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MUSIC HISTORY: BASIC RESOURCES

RESEARCH TOOLS USEFUL FOR ALMOST ANY COURSE IN MUSIC

Basic Research Method

  • Start with an article in a scholarly encyclopedia for the field and read about your topic.
  • As you read decide how you want to focus your research 
  • From that encyclopedia’s bibliography collect relevant articles, books and other resources Consult other appropriate topical reference sources
  • Consult indexes for articles and chapters of books
  • Consult your library’s catalogs for books and other materials.

Resource Evaluation Criteria

 
"SATBs"

 

  • What is the scope of the source? What is covered? What is omitted?
  • Who is the author or editorial board? Are they knowledgeable in the field?
  • Timeliness: when was the resource written? Is it up-to-date? Does it include new scholarship?
  •  What is their bias?
  • Is the source for a scholarly or popular audience?