Luke James Nolan

The Film Score Music of John Williams: A Guide to Selected Works for the Principal Percussionist , Andrew Charles Crozier Patzig

Appalachian Dreams: Traditional Folk Songs in Concert Literature for Classical Guitar , Jackson Douglas Roberson

“Everything Old Is New Again”: The Rise of Interpolation in Popular Music , Grayson M. Saylor

How Do They Do It: A Narrative of Disabled Public School Instrumental Ensemble Conductors and Their Positive Working Relationships With Their Administrators , Lia Alexandria Patterson Snead

The Impact Of Incorporating Self-myofascial Release Into Voice Lessons: A Six-week Study , Benjamin Stogner

The Post-Tonal Evolution of David Diamond: A Theoretic-Analytical Perspective , William John Ton

Fourth-Grade and Fifth-Grade Cover-Band Classes: An Action-Research Project Inspired By Popular Music Education and Music Learning Theory , Julia Turner

Theses/Dissertations from 2022 2022

Social Music Interactions and Vocal Music Improvisations in a Serve and Return Music Community , Kathleen Kaye Arrasmith

Comfort Food for the Ears: Exploring Nostalgic Trends in Popular Music of the Twenty-First Century , April K. Balay

A Performance Guide to “Four Piano Pieces, Opus 1” By Evgeny Kissin , Andrew Choi

Timeless Light: A Singer’s Compendium of Art Songs for Tenor By Black Composers , Johnnie J. Felder

Negotiating Nationalism: Camille Saint-Saëns, Neoclassicism, and the Early Music Renaissance in France , Joshua Arin Harton

An Analysis of the Compositional Technique and Structures Of Nikolai Kapustin’s Piano Sonata No. 6, Opus 62 , Hyun Jung Im

Adapting North American Fiddle Bow Technique to the Double Bass , Spencer Jensen

Approaches to Teaching Music Counting to Piano Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder , Sunghun Kim

Redefining Ornamentation as Formal Functions in 21 st -Century Popular Music , Matthew Kolar

Lost in Translation: The Largely Unknown Life and Contributions of Johann Joachim Quantz , Kayla Ann Low

Broadway Quodlibets as Hybrid Music , Spencer Ann Martin

Redistributing Cultural Capital: Graduate Programs In Wind Conducting at Historically Black Universities; Toward an Alternate Future , Jamaal William Nicholas

Analysis of Selected Pieces Influenced by Taiwanese Aboriginal Music for Solo Violin and String Quartet , Isabel Hsin-Yi Ong

Margaret Rowell: Pedagogical Approach and Teaching Style , Robert-Christian Sanchez

A Performance Guide to Hyo-Geun Kim’s Art Pop for Korean Art Songs , Taeyoung Seon

Examining Sixth-Grade Students’ Music Agency Through Rhythm Composition , Robert Zagaroli Spearman

Theses/Dissertations from 2021 2021

Pedagogical Solo Piano Nocturnes: A Progressive Leveling With Annotations on Stylistic, Technical, and Musical Challenges and Benefits , Michaela Anne Boros

Disparities in Programming African American Solo Vocal Music On College Campuses Across the United States , Ramelle Brooks

Quantitative Data Collection on the Fundamental Components Of Saxophone Tone Production , Matthew Troy Castner

Music as Complementary and Alternative Medicine (CAM) Therapy: An Exploratory Literature Review , Amy Arlene Clary

The Music Festival: A Case Study on the Establishment, Development, and Long-Term Success of an Instrumental Music Education Event From a Logistical Perspective , Dakota Corbliss

An Orchestral Conductor’s Guide to the James/Daehler Edition Of The Hinrichs and Winkler Compilation Score to the 1925 Silent Film The Phantom of the Opera , Hayden Richard Denesha

An Annotated Bibliography of Flute Repertoire by Iranian Female Composers , Roya Farzaneh

Composers and Publishers of Parlor Songs and Spirituals from Civil War Richmond: 1861 – 1867 , Michael Gray

A Comparison of Approaches to Pianoforte Technique in the Treatises of Lhevinne, Leimer, and Neuhaus , Louis S. Hehman

The History and Influence of Tim Zimmerman and The King’s Brass , Eric Tyler Henson

A Stylistic Analysis of Edvard Grieg’s Slåtter , Norwegian Peasant Dances, Op. 72 , Zhiyuan He

Transcribing Baroque Lute to Marimba: Viability, Techniques, and Pedagogical Possibilities , Cory James High

One Elementary General Music Teacher’s Uses of and Experiences With Gordon’s Music Learning Theory: A Case Study , Allison Elizabeth Johnson

Cancion Y Danza, Fetes Lointaines, Paisajes By Federico Mompou: A Stylistic Analysis , Qiaoni Liu

The Apprenticeship Structure and the Applied Pedagogical Methods Of the Holy Roman Empire Imperial Trumpeters’ Guild During The 17 th and 18 th Centuries , Noa Miller

Survey of Four North American and Malaysian Theory Methods for Young Pianists , Wen Bin Ong

A Conductor’s Guide to J. N. Hummel’s Forgotten Oratorio: Der Durchzug Durchs Rote Meer , Rebecca J. Ostermann

A Practical Approach for the Applied Voice Instructor Utilizing Limited Piano Skills in the Studio Setting , Lee Whittington Ousley

Adele Aus Der Ohe: Pioneering Through Recital Programming At Carnegie Hall, 1895 , Grace Shepard

Ten Years of Japanese Piano Pedagogy (2009-2018) Through a Survey of Educational Resources , Natsumi Takai

A Comparative Analysis of Selected Works by Chen Qigang: Wu Xing, L’éLoignement, and Luan Tan , Isaac Ormaza Vera

A Pedagogical Analysis of Henglu Yao’s Microkosmos From Chinese Nationalities , Yanting Wang

A Stylistic and Pedagogical Analysis of Select Classical Pieces In Alicia’s Piano Books by Ananda Sukarlan , Karen Kai Yuan Yong

Co-Constructive Music Improvisers: An Ethnographic Case Study , Emma Elizabeth Young

Theses/Dissertations from 2020 2020

Performance History of Mahler’s Das Lied Von Der Erde Focusing on Bruno Walter and Leonard Bernstein , Nisan Ak

The Mathematics of Rubato: Analyzing Expressivetiming in Sergei Rachmaninoff’s Performances of Hisown Music , Meilun An

Electronic Learning: An Educator’s Guide to Navigating Online Learning in a Collegiate Horn Studio , Michelle Beck

The Clarinet Music of Dr. Austin Jaquith: A Performance Guide , Zachary Aaron Bond

Young Children’s Behaviors During Favorite-Music Repertoire And Other-Music Repertoire , Vanessa Caswell

Five Pieces for Piano by Isang Yun and Piano Etude No.1 by Unsuk Chin: An Analysis , Inhye Cho

Natural Reed Enhancement: Establishing the First Universal Reed Break-In Process Through Hydro-Stabilization , Steven Isaac Christ

Performance Edition of Franz Simandl’s 30 Etudes for the String Bass With Critical Commentary , Austin Gaboriau

A Legacy Preserved: A Comparison of the Careers and Recordings of Stanley Drucker and Karl Leister , Peter M. Geldrich

An Index of Choral Music Performed During the National Conventions of the American Choral Directors Association (1991-2019) , Jonathan Randall Hall

A Stylistic Analysis of Reinhold Glière’s 25 Preludes for Piano, Op. 30 , Sunjoo Lee

The Singing Voice Specialist: An Essential Bridge Between Two Worlds , Rebecca Holbrook Loar

A Pedagogical Analysis of DvořáK’s Poetic Tone Pictures, Op. 85 , Nathan MacAvoy

Focal Dystonia Causes and Treatments: A Guide for Pianists , Juan Nicolás Morales Espitia

Cultivating Socially Just Concert Programming Perspectives through Preservice Music Teachers' Band Experiences: A Multiple Case Study , Christian Matthew Noon

The Clarinet Repertoire of Puerto Rico: An Annotated Bibliography of Compositions Written for the Clarinet During the Twentieth and Twenty-First Centuries , María Ivelisse Ortiz-Laboy

A Stylistic Analysis of Alexander Tcherepnin's Piano Concerto No. 4, Op. 78, With an Emphasis on Eurasian Influences , Qin Ouyang

Time’s Up: How Opera Is Facing Its Own Me Too Reckoning , Craig Price

A Trumpet Player’s Performance Guide of Three Selected Works for Trumpet, Cello, and Piano , Justin Wayne Robinson

The Early Piano Music of Richard Wagner , Annie Rose Tindall-Gibson

A Conductor’s Guide to the Da Vinci Requiem by Cecilia McDowall , Jantsen Blake Touchstone

Composition of Musical and Visual Devices to Create Moments of Resolution in Marching Arts Production Design , Ryan John Williams

Romanticism in Nineteenth-Century Russian Nationalistic Music: Case Studies of Glinka’s Ruslan and Lyudmila and Cui’s Mystic Chorus , Jeffrey Crayton Yelverton Jr.

Theses/Dissertations from 2019 2019

Communicative Language in the Compositional Output of Kirke Mechem , Kirstina Rasmussen Collins

Vladimir Pleshakov: A Historiography And Analysis of his Liturgy of St. John Chrysostom , Andrew Cameron Pittman

An Analysis of the Compositional Technique and Structures of Howard Hanson's Symphony No. 1 in E Minor, Op. 22 “Nordic” , Eunseok Seo

Theses/Dissertations from 2018 2018

Serial Techniques in Works for Unaccompanied Trumpet , William Anonie

Examining Professional Music Teacher Identity: A Mixed Methods Approach with Stringed Instrument Teachers , Elizabeth A. Reed

Guided Music Play Between 2-Year-Old Children and a Music Play Facilitator: A Case Study , Kathleen Kaye Arrasmith

Parents’ Observations Of Their Young Children’s Music Behaviors During Music Classes After Completing The Children’s Music Behavior Inventory , Julia Beck

A Theoretical and Stylistic Analysis of Paul Ben-Haim’s Five Pieces for Piano, Op. 34 and Piano Sonata, Op. 49 , Rachel Bletstein

The Influence Of Mindful Movement On Elementary Students’ Music Listening Enjoyment And Comprehension , Jean Louise Boiteau

Delphine Ugalde: Defying Gender Norms Both On And Off The Stage In 19th Century Paris , Michael T. Brown

A Guide for Playing the Viola Without a Shoulder Rest , Chin Wei Chang

Tertian Relationships In Three Choral Selections By Dan Forrest: A Conductor’s Analysis , Lindsey Cope

Translucent Voices: Creating Sound Pedagogy And Safe Spaces For Transgender Singers In The Choral Rehearsal , Gerald Dorsey Gurss

Seventeen Waltzes For Piano By Leo Ornstein: A Stylistic Analysis , Jared Jones

The Kingma System Flute: Redesigning The Nineteenth-Century Flute For The Twenty-First Century , Diane Elise Kessel

The Effects Of Learning By Rote With La-Based Minor Solmization On Memory Retention For Pre-College Piano Students , Duong Khuc

Advanced Search

  • Notify me via email or RSS
  • Collections
  • Disciplines

Submissions

  • Give us Feedback
  • University Libraries

Home | About | FAQ | My Account | Accessibility Statement

Privacy Copyright

IMAGES

  1. A statement thesis on the power of music Free Essay Example

    thesis statement on music

  2. 45 Perfect Thesis Statement Templates (+ Examples) ᐅ TemplateLab

    thesis statement on music

  3. Music thesis examples. Music Theses and Dissertations. 2022-10-21

    thesis statement on music

  4. A List Of 10 Most Interesting Music Thesis Topics

    thesis statement on music

  5. Thesis statement about music influence. A statement thesis on the power

    thesis statement on music

  6. ⛔ Music thesis ideas. Master's Thesis Projects. 2022-11-08

    thesis statement on music

COMMENTS

  1. Music Thesis Statements Essay on Music

    Music Thesis Statements. Music has been shown to have a profound effect on the human brain. It can alter our mood, relieve stress, and even boost our immune system. Music therapy is an increasingly popular treatment for a variety of conditions, including Alzheimer's disease, autism, and depression. While the exact mechanisms by which music ...

  2. Writing thesis statements

    This paper would present an analysis of the source material used. This could be a literature review, for example. Example of an analytical thesis statement: Chopin greatly admired the music of J.S. Bach, and his Preludes reflect the influence of The Well-Tempered Clavier. This paper would discuss and analyze relations between Chopin's ...

  3. PDF Writing about Music: A Guide to Writing in A & I 24

    Writing about music, like writing about any subject, takes place in stages. "Listen-ing to Music," the guide included in your sourcepack, details a procedure that will help you know the music well enough to write about it for your First Nightspapers. In brief, prior to developing the thesis and planning the structure of an essay, you

  4. Music Essay: Topics, How-to Guide, & Examples

    "The energy rock music gives and the majestic mood it can get you into makes it one of the best genres presented in today's music industry" would be a better choice. If you have any difficulties formulating your thesis statement, you might want to use our free thesis-generating tool. Note that it is able to make various theses depending ...

  5. Writing Essay About Music ― Everything You Need to Know ️

    A strong thesis statement is vital for a music essay, providing a clear roadmap for the writer and the reader. It defines the central argument or perspective, ensures clarity and relevance, and sets the tone for music essays. A concise and focused articulation of the central argument or perspective is essential, such as analyzing the cultural ...

  6. Writing and Talking about Music: Creating Thesis Statements

    How to provide insightful analysis by crafting thesis statements. What useful information can you share through integrating your observations about the piece...

  7. Music Theses and Dissertations

    Theses/Dissertations from 2021. PDF. School Music Administration During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Trauma, Loss, Meaning, Change, and Innovation, Christopher Burns. PDF. Development and Validation of a Scale to Measure Songwriting Self-Efficacy (SSES) with Secondary Music Students, Patrick K. Cooper. PDF.

  8. PDF Writing about Music

    way—the writer's way. The writer's thesis statement offers a substantial but concise assertion (usually in one to two sentences in the introduction or sometimes in the second paragraph), thereby providing an essay with its judgmental focus. Perhaps, though, in writing about music, you might want to offer a focused and credible idea

  9. Music Essay

    The next step is to develop a thesis statement out of all the ideas you have in your head. A thesis statement is a must as it informs readers what the entire music essay is about. Don't be afraid to be bold in your statement; new outlooks are always appreciated. Next, you'll need a music essay introduction.

  10. Developing a Thesis

    A thesis statement is not a statement of fact. It is an assertive statement that states your claims and that you can prove with evidence. It should be the product of research and your own critical thinking. There are different ways and different approaches to write a thesis statement. Here are some steps you can try to create a thesis statement: 1.

  11. Thesis statement for an argumentative essay about music

    Then, there are only two subtopics to develop into two paragraphs in the body: 1) music is an approach to reduce people's mental tension. 2) music inspires people's feelings in artistic sense. You can use those ideas from your beginning brainstorming as supporting ideas for each subtopics.

  12. 140 Music Essay Topics: Exploring the Harmonious World of Music

    1 How to Write an Essay on Music. 2 List of Topics about Music for an Essay - 40 words. 2.1 Argumentative Essay Topics about Music. 2.2 Topics for College Essays about Music. 2.3 Controversial Topics in Music. 2.4 Classical Music Essay Topics. 2.5 Jazz Music Essay Topics. 2.6 Rock and Pop Music Essay Topics.

  13. LibGuides: Dissertation and Thesis Research and Writing Guide for Music

    This is a guide to library resources for graduate students in the School of Music working on a thesis or dissertation. Use the tabs to the left to navigate the guide and see what resources we have available.. If you have questions about the Library or accessing resources related to your thesis or dissertation work that we didn't cover in this guide, please let us know!

  14. Free Music Thesis Statement Samples and Examples List

    In our online database you can find free Music Thesis Statement work for every taste: thesis, essays, dissertations, assignments, research and term papers etc. - easy and free. Choose any document below and bravely use it as an example to make your own work perfect! Samples List. An thesis examples on music statement is a prosaic composition of ...

  15. How to Write a Thesis Statement

    Step 2: Write your initial answer. After some initial research, you can formulate a tentative answer to this question. At this stage it can be simple, and it should guide the research process and writing process. The internet has had more of a positive than a negative effect on education.

  16. Musical Examples

    This works well if you just need to show a copy of the music, but in many cases, a musical example expands or distills the work in question in order to highlight particular aspects of the music. For example, you may want to add some analytical markings to the music, extract the melody, or compare and contrast two parts from the same work.

  17. Rhetorical Analysis Essays in Music Appreciation: A Sample Assignment

    The prompt addresses all six elements of a rhetorical situation. It asks students to think about the topic of the music, who listens to the music, how the performer (s) want (s) to be perceived by the audience, and the context, purpose, and genre of the piece of music. Prompt for Rhetorical Analysis Final Paper, by Michele Aichele.

  18. What are three supports for a thesis on music?

    This will be your thesis statement. Make sure you have 1 or 2 specific examples that illustrate each topic sentence. With a full explanation of your example(s), you should be able to cover the ...

  19. Research Guides: Music Research Guide: Dissertations and Theses

    Dissertations and Theses. Full text of graduate works added since 1997, along with selected full text for works written prior to 1997 and citations for dissertations and theses dating from 1743-present. A central, open-access repository of research (including dissertations and scholarly articles) by members of the Harvard community.

  20. 216 Fantastic Music Topics

    On this page, you will find the ultimate list of 216 brand new, 100% original music topics for high school, college and university students. No, it's not a trick! You can use any of our topics about music for free and you don't even have to give us credit. Many of these research topics on music should work great in 2023.

  21. Music Education Theses and Dissertations

    Theses/Dissertations from 2005. The Effect of Conducting Gesture on Expressive-Interpretive Performance of College Music Majors, Ronald Wayne Gallops. Effect of Age on 11- to 18-Year-Olds' Discrimination of Nuances in Instrumental and Speech Phrase Interpretations, Andrew Sioberg.

  22. Music Theses and Dissertations

    Theses/Dissertations from 2022. PDF. Social Music Interactions and Vocal Music Improvisations in a Serve and Return Music Community, Kathleen Kaye Arrasmith. PDF. Comfort Food for the Ears: Exploring Nostalgic Trends in Popular Music of the Twenty-First Century, April K. Balay. PDF.