example of research title about music

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The Top 10 Most Interesting Music Research Topics

Music is a vast and ever-growing field. Because of this, it can be challenging to find excellent music research topics for your essay or thesis. Although there are many examples of music research topics online, not all are appropriate.

This article covers all you need to know about choosing suitable music research paper topics. It also provides a clear distinction between music research questions and topics to help you get started.

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What makes a strong music research topic.

A strong music research topic must be short, straightforward, and easy to grasp. The primary aim of music research is to apply various research methods to provide valuable insights into a particular subject area. Therefore, your topic must also address issues that are relevant to present-day readers.

Also, for your research topic to be compelling, it should not be overly generic. Try to avoid topics that seem to be too broad. A strong research topic is always narrow enough to draw out a comprehensive and relevant research question.

Tips for Choosing a Music Research Topic

• Check with your supervisor. In some cases, your school or supervisor may have specific requirements for your research. For example, some music programs may favor a comparative instead of a descriptive or correlational study. Knowing what your institution demands is essential in choosing an appropriate research topic.
• Explore scientific papers. Journal articles are a great way to find the critical areas of interest in your field of study. You can choose from a wide range of journals such as The Journal of Musicology and The Journal of the Royal Musical Association . These resources can help determine the direction of your research.
• Determine your areas of interest. Choosing a topic you have a personal interest in will help you stay motivated. Researching music-related subjects is a painstakingly thorough process. A lack of motivation would make it difficult to follow through with your research and achieve optimal results.
• Confirm availability of data sources. Not all music topics are researchable. Before selecting a topic, you must be sure that there are enough primary and secondary data sources for your research. You also need to be sure that you can carry out your research with tested and proven research methods.
• Ask your colleagues: Asking questions is one of the many research skills you need to cultivate. A short discussion or brainstorming session with your colleagues or other music professionals could help you identify a suitable topic for your research paper.

What’s the Difference Between a Research Topic and a Research Question?

A research topic is a particular subject area in a much wider field that a researcher chooses to place his emphasis on. Most subjects are extensive. So, before conducting research, a researcher must first determine a suitable area of interest that will act as the foundation for their investigation.

Research questions are drawn from research topics. However, research questions are usually more streamlined. While research topics can take a more generic viewpoint, research questions further narrow the focus down to specific case studies or seek to draw a correlation between two or more datasets.

How to Create Strong Music Research Questions

Strong music research questions must be relevant and specific. Music is a broad field with many genres and possible research areas. However, your research question must focus on a single subject matter and provide valuable insights. Also, your research question should be based on parameters that can be quantified and studied using available research methods.

Top 10 Music Research Paper Topics

1. understanding changes in music consumption patterns.

Although several known factors affect how people consume music, there is still a significant knowledge gap regarding how these factors influence listening choices. Your music research paper could outline some of these factors that affect music consumer behavior and highlight their mechanism of action.

2. Hip-hop Culture and Its Effect on Teenage Behavior

In 2020, hip-hop and RnB had the highest streaming numbers , according to Statista. Without a doubt, hip-hop music has had a significant influence on the behavior of young adults. There is still the need to conduct extensive research on this subject to determine if there is a correlation between hip-hop music and specific behavioral patterns, especially among teenagers.

3. The Application of Music as a Therapeutic Tool

For a long time, music has been used to manage stress and mental health disorders like anxiety, PTSD, and others. However, the role of music in clinical treatment still remains a controversial topic. Further research is required to separate fact from fiction and provide insight into the potential of music therapy.

4. Contemporary Rock Music and Its Association With Harmful Social Practices

Rock music has had a great influence on American culture since the 1950s. Since its rise to prominence, it has famously been associated with vices such as illicit sex and abuse of recreational drugs. An excellent research idea could be to evaluate if there is a robust causal relationship between contemporary rock music and adverse social behaviors.

5. The Impact of Streaming Apps on Global Music Consumption

Technology has dramatically affected the music industry by modifying individual music consumption habits. Presently, over 487 million people subscribe to a digital streaming service, according to Statista. Your research paper could examine how much of an influence popular music streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music have had on how we listen to music.

6. Effective American Music Education Practices

Teaching practices have always had a considerable impact on students’ academic success. However, not all strategies have an equal effect in enhancing learning experiences for students. You can conduct comparative research on two or more American music education practices and evaluate their impact on learning outcomes.

7. The Evolution of Music Production in the Technology-driven Era

One of the aspects of music that is experiencing a massive change is sound production. More than ever before, skilled, tech-savvy music producers are in high demand. At the moment, music producers earn about $70,326 annually, according to ZipRecruiter. So, your research could focus on the changes in music production techniques since the turn of the 21st century.

8. Jazz Music and Its Influence on Western Music Genres

The rich history of jazz music has established it as one of the most influential genres of music since the 19th century. Over the years, several famous composers and leading voices across many other western music genres have been shaped by jazz music’s sound and culture. You could carry out research on the influence of this genre of music on modern types of music.

9. The Effect of Wars on Music

Wars have always brought about radical changes in several aspects of culture, including music styles. Throughout history, we have witnessed wars result in the death of famous musicians. If you are interested in learning about music history in relation to global events, a study on the impact of wars on music will make an excellent music research paper.

10. African Tribal Percussion

African music is well recognized for its unique application of percussion. Historically, several tribes and cultures had their own percussion instruments and original methods of expression. Unfortunately, this musical style has mainly gone undocumented. An in-depth study into ancient African tribal percussion would make a strong music research paper.

Other Examples of Music Research Topics & Questions

Music research topics.

• Popular musical styles of the 20th century
• The role of musical pieces in political movements
• Biographies of influential musicians during the baroque period
• The influence of classical music on modern-day culture
• The relationship between music and fashion

Music Research Questions

• What is the relationship between country music and conservationist ideologies among middle-aged American voters?
• What is the effect of listening to Chinese folk music on the critical thinking skills of high school students?
• How have electronic music production technologies influenced the sound quality of contemporary music?
• What is the correlation between punk music and substance abuse among Black-American males?
• How does background music affect learning and information retention in children?

Choosing the Right Music Research Topic

Your research topic is the foundation on which every other aspect of your study is built. So, you must select a music research topic that gives you room to adequately explore intriguing hypotheses and, if possible, proffer practically applicable solutions.

Also, if you seek to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in Music , you must be prepared to conduct research during your study. Choosing the right music research topic is the first step in guaranteeing good grades and delivering relevant, high-quality contributions in this constantly expanding field.

Music Research Topics FAQ

A good music research topic should be between 10 to 12 words long. Long, wordy music essay topics are usually confusing. They can make it difficult for readers to understand the goal of your research. Avoid using lengthy phrases or vague terms that could confuse the reader.

Journal articles are the best place to find helpful resources for your music research. You can explore reputable, high-impact journal articles to see if any research has been done related to your chosen topic. Journal articles also help to provide data for comparison while carrying out your research.

Primary sources carry out their own research and cite their own data. In contrast, secondary sources report data obtained from a primary source. Although primary sources are regarded as more credible, you can include a good mixture of primary and secondary sources in your research.

The most common research methods for music research are qualitative, quantitative, descriptive, and analytical. Your research strategy is arguably the most crucial part of your study. You must learn different research methods to determine which one would be the perfect fit for your particular research question.

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• A Research Guide
• Research Paper Topics

120 Music Research Paper Topics

How to choose a topic for music research paper:.

Music Theory Research Paper Topics:

• The influence of harmonic progression on emotional response in music
• Analyzing the use of chromaticism in the compositions of Johann Sebastian Bach
• The role of rhythm and meter in creating musical tension and release
• Examining the development of tonality in Western classical music
• Exploring the impact of cultural and historical context on musical form and structure
• Investigating the use of polyphony in Renaissance choral music
• Analyzing the compositional techniques of minimalist music
• The relationship between melody and harmony in popular music
• Examining the influence of jazz improvisation on contemporary music
• The role of counterpoint in the compositions of Ludwig van Beethoven
• Investigating the use of microtonality in experimental music
• Analyzing the impact of technology on music composition and production
• The influence of musical modes on the development of different musical genres
• Exploring the use of musical symbolism in film scoring
• Investigating the role of music theory in the analysis and interpretation of non-Western music

Music Industry Research Paper Topics:

• The impact of streaming services on music consumption patterns
• The role of social media in promoting and marketing music
• The effects of piracy on the music industry
• The influence of technology on music production and distribution
• The relationship between music and mental health
• The evolution of music genres and their impact on the industry
• The economics of live music events and festivals
• The role of record labels in shaping the music industry
• The impact of globalization on the music industry
• The representation and portrayal of gender in the music industry
• The effects of music streaming platforms on artist revenue
• The role of music education in fostering talent and creativity
• The influence of music videos on audience perception and engagement
• The impact of music streaming on physical album sales
• The role of music in advertising and brand marketing

Music Therapy Research Paper Topics:

• The effectiveness of music therapy in reducing anxiety in cancer patients
• The impact of music therapy on improving cognitive function in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease
• Exploring the use of music therapy in managing chronic pain
• The role of music therapy in promoting emotional well-being in children with autism spectrum disorder
• Music therapy as a complementary treatment for depression: A systematic review
• The effects of music therapy on stress reduction in pregnant women
• Examining the benefits of music therapy in improving communication skills in individuals with developmental disabilities
• The use of music therapy in enhancing motor skills rehabilitation after stroke
• Music therapy interventions for improving sleep quality in patients with insomnia
• Exploring the impact of music therapy on reducing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• The role of music therapy in improving social interaction and engagement in individuals with schizophrenia
• Music therapy as a non-pharmacological intervention for managing symptoms of dementia
• The effects of music therapy on pain perception and opioid use in hospitalized patients
• Exploring the use of music therapy in promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety during surgical procedures
• The impact of music therapy on improving quality of life in individuals with Parkinson’s disease

Music Psychology Research Paper Topics:

• The effects of music on mood and emotions
• The role of music in enhancing cognitive abilities
• The impact of music therapy on mental health disorders
• The relationship between music and memory recall
• The influence of music on stress reduction and relaxation
• The psychological effects of different genres of music
• The role of music in promoting social bonding and cohesion
• The effects of music on creativity and problem-solving abilities
• The psychological benefits of playing a musical instrument
• The impact of music on motivation and productivity
• The psychological effects of music on physical exercise performance
• The role of music in enhancing learning and academic performance
• The influence of music on sleep quality and patterns
• The psychological effects of music on individuals with autism spectrum disorder
• The relationship between music and personality traits

Music Education Research Paper Topics:

• The impact of music education on cognitive development in children
• The effectiveness of incorporating technology in music education
• The role of music education in promoting social and emotional development
• The benefits of music education for students with special needs
• The influence of music education on academic achievement
• The importance of music education in fostering creativity and innovation
• The relationship between music education and language development
• The impact of music education on self-esteem and self-confidence
• The role of music education in promoting cultural diversity and inclusivity
• The effects of music education on students’ overall well-being and mental health
• The significance of music education in developing critical thinking skills
• The role of music education in enhancing students’ teamwork and collaboration abilities
• The impact of music education on students’ motivation and engagement in school
• The effectiveness of different teaching methods in music education
• The relationship between music education and career opportunities in the music industry

Music History Research Paper Topics:

• The influence of African music on the development of jazz in the United States
• The role of women composers in classical music during the 18th century
• The impact of the Beatles on the evolution of popular music in the 1960s
• The cultural significance of hip-hop music in urban communities
• The development of opera in Italy during the Renaissance
• The influence of folk music on the protest movements of the 1960s
• The role of music in religious rituals and ceremonies throughout history
• The evolution of electronic music and its impact on contemporary music production
• The contribution of Latin American musicians to the development of salsa music
• The influence of classical music on film scores in the 20th century
• The role of music in the Civil Rights Movement in the United States
• The development of reggae music in Jamaica and its global impact
• The influence of Mozart’s compositions on the classical music era
• The role of music in the French Revolution and its impact on society
• The evolution of punk rock music and its influence on alternative music genres

Music Sociology Research Paper Topics:

• The impact of music streaming platforms on the music industry
• The role of music in shaping cultural identity
• Gender representation in popular music: A sociological analysis
• The influence of social media on music consumption patterns
• Music festivals as spaces for social interaction and community building
• The relationship between music and political activism
• The effects of globalization on local music scenes
• The role of music in constructing and challenging social norms
• The impact of technology on music production and distribution
• Music and social movements: A comparative study
• The role of music in promoting social change and social justice
• The influence of socioeconomic factors on music taste and preferences
• The role of music in constructing and reinforcing gender stereotypes
• The impact of music education on social and cognitive development
• The relationship between music and mental health: A sociological perspective

Classical Music Research Paper Topics:

• The influence of Ludwig van Beethoven on the development of classical music
• The role of women composers in classical music history
• The impact of Johann Sebastian Bach’s compositions on future generations
• The evolution of opera in the classical period
• The significance of Mozart’s symphonies in the classical era
• The influence of nationalism on classical music during the Romantic period
• The portrayal of emotions in classical music compositions
• The use of musical forms and structures in the works of Franz Joseph Haydn
• The impact of the Industrial Revolution on the production and dissemination of classical music
• The relationship between classical music and dance in the Baroque era
• The role of patronage in the development of classical music
• The influence of folk music on classical composers
• The representation of nature in classical music compositions
• The impact of technological advancements on classical music performance and recording
• The exploration of polyphony in the works of Johann Sebastian Bach

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Best 100 music research topics (just updated).

If you are reading this, you are probably looking for the best music research topics for your next essay. Truth be told, choosing the right topic is very important. It can make the difference between a B and an A, or even between an A and an A+. Unfortunately, choosing the best topics is not as simple as you think. Even though the internet is full of music research topics, most of them are plain and, quite frankly, boring.

Your professor wants more than this. Let’s see why you need the most interesting topics and where you can find them. Of course, you are free to use any of our 100 topics for free and even reword them as you see fit. Read on!

Choosing Good Music Research Topics

By now, you are probably wondering why everyone keeps telling you to come up with the best music topics. The truth is that there are many, many benefits to choosing an awesome topic. Here are just some of them, so you can get a better idea of the importance of a great idea:

• Excellent music research paper topics show your professor that you really did your best to get a top grade.
• A good topic is one that you know much about. It should be relatively easy to you to research it and to write about it.
• An awesome topic will pique the interest of your professor and will keep him or her reading. You will often get bonus points for this.
• Great topics make you stand out from your classmates. Your professor will notice you, and the grade will reflect this.

Where Can You Find Decent Music Topics?

Finding amazing music research topics is easier said than done. Yes, the Internet is full of websites that are offering ideas. There are even websites where you can buy bundles of topics. However, the music argumentative essay topics you will get from these websites are not of the highest quality. Most of them are actually quite boring. And remember, you classmates are probably searching for music history research paper topics on the same websites as you do. You want your research topics on music or book review topics to be original, so your professor can have a reason to award your paper some bonus points. The best place to get excellent music topics to write about is this page. The list of ideas is updated frequently, so you can get an original topic for free right now.

Music History Research Topics

Are you looking for the most interesting music history research topics? If you do, just pick one from our list for free:

• How did the Catholic church influence Renaissance music?
• Social issues described in Baroque-period music.
• Analyze the evolution of Romantic-era music.
• How did the Baroque Opera come to be?
• Who invented Medieval music and when?
• Why has western music almost disappear in the last 10 years?
• Analyze the evolution of music in the Classical era.
• Analyzing violin music performance during the Romantic Era.

Music Argument Topics

Are you looking to find an argument and support it? Then you absolutely need to check out our exceptional list of music argument topics:

• Music today is better than music in the 90s.
• The most lucrative career for a musician.
• Music helps you memorize faster.
• The most popular kind of metal music.
• The evolution of blues songs over the last 30 years.
• Music helps children develop faster.
• Hip-hop is a misunderstood music genre.
• Jazz music is not obsolete.

Music Theory Topics

Interested in writing about music theory? Our amazing academic writers have put together a list of music theory topics for you:

• Analyze the most important aspects of modern music.
• Classical music has specific medical applications.
• Hidden symbols in Renaissance-period music.
• The unique features of Baroque-age music.
• Analyze the evolution of music in the Baroque era.
• The best music compositors in the Romantic era.
• Remarkable characteristics of Romantic-age songs.
• The peculiarities of Asian modern music.

Music Industry Topics

Writing about the music industry can be fun and entertaining. Your professor will love it. Pick one of our music industry topics and start writing:

• What do you associate rock music with and why?
• Should the music industry pay songwriters more?
• How does illegal pirating of songs affect the music industry?
• Do music sharing sites help new artists become famous.
• Analyze the evolution of music labels in the US.
• What differentiates a music label from all others?
• Music talent shows and their effects on a musician’s career.
• The difficulties of signing a contract with a major music label in the US.

Research Paper Topics on Music for High School

Are you a high school student? In this case, you will need our research paper topics on music for high school:

• The best compositors of the Baroque Era.
• What differentiates modern music from classical music?
• Notable women in classical music.
• Analyze the evolution of music in the Modern age.
• How was Beethoven’s music influenced by his loss of hearing?
• How would our world be without music?
• Does music cause negative effects on US teens?

Music Thesis Topics

Writing a thesis about music is not easy. In fact, it can be one of the most difficult projects in your academic career. Start right now by choosing one of the best music thesis topics:

• What made a musician stand out in the Baroque Age?
• The most notable musical experiments in the Classical age.
• Comparing Renaissance and Medieval music styles.
• Analyze the evolution of music in the Renaissance age.
• How did royalty in the UK benefit from music in the Renaissance era?
• Discuss a folk song from the Renaissance age.
• Differences between Asian and European classical music.

Music Controversial Topics

Music, like most other disciplines, has plenty of controversial topics you can talk about. Don’t waste any time and pick one of these music controversial topics:

• Does digital music cut the profits of musicians?
• Who owns the intellectual property to a song?
• The difficulties of getting songwriting credit.
• Illegal downloads are changing the music industry.
• Should music education still be included in the curriculum?
• Analyze medieval liturgical music.
• Music should be free for everyone to download and use.

Persuasive Speech Topics About Music

Are you required the write a persuasive speech about music? If you are, you may need a bit of help. Pick one of these persuasive speech topics about music (updated for 2023):

• Music has a significant effect on advertising.
• The changes rap music has brought to the US culture.
• Indie is a term that should not apply to music.
• Metal music should be banned from the US.
• Does listening to music have a great influence on mental health?
• The amazing evolution of music in the Medieval age.
• People should be free to listen to the music they like for free.
• The fashion industry wouldn’t be where it is today without music.

Easy Topics About Music

Perhaps you don’t want to spend 5 or 6 hours writing the research paper . You need an easier topic. Choose one of these easy topics about music and write the essay fast:

• How can one become a symbol of modern music?
• My favorite singer today.
• Which musician from the past would you bring back to life and why?
• Do politics influence modern music?
• Compare and contrast two music genres.
• Analyze the evolution of music in the modern age in the United States.
• The side effects of turning the volume too loud.
• How is classical music used in Disney movies?

Music Education Research Topics

Are you interested in talking about music education? Perhaps you’ll have some suggestions to make after you’ve done the research. Just choose one of the music education research topics below:

• Can E-Learning be applied to music education?
• Can music teachers offer distance learning services?
• The advantages and disadvantages of Zoom music lessons.
• Why are music worksheets so important for high school students?
• How did the Internet change music education?
• Why are modern music studies so important?
• Should we learn more about Asian music in school?
• How can students learn music while respecting COVID19 measures?

Highly Interesting Music Topics

We know you want a top grade on your next music research paper. We advise you to select one of these highly interesting music topics and surprise your professor:

• How did pop music came to existence and why?
• Analyze the history of hip-hop music.
• Compare metal music with classical music.
• Why is rock music so popular in the United Kingdom?
• Which song would best present our species to aliens?
• Compare and contrast Korean and Chinese music.
• Analyze the popular themes of Japanese music.
• The stunning rise of K-pop bands.

Informative Speech Topics About Music

It’s difficult to find good informative speech topics about music these days. If you want to stand out from the rest of your classmates, choose one of our topics:

• Discuss the ideas presented in romantic music.
• What do people who appreciate classic music have in common?
• Analyze the most popular Bach music.
• Describe the role of market music in the Baroque era.
• Analyze the evolution of European music.
• Ways to make classical music popular with teens in the UK.
• Discuss the most popular musical instrument in the Classical age.

Music Essay Topics for College

Are you a college student? If you want an A+ on your next research paper, use one of these music essay topics for college students:

• Does modern music contain medieval themes?
• Analyze a song from the Renaissance age.
• Why is blues music so important for our culture?
• Who invented the blues genre and when?
• Analyze the evolution of American folk music.
• Most popular names in Baroque-age songs.
• Modern interpretations of medieval songs.
• Listening to blues music can lead to depression.

Need some more music history paper topics? Or perhaps you need a list of music related research topics to choose from for your thesis. Our best paper writer can help you in no time. Get in touch with us and we guarantee that we will find the perfect music topic for your needs. You will be well on your way to getting the A+ you need. Give us a try and get an amazing research topic on music in 10 minutes or less!

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Music Research Topics: 40 Topic Examples for Paper or Essay

Music Research Paper Topic Examples

Music is a universal language that transcends borders and cultures, touching the depths of human emotions and shaping societies throughout history.

It is a dynamic field with many facets, making it a fascinating subject for research and exploration.

This article provides a treasure trove of music research topics. Each topic offers a unique lens through which researchers can analyze the art form that harmonizes our world.

40 Topic Examples for Paper or Essay

• The Impact of Climate Change on Coastal Ecosystems
• Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare: Challenges and Opportunities
• The History and Significance of the Suffragette Movement
• Cybersecurity Threats in the Age of Digital Transformation
• The Influence of Social Media on Mental Health
• The Role of Women in STEM: Breaking Barriers
• The Economics of Renewable Energy Adoption
• The Evolution of Urbanization and Its Effects on Society
• The Cultural Significance of Traditional Foods
• The Globalization of Pop Culture: A Double-Edged Sword
• The Ethics of Genetic Engineering and Designer Babies
• The Impact of Mass Media on Political Discourse
• The Art of Storytelling: Its Power in Literature and Film
• Environmental Conservation and Biodiversity Preservation
• The Influence of Music on Emotions and Behavior
• The Role of NGOs in International Development
• The Future of Space Exploration and Colonization
• The Psychology of Addiction: Causes and Treatment
• The Evolution of Artificial Life: From Turing to Deep Learning
• The Importance of Financial Literacy in Modern Society
• The Historical Development of Human Rights
• The Impact of E-Commerce on Traditional Retail
• The Intersection of Art and Technology in the Digital Age
• The Rise of Populism and Its Implications for Democracy
• The Benefits and Challenges of Remote Work
• The Cultural Significance of Festivals and Celebrations
• The Philosophy of Mind: Dualism vs. Materialism
• The Influence of Gaming on Cognitive Skills and Social Behavior
• The Role of Education in Promoting Gender Equality
• The Implications of 5G Technology on Communication
• The Ethical Considerations in Animal Testing
• The Evolution of Language and Communication
• The Impact of Artificial Sweeteners on Health
• The Cultural Exchange in World Literature
• The Challenges of Cyberbullying and Online Harassment
• The Role of Sports in Building Character and Leadership
• The Importance of Early Childhood Education
• The Psychological Effects of Color on Human Behavior
• The Intersection of Religion and Science: Debates and Harmonies
• The Socioeconomic Impacts of the COVID-19 Pandemic

How to Write a Good Music Research Paper

1. introduction.

Engage the reader with a compelling start. You can use an anecdote, a thought-provoking quote, or an interesting fact related to your music research topic. The goal is to pique the reader’s interest and encourage them to continue reading.

Provide context for your research topic and explain its significance. This is where you introduce the broader issues or themes related to your case and explain why it’s worth studying.

State your primary research question or thesis. This is the heart of your introduction, where you clearly define the specific focus of your research.

Briefly outline the scope of your paper and the topics you will cover. Give readers an overview of what to expect in the coming sections.

Present your central argument or hypothesis. This statement should be concise and clear, summarizing the main point of your research.

2. Literature Review

A literature review is a critical component of research, as it provides an essential foundation for a study. It serves to summarize existing knowledge, identify gaps, and establish the context for the research. 

After reviewing relevant literature, researchers can build on past work, avoid redundancy, and ensure that their research contributes new insights.

It also helps in shaping research questions, theoretical frameworks, and methodologies. A comprehensive literature review adds credibility and depth to research, making it an indispensable step in the research process.

3. Methodology

The methodology section outlines the systematic approach used to conduct the research, ensuring its rigor and applicability.

Data will be collected from a diverse sample of participants through structured surveys and in-depth interviews.

The study aims to recruit participants with varied musical backgrounds, age groups, and experiences to gain a comprehensive perspective.

Quantitative data will undergo statistical analysis, while qualitative data will be thematically coded to unearth patterns and insights.

4. Analysis and Findings

In this section, you present the outcomes of your research, for instance, on the psychological and emotional effects of music.

Your quantitative analysis reveals significant correlations between musical genres and distinct emotional responses.

Notably, participants report should elevate feelings of joy, nostalgia, and relaxation in response to specific genres.

The qualitative findings should enrich your understanding, emphasizing the significance of individual preferences and contextual factors in shaping emotional experiences.

5. Discussion

Here, you interpret the implications of your findings, demonstrating music’s profound impact on emotional well-being and cognitive processes.

The observed correlations between specific musical genres and emotional states underscore the therapeutic potential of music, offering new avenues for stress reduction and memory enhancement.

Mostly, this substantiates your central thesis that music is a potent tool for improving mental and emotional health, supporting the idea that it extends beyond entertainment.

However, it is crucial to acknowledge the study’s limitations, including potential biases in self-reporting and the cross-sectional design.

6. Conclusion

In the conclusion section, the research should shed light on the remarkable influence of music on human psychology.

Your findings highlight music’s significant role in shaping emotional well-being and cognitive processes.

Specific musical genres should evoke distinct emotional responses, indicating music’s potential for therapeutic applications in stress reduction and memory enhancement.

The study should underscore the need for a deeper understanding of the intricate relationship between music and the human psyche.

After harnessing music’s emotional and cognitive effects, you can explore innovative interventions to enhance psychological well-being.

While your research provides valuable insights, it is essential to acknowledge its limitations and encourage further investigation into the multifaceted dimensions of music’s impact on the human experience.

7. References

References validate the credibility and academic rigor of your research. After citing reputable sources, you demonstrate that your work is built on a foundation of established knowledge and research within the field.

References provide evidence to support your arguments and claims. They show that your research is based not solely on your personal opinions but on existing and expert opinions.

Properly citing sources helps you avoid plagiarism, a serious academic offense. Plagiarism involves using someone else’s work without giving them credit, which can lead to academic penalties and damage your reputation.

References serve as a guide for readers interested in delving deeper into the topic. They can use your reference list to access the sources you consulted, promoting further learning and research.

References provide context for your research, allowing readers to see how your work fits within the broader academic conversation. This can help establish the significance of your research.

8. Appendices

Appendices are essential in research to provide additional information, such as raw data, charts, or lengthy explanations, without cluttering the main text.

They enhance comprehension and allow readers to explore details at their discretion.

9. Acknowledgments

Acknowledgments in research papers serve several vital purposes.

First and foremost, they express gratitude and recognition for the contributions of individuals, organizations, or institutions that supported the research.

Acknowledgments enhance transparency by disclosing financial support, resource access, or partnerships. They demonstrate ethical research practices and ensure that potential conflicts of interest are disclosed.

Acknowledgments play a vital role in maintaining research integrity, respecting intellectual contributions, and building a sense of academic community and collaboration.

Josh Jasen or JJ as we fondly call him, is a senior academic editor at Grade Bees in charge of the writing department. When not managing complex essays and academic writing tasks, Josh is busy advising students on how to pass assignments. In his spare time, he loves playing football or walking with his dog around the park.

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216 Awesome Music Topics That Will Inspire Your Thesis

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

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Diverse Music Essay Topics for Students and Music Enthusiasts

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

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431 Music Research Topics

If you are looking for the best music research topics, you are at the right place! In this music topics compilation, we will help you explore the world of music and its impact on individuals, cultures, and societies. You will find different perspectives on music as a universal language that transcends boundaries and unites people across the globe.

🎶 7 Best Music Essay Topics

🏆 best music research topics, 🗪 argumentative essay topics about music, 👍 catchy music essay topics, 📢 informative speech topics about music, 🌶️ hot topics about music.

• ️🗣️ Persuasive Speech Topics about Music

🎓 Interesting Research Topics about Music

❓ music topics for presentation, 📌 controversial music topics, 💡 more music topics to write about.

• Romantic Period: Music
• Taylor Swift’s Blank Space Music Video: Analysis Example
• Musical Elements in “Over the Rainbow” by Art Tatum
• Music Industry: The Impact of Technology
• Art, Music, and Dance
• The Psychology of Music
• The International Music Festival Event Industry as a Business Environment
• The Elasticity of the Music Streaming Apps Market Elasticity has a significant impact on Spotify and other music streaming platforms, as there are factors affecting people’s demand for this service.
• Artificial Intelligence and Music The paper discusses use of Artificial Intelligence is rapidly expanding, with several innovative companies adopting it to create music.
• Arnold Schoenberg’s Musical Style Arnold Schoenberg is an expressionist composer, which means that his music is characterized by a plethora is dissonance and disturbance.
• Idir (A Vava Inouva) Music Video: Background, Lyrics, and Visual Effects This paper analyzes A Vava Inouva’s music video by showing the musical language used and how it has been the mirror of society, particularly in ensuring the children are moral.
• Music and Mathematics Relationship This paper seeks to show the usage of mathematics in music and avail information on the effects of listening to music on mathematics.
• Title: Role of Music in the Spanish Culture This paper will discuss the importance of music to the Spanish culture and also analyze its representations through advertisement on various entertainment and sporting Spanish events.
• Reality Music Television Shows The purpose of this paper therefore is to discuss the effects (both positive and negative in any) of reality music televising shows on the general music industries.
• Nursing Theory of Music, Mood, and Movement by Murrock and Higgins The purpose of this paper is to give a detailed description and analysis of the nursing theory of music, mood, and movement by Murrock and Higgins.
• The “Ulay Oh”: Music Video Analysis This essay examines the “Ulay Oh” music video using Allan Johnson’s core ideas of patriarchy and male dominance.
• Renaissance Music: “Ave Maria” by Josquin Des Prez “Ave Maria” by Josquin des Prez is a prime example of Renaissance art. Due to the presence of the parties of several voices, this work becomes full and voluminous.
• Why Health Insurance Should Cover Art and Music Therapy? In the article, the author talks about the benefits of art therapy and music therapy for the mental health of patients.
• Shubert Music Analysis the Work of Shubert Die SchöNE Müllerin, No 19 Analyzing the work of Shubert Die schöne Müllerin, no 19, and its part ‘Der Müller und der Bach’ I used the technology of LaRue, who suggests paying attention to sound, harmony, melody, rhythm and the growth of form.
• Music Therapy: Review Music therapy is the controlled use of music in treatment, rehabilitation, and a means of optimizing creativeness and pedagogical work.
• Medieval and Modern Music Comparison Each musical genre and school of that time was devoted to dozens of meaningful dissertations and hundreds of wonderful articles.
• Racism in the Music Video: Locked Up and Styles P Using the music video Locked Up by Akon featuring Styles P, this paper discusses the significance of race and racial representation in the media.
• The Influence of Rap Music on Moral Character The paper argues rap music misogynistic and promotes violence (especially toward women), crass materialism, and street crime.
• A Musical Performance by Music From China It is worth noting the musician’s skill and how he conveyed the work’s mood to the public with his appearance. I would love to watch a Chinese music concert again, especially live.
• The Functions of Film Music: Essay Example Music plays an important role in films. This paper will discuss how music has been used in the movie Curious Case of Benjamin Button.
• Musical Style of Luis Miguel Luis Miguel is a legendary figure in the history of Spanish music in Latin America. The professional accomplishments and musical style of Luis Miguel are discussed in this essay.
• Impact of Kendrick Lamar Music on Racism The essay hypothesizes that Lamar’s music has conducted to a progress in abolishing racism by cultivating tolerant attitude in the society towards Afro-American population.
• Use of Technology in Arts and Music Industry Technology in art is a form of venture where artists use digital technologies to create their works and use tech as part of their creative or presenting process.
• “Hamilton: An American Musical” by Miranda “Hamilton: An American Musical” is a hip-hop and pop musical by Lin-Manuel Miranda that premiered Off-Broadway on February 17, 2015.
• Evolution in Modern Indian Music Rich and diverse, Indian folk music is utilized for special occasions and educational purposes. The sources of Indian music are endless and its potentials are without limit.
• Traditional Colombian Music and Instruments The essay discusses of the first songs in Colombia, major themes of traditional songs and traditional Colombian instruments: Accordion, Guacharaca, Tip, Tambura, and Gaita.
• Beethoven’s Personality and Music The secret of discrepancy between the historic personality and creative work of genius has always been interesting for researchers and music worshippers.
• Beethoven’s vs. Mozart’s Life and Music Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Ludwig van Beethoven rate among the most outstanding composers in the history of classical music.
• Music Evolution and Historical Roots Music as a form of art was constantly changing throughout the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, and the Baroque periods.
• Vivaldi’s “Winter” as an Example of Baroque Music The composition “Winter” from “The Four Seasons” violin concertos series by Antonio Vivaldi is one of the most famous music pieces of baroque music.
• Musical Impact on Learning Process This essay aims to take a look into how music affects the learning process, and understand the positive and negative effects of its use.
• “Music of the Troubadours, Tant M’Abelis” by Lafitte The composition “Music of the Troubadours, Tant m’abelis” consists of the instrumental accompaniment of mandolin or zither and female vocals.
• Music Listening: “Firestone” Song by Kygo The composition “Firestone” is performed by Kygo, who is its composer, featuring Conrad Sewell released in December 2014. The song belongs to the genre of tropical house.
• Difference Between Hearing and Listening to Music Music has a unique way of conveying feelings, emotions, and even stories, regardless of the country and language of a person who listens to it.
• Music of the Baroque Period: What is a Baroque Concerto? Baroque is often used to describe the style of music which is composed during the era that coincides with the period of Baroque art.
• Does Music Therapy Truly Benefit Patients, or Is It Placebo Effect?
• What Is the Balance Between Freedom of Expression and Responsible Content?
• Music Piracy and Its Effect on Artists and the Music Industry.
• The Role of Music Education in Schools: Is It Essential or Expendable?
• Is There a Link Between Aggressive Behavior and Music Lyrics?
• Cultural Appropriation in Music: How to Navigate the Boundaries of Artistic Expression?
• Can Listening to Music Enhance Cognitive Abilities in Alzheimer’s Patients?
• Music Festivals and Environmental Impact: Balancing Entertainment and Sustainability.
• Music Streaming Services: Does It Provide a Fair Compensation for Artists and Songwriters?
• The Evolution of Hip-Hop: From a Subculture to a Global Phenomenon.
• Classical vs. Contemporary Music: Which Has a More Profound Cultural Impact?
• Does The Commercialization of Music Sacrifice Artistic Integrity for Profit?
• How to Break Barriers to Gender Representation in the Music Industry for Female Artists?
• The Role of Music in Shaping Social Movements: Protest Songs and Political Activism.
• How Has Digitalization Revolutionized Music Production and Consumption?
• Music and Memory: The Influence of Music on Autobiographical Reminiscence.
• The Ethics of Music Sampling: Balancing Creativity and Copyright Infringement.
• Can Background Music Improve Academic Performance?
• How Efficient is Music Therapy for Veterans with PTSD?
• The Future of Live Music Events: Are Virtual Concerts as Good as Real Ones?
• Laura Pausini: Live Music Event Critique I will present my analysis and reaction to the live concert of Laura Pausini. The event started at 8:00 PM at James L. Knight Center and lasted for a couple of hours.
• Music: Benefits and Positive Influences Music has many various benefits that positively affect people’s nervous system, psychological state, and educational opportunities and can be efficiently applied to medical aims.
• Eagles’ “Hotel California” as a Musical Background Poe’s “The Fall of the House of Usher” If the narrator of Poe’s “The Fall of the House of Usher” had an iPhone at hand, “Hotel California” by Eagles would be a likely pick to listen to during the events of the story.
• The Importance of Music and Its Impact on Mind The article argues certain music can enhance the mind, increase memory, relieve stress, accelerate learning, help concentrate, focus, and unleash inner abilities.
• Why Is Impressionistic and Expressionistic Music So Hard to Understand? In any era, musicians kept up with the times and, under the influence of new art trends, revealed and invented their ways through musical means of expression.
• The Catholic Church and Western Classical Music Many secular elements of culture like the creation and composition of music had their origins in the Roman Catholic Church or were influenced by the music of the Catholic Church.
• The Beatles Band’s Strategic Musical Evolution This paper provides insights into the formation of the Beatles, the British invasion, and their strategic musical evolution.
• Jazz Music and Its Role in Society Jazz gets its appeal from the blend of different musical elements and the fact that different performers have different improvisation and personal interpretation.
• One Direction Band and Its Impact on Music Industry The One Direction band’s impact on pop culture was immeasurable, and most of it came from their image as teen idols.
• Patriotism in Music: Patriotism and Nationalism in Music Education Music changes alongside new generations and their views, reflecting the crucial ideas and issues within the society of that time.
• Cultural and Individual Expression Through Music Music is viewed as one of the most effective ways of passing any information be it cultural or expression of emotions and feelings among different people.
• The Classic Musical Film Grease Analysis In the Grease film, there are many unsettling concepts but many of them are linked to the participants’ strong characters which eventually results in love.
• The Book “Living with Music” by Ralph Ellison Ralph Ellison’s “Living with Music” is a story about jazz musicians, and a reader is transferred to 20th century America to explore the inspiring power of music people experienced.
• Traditional and Contemporary Music in Africa Traditional West African music displays intricate rhythmic and metrical patterns through singing, dance, and instrumental music.
• Sound Differences in Renaissance and Middle Ages Music Music from the Renaissance period is more complex in structure and composition and has more richness in tones and pitches.
• Copyright Infringement in Music and Film Industry Copyrights are legal frameworks that allow access to exclusive control and ownership of music and film industry work. Such statutory provisions seek to govern commercial aspects.
• Feminism and Sex in Hip-Hop Music Hip Hop music was introduced with the intention of combating poverty, racism, and violence that were prevalent in lower-income neighborhoods across the United States.
• Music in the Movie “Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind” Jon Brion made a daring experiment by mixing different genres of music in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind that leaves a long-lasting impression.
• Music Therapy and Its Positive Psychological Impact Music therapy is defined as an evidence-based and clinical use of interventions related to the musical experience.
• The Beatles’ “Let It Be” and Youth Music Culture The Beatles were one of the most powerful musical icons of the 1960s and, as a result, their songs could serve as a good reflection of the time when the band was active.
• How Music Affects Juveniles Essay gives an analysis of the ways through which music is capable of affecting juveniles. The discussion has presented a strong correlation between music and deviant behavior.
• Music of the Classical Period: Patronage in Music All the composers whose works are now considered the classics of world music once were fledgling talents unknown in the music circles.
• Opinion About Classical Music Classical music loses its popularity among the wide public, which is explained by the fact that it becomes obsolete in the conditions of the modern-day world.
• The Britain Music of the 1960s In the 1960s, a new tradition in the music industry emerged in Liverpool and London that would transform Britain’s culture forever.
• Classical Arab Music The Arab classical music is interesting, it is necessary to focus on the instruments, its association with culture and religion, composers, performance venues and notations.
• Same Song, Different Styles: Musical Elements Analysis Throughout its entire existence, music has performed many functions in people’s lives. It is intended not only for entertainment but also for education and development.
• Musical Instruments: Chordophones and Idiophones Chordophones and idiophones are two types of instruments that produce sound. These musical instruments came from different cultures.
• Whether Music Distracts Students or Helps Them It is not always the case that music serves as a distraction, some studies have shown that music has numerous benefits when listened to while studying.
• “The Sound of Music” Opera Review The opera “The Sound of Music” is performed by means of genuine interaction of two men being a composer and a lyricist: Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein.
• The Roots of Turkish Music: The Sound of Ney and Sufism Music had sacral and holy meaning, and the magic of deriving melodic sounds seemed was available only to those, who are closer to God than others.
• Music During the Vietnam War: An Intangible Weapon American music during the 1960s was initially written to express emotions. It became a social tool for applying pressure to the US government to end their involvement in Vietnam.
• K-Pop Music Genre Popularity Analysis K-Pop, or Korean pop, is a musical genre rapidly gaining popularity, which characterized by singing talents and brilliantly choreographed dances that demonstrate during performances.
• Musical Instrument Families and Ensembles It is important to note that several instrument families possess unique characteristics. The most used one is the strings family, which includes dobro, banjo, or autoharp.
• Music Distribution: Defining Distribution Channels Channels of distribution are characterized by the presence of middlemen who include wholesalers, retailers, and distributers.
• Hip-Hop Musical Impact on the World Hip-hop culture has had a tremendous impact on the youth today than any other culture, for example, P Diddy and Jay Z have had a tremendous impact on the business world.
• Music Industry and Information Technology The music industry is a term used to describe a wide range of music-related businesses and/or organizations, and various types of musicians.
• Music Journalism in the Future Internet Age The advent of the Internet has affected the role of the traditional print music journalist to the extent of raising concerns over the prospects of the field.
• The Wiggles Musical Group: Marketing Strategies This research looks at how the Wiggles group (a children’s musical group formed in Sydney, Australia) penetrated the market and became the top in its line of business.
• Film Studies: “The Sound of Music” by Robert Wise This essay discusses the film “The Sound of Music” and the locational geography shown in the movie. It also discusses the geography shown in the movie.
• Indian Culture, Tradition and Classical Music Since India has been evolving for thousands of years and differs from area to region, it has a rich and distinct culture.
• The Evolution of Jazz Music: From Its Origins to Modern Interpretations.
• The Influence of Classical Music on Contemporary Compositions.
• The Origins and Characteristics of Reggae Music from Jamaica.
• The Impact of Music Therapy on Mental Health and Well-Being.
• The Role of Music in Different Cultures: Celebrating Diversity through Melody.
• How Technology Has Transformed the Music Industry: From Vinyl to Streaming.
• The Science Behind How Music Affects the Brain and Emotions.
• The History of Rock and Roll: Pioneers, Icons, and Cultural Impact.
• The Significance of Music Festivals in Celebrating Art and Community.
• Exploring Traditional Instruments from Around the World: A Musical Journey.
• The Contribution of African Rhythms and Melodies to Contemporary Music.
• The Art of Music Production: From Recording Studios to Mixing and Mastering.
• The Influence of Hip-Hop Music on Youth Culture and Social Activism.
• The Fascinating World of Opera: Opera Styles, Composers, and Iconic Performances.
• The Healing Power of Music: Understanding Its Therapeutic Effects.
• Music and Memory: How Melodies Can Trigger Powerful Recollections.
• The Impact of Music Education on Children’s Cognitive and Emotional Development.
• The Role of Music in Cinema: How Soundtracks Enhance the Movie Experience.
• The Fascinating History and Legacy of The Beatles: Global Music Icons.
• Music as a Universal Language: Uniting People Beyond Linguistic Barriers.
• The Musical Composition “Lux Aurumque” by Eric Whitacre The musical composition “Lux Aurumque” by Eric Whitacre can be categorized as neoclassical choral electronic music.
• Rhythm: The Essential Element of Music Rhythm is the crucial element of world music. It predates the development of other basic elements of music in frames of evolution.
• Drake’s “Gods Plan”: Visual Analysis on the Music Video The music video of Canadian rapper Drake created for the song “God’s Plan” can be called unusual, both for the artist and for the entire rap direction.
• Popular Music. “West Side Story” Musical West Side Story was a huge departure in musical style, using the classic Shakespearean tale of Romeo and Juliet with a modern interpretation of the classic love story.
• Music Festivals and Sustainable Event Management The principles of sustainable development spread far beyond the ecological realm, and every day is applied in a greater amount of spheres of human activity.
• Music of the Renaissance The Renaissance era refers to period that marked the revitalization of art and rebirth of music. This essay explores characteristics and impacts of music during renaissance era.
• How Music Reinforces Stereotypes? The contemporary entertainment world is mostly covered by music from renown artists all over the world such as Michael Jackson, Ja Rule, etc.
• Mozart Meets Beethoven: Influences in Music In this paper, the researcher seeks to investigate the impact that Mozart had on Beethoven, especially after their meeting in Vienna.
• Music Reproduction in the Future This essay explores the relationship between notions of “music,” “technology,” and “society,” and discusses qualitative specifics of the audio format in the future.
• Reggae Music and Its Aspects Reggae is a music genre that originated in Jamaica in the 1960s. The present essay will examine the intersection of reggae with race, class, gender, and sexuality.
• How the Beatles Influenced Music The Beatles is probably one of the most influential music bands in the history of modern music. From the purely artistic standpoint, it essentially shaped rock music as we know it now.
• Apple Computer Inc.: Maintaining the Music Business Apple Computer Company is an organization that deals with electronic goods. While promoting its products, Apple Computer, Inc. has expanded its market globally.
• Big Band and Combo Jazz: Musical Groups Comparison The essay compares two types of musical groups, big band and combo jazz. Both of these directions are deeply rooted in the history of the music of the 20th century.
• Takht and Dabke as Part of Musical Heritage Takht is a traditional Arab ensemble that became popular at the beginning of the 18th century. Dabke music is another genre that my family and I often listen to.
• Music Elements Manipulation The process of music work creation requires a great deal of effort in terms of conveying the primary composer’s idea through some basic music elements.
• Elvis Presley’s Influence on Music Elvis Aaron Presley an immensely talented American artist gained extreme popularity at a point in time as a vocalist, actor, and musician.
• The Vietnam War and American Music American music was initially written to simply express emotions, later it became a social tool for applying pressure to the US government to end their involvement in Vietnam.
• The Effect of Music on Serial Short Term Memory From the experiment carried out on the two groups it is really not clear whether the effect of short term recall is hindered in anyway by background music.
• Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Musical Arts Born in 1756, Mozart was one the greatest composers of the classical era. Mozart was involved in music from a very tender age of just five years.
• Music History and Development Different Cultures all have there own specific way of communicating through music. Music is basically broken into two specific groups Eastern Music and Western Music.
• Digital Storytelling and Background Music Background music has long been a critical aspect of storytelling, presenting itself in various settings, including films, restaurants, and museums.
• Latin American Protest Music of the 1960-70s This paper will analyze ten songs that belong to protest music culture written by prominent Latin American Artists.
• Pink’s Music: Less Than Perfect and Raise Your Glass This paper will examine two songs written and performed by P!nk. The two pieces selected for this analysis are popular songs: Less Than Perfect and Raise Your Glass.
• The Culture of Music Consumption: The Changing Trends and Indie Label Management This report explores the link between modern sales techniques and consumer culture for indie record music products.
• Music as a Reflection of History Since the 1960s This paper studies the relationship between music and history. It analyzes songs written between the 1960s and today, pointing out their influences, message, and subsequent impact.
• Classical Symphonic Music Analysis Event For this essay, I watched and analyzed four video recordings of musical performances. They are united by the classical character of compositions and features.
• Influence of Technology on Marketing of Music in the 20th Century This paper discusses how the technological developments affect the marketing of music with a mention of the broader entertainment industry as a whole.
• Musical Career: Personal Philosophy and Career Goals My love for music is due to the emotions that this genre of art gives. Melodies are able to awaken in the souls of people warmth, delight, worries, joy, and other strong feelings.
• Pop Music of Japan, Korea and China Pop music varies in styles containing several sub-genres and differs depending on its geography. This paper focuses on studying pop music of Japan, Korea, and China.
• Romantic Era’s Music This paper analyzes two musical pieces of the romantic era period to ascertain the characteristics that cause emotive feelings among their audience.
• Effect of Music on Education There has been a rising concern over the effect of music on education. Some scholars have conducted research and have reported various effects of music on education.
• The “Hamilton” Musical and Its Significance This discussion will be dedicated to proving “Hamilton” success as a visionary fiction – referring to its essential elements and peculiarities.
• Music as a Multifaceted Cultural Phenomenon Music is a multifaceted phenomenon with various layers, stages, and implications. It resembles self-expression that allows one to share feelings and emotions.
• A Musical Comparison of Beethoven and West German composer Ludwig van Beethoven and present-day American rapper Kanye West are commensurate historical figures. This essay seeks to prove this point.
• Music Industry: A Revenue Plan for a Release The music industry has an elaborated system since it includes multiple stakeholders. Technological innovations have changed the way tunes and songs are acquired and consumed today.
• Live Musical Performances and Concerts’ Analysis The author watched and analyzed four video recordings of music performances to determine how music and the artistry of performers create a unique ambiance.
• Music of the African Diaspora The essay illustrates that slavery is at the core of the music of the African diaspora as through the music the plight, suffering.
• Turkish Musical Instruments in Classical and Contemporary Music Turkish music is seen as oriental, with variegated intervals less than a semitone incomparable to European music. It is seen as exotic and peculiar.
• Music Listening: “Say a Little Prayer“ Song by Bacharach & David “I Say a Little Prayer” is written by Burt Bacharach and Hal David. The genre of the song is pop, but it can be called soul too. The song is about a woman praying for her husband.
• Musical Culture and Internet Influence Music is the most ancient and common in human culture. It is characterized as an art form that reflects reality in sounds, artistic images and actively influences the human psyche.

🗣️ Persuasive Speech Topics about Music

• The Importance of Music Education in Schools.
• Music Therapy Should Be Promoted in Healthcare Settings.
• Music Increases Productivity and Creativity in Workspaces.
• Why Should We Attend Live Shows and Support Independent Artists?
• Music Copyright and Piracy: Raising Awareness about the Need for Fair Compensation.
• The Role of Music in Relieving Stress and Anxiety: Mindful Listening.
• Promoting Music Diversity: Embracing Various Genres and Cultures in the Music Industry.
• Protest Songs Have Immense Power: How Music Can Be a Catalyst for Social Change.
• Music Should be Promoted as a Tool for Emotional Well-Being.
• The Influence of Music on Teen Behavior: Encouraging Positive Role Models in Lyrics.
• How Can Melodies Help Preserve and Enhance Cognitive Function?
• The Impact of Music on Sports Performance: Advocating for Its Use in Athletic Training.
• The Connection Between Music and Academic Performance: Supporting Music Education.
• How Can Pleasant Tunes Influence Consumer Behavior?
• The Role of Music in Building Cultural Bridges and Fostering Global Understanding.
• The Importance of Equal Opportunities for Musicians with Disabilities.
• What Are the Efforts to Preserve Musical Heritage?
• How Can Songs Motivate and Inspire Change?
• Music and Social Media: Leveraging Digital Platforms for Musical Discovery and Promotion.
• How to Encourage Sustainable Practices and Fair Contracts in the Industry?
• “Seussical the Musical” Theater Play Critique The production of “Seussical the Musical” intertwines the plots of several stories to create a magical world full of fantastic creatures and breathtaking adventures.
• Gil Scott-Heron’s Influence on Modern Hip-Hop Music Scott-Heron was not only a godfather (literally) of hip-hop but also an enthusiastic soul and blues performer.
• Alternative Medicine: Musical Therapy The aim of musical therapy is to meet patient needs through social activities that encourage communication through sharing and practice.
• Music Artist Tupac Shakur Tupac Shakur was an American artist who had great influence on the hip-hop genre of music in the United States.
• Sounds of Life: The Role of Music Music is one of the most influential aspects of life in society. I am yet to come across an individual who does not like music at all.
• Attending Music Concerts: Musical, Jazz, Classical and Opera Nowadays, it would prove rather impossible to find many people not appreciative of music in one way or another.
• Music History: Joseph Haydn The world of classical music is far-reaching in different masterpieces. Thereupon, the work of Joseph Haydn cannot be underestimated.
• Operations and Information Management: A Case Study of CC Music CC Music has accumulated market knowledge and expertise over the previous years, yet, the industry’s course over the past decade poses a significant obstacle.
• Music: “Create, Produce, Consume” by Bruenger The book “Create, Produce, Consume: New Models for Understanding Music Business” by David Bruenger explores the music industry through the lens of culture and society.
• Contemporary RnB (Rich & Beautiful) Music Throughout decades, the genre of RNB underwent significant changes that have to be covered in order to explain the importance of the 2000s era of RNB music.
• A Musical Performance by Music From China Organized at the Metropolitan Museum of Art a musical presentation from five Chinese was to perform on the so-awaited Music from China.
• “How We Listen” by Aaron Copland: The Art of Listening to Music “How We Listen” discusses three distinct levels of listening and strives to develop audiences’ listening skills and teach them the art of listening to music.
• Worldly Writing on Music: K-Pop Culture Music is an essential component in the socio-cultural mainframe of any community due to the trickle-down effect of influencing emotional connectivity despite diversity.
• Electric Guitar in African Music This essay explores the origins of electric guitar music in Africa, the forms enriched by African guitarists, and the impact of the electric guitar on the evolution of music.
• Black, Indigenous, and People of Color in American Musical Theatre While white actors remained prevalent, BIPOC actor representation was up 6% in non-profit theaters and reached 54.5% of all roles, which is a record high.
• Effects of Music Therapy on the Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia This paper explores the clinical effectiveness of music therapy in mitigating the behavioral and psychological effects of dementia on patients and caregivers.
• Sounds of Life: The Role of Music In this music survey paper, a reflection on childhood music will be given and how the music made me feel. Also, there will be a discussion of adolescent music and its role.
• Controversies About How to Interpret Music Should performers play in a way that recreates the music as the composer would have heard it, or should they adjust to modern conventions?
• Effects of Music Therapy on Depressed Elderly People Music therapy has been shown to have positive effects among people, and thus the aim was to assess the validity of such claims using elderly people.
• Contemporary Russian Folk Music The purpose of this paper is to research international online communities devoted to Russian folk music in order to find out what inspires them.
• Playing Music and Its Benefits for Health Playing music has proved to be effective in dealing with stress, and music therapy is used in treating stress disorders.
• 42nd Street Musical by Stewart and Bramble The play 42nd Street is set in the times of the Great Depression and focuses on the attempt of a notorious director to stage a musical that could bring him fame and wealth.
• EMI Music: Company Analysis The aim of the paper is to analyze the competitive environment as well as the financial performance of the company of EMI Music.
• Jazz Music: Comparison to Music in Previous Eras Comparison and contrast of jazz music to previous eras; Benefits and importance of acceptance of music; How to foster an interest and acceptance of music of all styles.
• Music and Poetry Perception Ideas From all art forms, music possesses the greatest force of influence on the person, directly addressing his soul, to the world of his own experiences, and moods.
• Michael Jackson: Essay on His Influence on Music & Pop Culture Jackson has received a place in pop history as a pioneer and legend, which is why he will always be remembered as the King of Pop.
• “Memphis” Musical Theatre Production The musical “Memphis” is a story depicting a disc-jockey who preferred music that was associated with the African-Americans, and thus his vision was unpopular.
• Robert Johnson’ Life and Music Can’t You Hear the Wind Howl?: The Life and Music of Robert Johnson is the film directed by Peter W. Meyer in which the unique story of the legendary bluesman is discussed.
• Musical Pieces of the Baroque Era This paper explores musical pieces of the Baroque era through the works of Johann Sebastian Bach and George Frideric Handel.
• History of Aztec Music Their music also had some incorporation of the African music from the African slaves as well as the Salvadoran music from Mexico.
• The Definition and Genres of World Music The paper states that there are varieties of global music because the phrase is inclusive and encompasses diverse civilizations and musical genres.
• Classical Music and Composers of That Era Classical music is one of the directions of music that originated in the middle of the 17th century and is developing to this day.
• Reasons Why Music Matters The paper discusses how music enriches and achieves sociability and commonality. Music should be embraced more in society for its benefits.
• Entrepreneurial Profile of Private Music Teacher Mr. Phuoc Vu is a private music teacher that has been working in the industry for about 15 years. He stated his determination to always learn and improve.
• History of Museums of “Classical” Music The combination of innovative and experimental solutions in the music industry was an impetus to various difficulties and limitations within the framework of “classical music.”
• Haitian Compas Music and Its Crossover Crisis Haitian music has been affected by individuals who lived on the Caribbean Island before the colonization. It is comprised of a broad scope of influences.
• Skills for Social Promotion in the Music Industry This paper aims to discuss strategies and skills for social promotion in the music industry, specifically, strategies for self-promotion and emerging performer skills.
• Native American Music: Cherokee Indian Tribe Different tribes had different kinds of music for different purposes, but they were all brought together by two characteristics; togetherness and drums.
• Native American Music of the Cherokee Indian Tribe Several scholars have studied and documented the rich music history and the place that music occupies in the life of the Cherokees.
• The Origin of Blues Music Genre Blues was established in the environment of traveling performers, thus not all the details are available to the researchers.
• Can Preference for Background Music Mediate the Irrelevant Sound Effect?
• How Has the Ability to Download Music From the Internet Affected the Music?
• How Globalization Influences Students’ Music Consumption?
• Does Heavy Metal Music Cause Suicides?
• Does Loud Music Have Anything to Do With Your Intelligence?
• How Effective Are International Copyright Conventions in the Music Industry?
• Does Music Affect Our Quality of Life and Their Own Happiness?
• How Franz Liszt’s Transcriptions Shaped the Path of Classical Music?
• Does Music Affect Public Schools Affect Students?
• How Gospel Music Was a Confort for African Americans in the Racist and Prejudist Society?
• Does Music Construct Rather Than Reflect Cultural Identities?
• How Has Music Changed Since the Middle Ages?
• Does Music Really Create Better Students Education?
• How Has Pop Music Changed Over the Last 80 Years?
• Does Music Therapy Really Help Children With Special Needs?
• How Does Music Contribute to the School Curriculum and Personalisation Agenda?
• How Does Music Improve a Child’s Learning Ability?
• How Does Music Influence Sex and Human Behavior?
• How Has the Internet Changed the Music and Movie Industries?
• Why Metal Music Does Not Create Violence in Teenagers?
• What Were Two Major Influences on German Baroque Music?
• What Effects Music Cognition for Therapeutic Effect Music Memory Recall?
• What Digital Music Distribution Is and Why It Is Significant?
• What Determines the Perception of Segmentation in Contemporary Music?
• How Electronic Dance Music Is Taking Over the World?
• Classical Opera and Musical Theater Conventions: “Carmen” vs. “Sweeney Todd”
• Program Music. Bedrich Smetana and Hector Berlioz
• Social Stratification in the Music Art
• Music and Movie Industry Analysis
• Jazz Music History and Appreciation
• French Popular Music, Barbara (French Singer)
• The Son as a Mexican Music Genre
• The 66th International Music Festival in Prague
• Latin American Women and Trap Music
• Can Music Be an Enhancement to Education?
• Music Marketing in a Digital World
• The “Bad Habits” Music Video by Ed Sheeran
• Role of Irish Traditional Music and Culture in Australian Music
• Jazz Music as Reflection of Social Injustices
• Music and Its Impact on Cognition and Emotions
• The Beautiful Age in Art, Literature, and Music
• The Influence Music Has Over Various Generations
• Philosophizing About Music and Emotions
• Cosmopolitanism in Rap Music
• Baroque and Classical Eras: Music Genre
• Classical Music Pioneers: Haydn, Mozart, Albrehc
• Mozart and Classical Period Music
• Swinging Bach: New Interpretation of Music
• The Need of Censorship in the Music Industry
• Aspects of Beethoven’s Music
• “Better Days” Song by OneRepublic: Music Analysis
• The Discussion of Favorite Music Style Period
• Jazz Music: Historical Background
• “Weird” Art: An Invitation to Analytical Perception of Music
• Hip-Hop and Violence: Does This Music Genre Promote Crime?
• Religious Music Analysis: the Rock of Ages
• Musical Style and Cultural Identity
• The Development of the Music Industry
• John Cage: Composer and Music Philosopher
• Jamaican Music’s Evolution and Forms
• Schubert’s the Trout as an Excellent Piece of Music
• Charles Luckeyth “Luckey” Roberts in Jazz Music
• Music Industry, Its Impact and the Future
• Impact of Blues on the 20th-Century Music
• Tin Pan Alley in the Music Industry Context
• The Concert by the Musical Band Metallica
• Listening to Music: Several Levels
• The Relevance of the World Music Term
• “Salome” the Opera: Characters, Meanings, and Musical Essence
• Michala Petri and Lars Hannibal Music Concert
• Understanding Society Through Popular Music
• Music from Bali with Gamelan Gong Kebyar of Belaluan
• Hip-Hop Music, Culture, and Technology in Society
• The Korean Pop Industry, Culture, and Music
• Researching of Music of the Caribbean
• Parents Music Resource Center in the United States
• Tejano as a Musical Genre of Texas and Mexico
• Developing an Original Musical Instrumental
• Expressionist Music and Its Features
• The Future of Popular Music and Society
• Shrek the Musical by David Lindsay-Abaire
• Blake Shelton’s “Home” Music Video Analysis
• Music: The 00s and Modern Latin Alternative Rock
• Relationship Between the Medieval Music and Culture
• Movie Music: Soundtracks That Make the Movie
• Mutual Influence of Culture and Music on Each Other
• Jennifer Hudson Musical Performance Review
• Why Is Baroque Suite an International Music Genre?
• Using Music to Portray and Emphasize Identity
• Madonna’s Music Impact in the United States
• Gustav Holst: Classical Music of Planetary Proportions
• Venue for “Jesu, the Virgin’s Crown, Do Thou” Music
• Response to a Musical Identity and The Queer Composition of America’s Sound
• Western Art Music of the Classical Era
• Perfect Outdoor Music Venue After Covid-19
• George Bridgetower: Life and Musical Work
• Hip-Hop and Early African-American Music
• What Are the Reasons for the Imperfection of Baroque Music?
• Discussion of Four Musical Pieces of Still, Gershwin, Copland, Márquez
• How Wagner’s Preludes Transformed Opera Music
• African American Musical Styles and Its Influence on the American Culture
• The Music Pieces: “The Sacred Harp”, “Billings: When Jesus Wept”, and “Chester Overture”
• Aaron Copland and His Contribution to American Classical Music
• Louis Armstrong’s Career and Innovations in Music
• Aspects of Zydeco Music
• Hip Hop’s Globalization and Influence of Hip-Hop Music in Japan
• Current Developments in the Music Industry
• How Does Composer John Williams Unify His Films Through His Music?
• Program Notes on Classical Music
• Preferred Piece of Music
• Art and Music in Culture: Concepts of Beauty
• American Folk Music and American Roots Music
• Music at Mary Baldwin: Seung-Hye Kim
• Two Genres of Music: Rap Music and Jazz Music
• Music From the Renaissance Into the Baroque
• Jazz Music and Civil Rights Liberation
• Popular Culture and Musical Success
• Data Analysis Relevance in Music Industry
• Brain Music System: Standardized Brain Music Therapy
• Canada’s Gaming, Music, and Television Industries
• Vietnamese Folklore Music of “Then”
• Music, Art, and Dance of Latino Culture Group
• Impressionism and Symbolism in Music
• The Effect of Individually Selected Music
• The Effect of Music Therapy on the Elderly
• Music and the Second Reconstruction Relationship
• Music Appreciation: A “Great” Composer
• Electroencephalography Waves to Control Musical Instrument Digital Interface
• Music as an Accelerator of a Learning Process
• Chris Anderson: Digitization of Music
• The Effect of Music Therapy on Depression
• Operations and Information Management of CC Music
• Rapalje Band’s Musical Performance in Castlefield
• Cover Versions and The Music of the Beatles
• Music of a Classical Era: Personal Opinion
• Music Therapy as ASD Individuals Alternative Treatment
• Huun-Huur-Tu Live Musical Performance in California
• Music Listening Journal Blog: Song Review
• Protest Music in the 1960s
• Electronic Music in Film: Leitmotifs and Melody
• A. Grande’s “Break Free”: Musical Video and Live
• Adolescent Music: Cultural, Moral and Political Messages
• Josquin Des Prez’s Musical Career and Works
• Christian Music and Vital Congregations
• Appalachian Music: About Music Tradition
• Contextualization: Music and Brain
• The Music Industry Versus the Internet: Mp3 and Other Cyber Wars
• The Story of Christian Music
• Music Artists and Advertising Deals
• Parallel Worlds: Country-And-Western and Rap Music
• Thelonius Monk: Musical Genius
• Live Music Pub: Company Analysis
• Proper Education Through Music for Youth for HIV, AID Prevention
• Filmi: Indian Music Unique Element
• Teaching Music in Middle Schools
• Teaching Music in the Middle Schools
• David Williams on Outdated Music Education Model
• Klezmer Musical Tradition in Jewish Communities
• Johnny Cash’s Life and Musical Career
• Mozart’s Requiem Mass: Exploring Music History
• Copyright Infringement in US Musical Industry
• Music Language and History in Western Culture
• E-Concert Report: 20th Century Music
• Opera and Instrumental Music
• E-Concert Report: Pieces from Early and Baroque Music
• E-Concert Report: Classical and Romantic Music
• Musical for Kids: “Seussical”
• Gangstagrass: Bluegrass and Hip-Hop Music Band
• Cultural Heritage Course: Arts, Literature, Music
• Music Ministry by Roberts and Wilson-Dickson
• Mindfulness-Based Music Therapy & Chemotherapy
• “Strange Sounds: Music, Technology and Culture” by Taylor
• Music’s Importance and Influences
• Bachata as a Music Genre and Artists’ Creativity
• The Process of Creating Music CDs
• New Insights About Bachata Music
• Music Therapy as an Additional Means of Psychotherapy
• The Fender Music Foundation: Arts Organization Study
• Mindfulness-Based Music Therapy and Cancer Treatment
• Music: “Like a Rolling Stone” by Greil Marcus
• New Insights About Bachata Music in Latin America
• Mindfulness-Based Music Therapy and Mental Health
• Musical Exoticism of Opera in the 19th Century
• Music and Speech in Deutsch’s and Levitin’s Views
• Music Therapy Effects for Breast Cancer Patients
• The Role of Music in Improving Patient Outcome
• “Grease” Musical by Jim Jacobs and Warren Casey
• Masterworks of 20th-Century Music
• Music Video Making Movement as Art Tendency
• Sports, Music, and Arts for Modernization
• Blues Music in “Blue Chicago” by David Grazian
• Duke Ellington: Jazz Legend and Music Innovator
• Music Therapy in Nurse’s Work
• Mindfulness-Based Music Therapy in Cancer Patients
• Middle Eastern Musical Culture
• Music as a Part of Life: Personal Impressions
• Film Studies – Bill Monroe: Father of Bluegrass Music
• Bill Monroe – Father of Bluegrass Music Film Analysis
• The Role of Music in Patient Therapy
• Piano’ Music Concert by Misha Dacic
• Music Album Right Thoughts, Right Words, Right Action
• Evolution of Pop Music – Hip-Hop Genre
• Music of the 20th Century and Beyond
• Classical and Baroque Music Differences
• Music: Salu International ‘Pedersen’ Band
• Identify World Music Terms
• Music Therapy and Pain Management
• Effects of Music Therapy for Adolescents with Autism
• Psychology: Personality and Music Preferences
• Legalizing Free Downloads Of Music And Movies
• Popular and Serious Music

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StudyCorgi . "431 Music Research Topics." September 9, 2021. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/music-essay-topics/.

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These essay examples and topics on Music were carefully selected by the StudyCorgi editorial team. They meet our highest standards in terms of grammar, punctuation, style, and fact accuracy. Please ensure you properly reference the materials if you’re using them to write your assignment.

This essay topic collection was updated on January 21, 2024 .

206 Best Music Research Topics That Rock The Stage

Music is one of the greatest sensations in human life. If you are writing a music research paper, you have to make sure that the topic is eye-catching. Most importantly, it should move and make you dance yourself. The topic that you are not interested in will not only make you weary, but the results would be unsatisfying too. That is why our writers have found music research paper topics for you to save the day. We love music very much, and so  our team  offers an Academic paper writing service , so you can trust word.

Table of Contents

Music Research Topics: History, Technical Music, Contemporary And More

Although our writers mainly offer research paper writing services , they did not hesitate for a bit when we asked them to come up with some music research topics for you. You can use any of these 206 topics for free and modify them to fit your needs and match your taste. Read on!

Music History Research Topics

• Use of songwriting in relation to the political and social situations in Nazi Germany and the French Revolution
• Musical Education between two centuries
• Evolution in the definition of music over the centuries
• Birth of Music in Mesopotamia
• Impact of Arab-Andalusian music on renaissance
• Folklore bands of wind music, a cultural manifestation of the people and for the people
• Harmonic implications studied by Pythagoras
• Music from Ancient Greek
• Importance of Music in Greek Mythology
• Song of the Sirens in the evolution of music
• Greece, music, poetry, and dance
• Athens was a center of musical poets in BC era
• Classical Greek Style Music
• Yanni: A Musician that fuses Modern and Classical Greek Music into one
• Role of Music in Greek Tragedy
• Famous musical-dramatic pieces
• Heroic poets: Arab poets that formed the bases of European music
• Performances in amphitheatres by singers-actors-dancers
• Classical musician considered himself more of a performer than an author
• Ritual dance with kettledrums around the fire: Musical Traditions of Pagan cultures
• Classification of primitive musical instruments
• Music in China
• Music in Mayan Tradition
• Apache and Native American Music
• How Africans and Columbians formed the modern American music
• The musical theory and the instruments used in Japan
• Bagaki for Japanese Emperor ceremonies
• Evolution of Indian Music
• Music in the Mughal Empire
• Anarkali: A musical myth with a royal background
• Christian Music, Hymns and Choirs

Read More:  Psychology Research Paper Topics

Technical Music research topics

• Similarity measures, including rhythmic and melodic similarity.
• Phylogenetic analysis of music.
• National Center for Music Diffusion
• Mathematical measures of rhythmic complexity and syncopation
• Musical transformations of rhythm and melody
• Automatic analysis of traditional music, Afro-Cuban, Brazilian and African music
• The mathematical theory of rhythm
• Musical constructivism
• Model models (MM) and counter models (CM)
• The role of sound design in video games and its application to contemporary independent works
• Mathematical and computational modeling of musical phenomena (grouping, phrasing, tension, etc.)
• A mathematical theory of tuning and temperament systems
• Teaching mathematics through art
• Music visualization
• History of Modern Columbian Music
• Acoustic-instrumental composition, electroacoustic and sound art
• Interpretation and musical investigation
• sound production
• Transcription and music editing
• Recovery of musical heritage
• Studies of music, literature, culture, and colonial anthropology
• Music by European composers of the 16th century (Renaissance)
• Education and technology in educational scenarios of musical training

Read More:  Finance Research Topics

Music Argument Topics

• Visual Media Music Studio
• Music as an important expression in the history of the world
• Conversations about music, culture, and identity
• The architectural space as a link between music and the citizen
• Music Schools for children and young people with limited resources
• Role of practice and need for devotion in learning and acing the musical skills

Read More:  Accounting Research Topics

Contemporary Music research topics

• Impact of Coke Studio: From Pakistan to take over the world
• Effects of Modern Music on Youth
• Musical Martyrs: Freddie Mercury, Amy Winehouse, Elvis Presley
• Music of Hans Zimmer
• Production and exhibition of contemporary music
• Entertainment and music centres
• Non-formal music schools
• Music and education today
• Contemporary Mexican music
• Satanism movement in modern music
• Western musical history and “modern” music
• Journey of Music: From the Medieval Family to the Modern Family
• Importance of Opera in the modern age
• Evolution of music over time: From orchestra to electric
• Self-management and promotion of independent music
• Music of electric musicians: Alan Walker, Serhat Durmus, Chain Smokers
• Modern Music, A Wonderful Expression
• The idiomatic reality of the English language
• Modern Music in the United States
• Current music pedagogy
• Music education in the twentieth century

Read More:  Research Paper Topics

Classic Music Research Topics

• Classic music of South Asia
• Classic music of Africa
• Classic Arab music, the influence of Soad, Um Kalthum
• What makes classic music so important and why do we still have to reserve it?
• Music of Beethoven, Mozart and Brahms
• Use of classic music in the film
• Beethoven: How he lived, composed and died
• Life and music of Mozart
• Classical music by Afro-American women
• Music in classical films
• Greatest compositions of 19-20th centuries
• Style and compositions of Einaudi
• Music during the classical period
• Classical Music Criticism

Read More:  Business Research Topics

African music research topics

• The Effects of Slave Music on American History and African-American Music
• The use of Afro-Caribbean rhythms for the construction of jazz musical moments
• African folk music of Cuba
• History of African-American Popular Music
• African diversity in music
• The study of the oral and musical traditions of the Afro-Mexicans
• Studies of African Musical History and Its relationship with modern society
• South African influences on American music
• African music in Mali
• African music: South Africa
• Music of the Middle East and North Africa

Read More:  Nursing Research Topics

Pop Culture Music Research Topics

• The pedagogical models of popular music
• Music throughout the decades of musicals
• Brad Paisley and Country Music
• The Effects of Music on the popular culture
• Hip-hop/rap music: One of the most popular musical genres
• The influence of rap music on teenagers
• Irish Music: Music and Touch Other Irish Dance Music

Read More:  Qualitative Research Topics

Music Theory Topics

• Genre and music preferences
• The effect of instrumental music on word recall memory
• Sample Music and Wellness
• The music industry
• The Theme of Death in a Musical 
• The Effects of Globalization on MusicMusic psychology research topics
• The potential of music therapy to develop soft skills at the organizational level
• Listening to music as a way to relieve stress for teens
• The impact of theatricality within contemporary popular music concerts of the psychedelic, glam, and progressive rock genre 
• Trying music as therapy
• How music can help students with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyper Disorder)
• How can music help reduce work stress and maintain a healthy work environment
• Musical manifestations of man consist of the externalization

Read More:  US History Research Topics

Music Education Research Topics

• New pragmatism in music education
• Importance and effects of musical education
• Philosophy of Music Education
• Music, a tool to educate
• Competencies in music education
• Music as a strategy to encourage children’s effective learning 
• Interconnection between music and education
• Philosophy of musical education

Read More: High School Research Paper Topics

Persuasive Speech Topics About Music

• The music is a true reflection of the essay of American society
• Music and Its Effects on Society 
• Matter Of Metal Music
• Beethoven’s Twelfth Symphony: the second movement of the symphonic essay
• Messages in music
• The benefits of music trial
• Does music affect blood pressure?
• Music Industry Research: An Epic Battle With Youtube
• Entertainment and education Via music
• Whitman’s music as a means of expression
• Music and its Effect on the World
• Music: Essay on Music and Learning Disabilities

Read More:  Political Science Research Topics

Music Controversial Topics

• Whether or not profanations in music corrupt our youth
• Drugs and rock and roll
• Piracy and the music industry
• Music censorship is a violation of freedom of expression
• Music censorship
• The use and overuse of the music

Read More:  Criminal Justice Research Paper Topics

Music Industry Topics

• Freedom of expression and rap music
• Censorship in the music industry
• Influence of music on culture
• Analysis of Iranian film music
• Analysis of the Turkish Music Industry
• Analysis of the South Asian Music Industry
• Coke Studio Making and Global Impact
• The digital revolution: how technology changed the workflow of music composers for media
• Video music as matter in motion
• Acoustic and interpretive characteristics of the instruments
• The study of musical composition based on pictorial works
• Musical prosody of the interpretation

Read More:  Social Work Research Topics

Arab Music Research Paper Topic

• Arab music industry: Evolution after colonialism
• Music of Middle
• Umm Kulthum: Effects on global music
• How the Arab music still impacts Asian and American Music
• Effects of Arab music in popular French music
• Turkish and Arab Music: A Beautiful cultural fusion
• Arab Heroic Poets of Andalus and how they formed modern European music
• Revival of Arab music through electrical genre

Read More:  Medical Research Topics

Music Thesis Topics

• Film Industry Classical Music
• Finding Meaning in a Musical 
• Music and its effect on my interpretation
• How music can interact with politics
• Musical phrases and the modal centres of interest of the melody 
• Effect of ambient music on sleep trials
• Main characteristics of the musical organization
• Study Of Cadences And Other Harmonic Processes In The Light Of Consonance And Dissonance Theories
• Theoretical-experimental Study Of Percussion, Wind And String Instruments
• Recognition Of The Instruments Of The Orchestra
• Compositive Algorithms Using Unconventional Musical Magnitudes
• Development Of A Microtonal Harmony As A Generalization Of The Common Practice Period
• Mechanism related to the recognition of specific emotions in music
• Musical emotion (emotion induction)

Read More:  Biology Research Paper Topics

High School Research Paper Topics on Music

• Correlation Between Personality and Musical Preferences Essay
• Effects of Rock Music on Teenagers
• Does popular music stay popular?
• The effect of music on the interpretation of a musical
• Musical activities in a spiral of development
• Adolescents in the understanding of contemporary processes of music
• Musical activities in the content system
• Music and the value of responsibility
• Presentation of musical fragments, Performance of live or recorded musical instruments
• Life stories of composers and musical personalities such as Mozart and Beethoven
• Presentation of music related to tastes and socio-educational reality
• Exhibition of musical fragments and execution of instruments
• Presentation of different types of music, the performance of musical instruments live or recorded
• Experience composing music, with lyrics, instrumental or with sounds from the environment, what musical genre or type of sound production does it represent?
• The practice of the studied musical instruments, record the meanings that guide your performance and preparation as a student and for life
• Why is compliance with the vocal techniques of singing a duty that must be assumed consciously?
• Does all music express sound? Does every sound express a genre or type of music?
• Practice sound emission and tuning techniques
• Why is it important to make movements according to the type of music you listen to?

Music is one of the greatest inventions of the human race. All good music makes your heart beat a little faster and soothes your mind into peace. It has been evolving since the dawn of civilization, 5000 years ago in Mesopotamia. Whatever research you make about it, just make sure that it touches your heart. 

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61 Classical Music Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

🏆 best classical music topic ideas & essay examples, 👍 interesting topics to write about classical music, 📃 good research topics about classical music.

• Classical Music: Merriam’s Tripartite Model of Music Classical music is characterized by the harmony that is full of chromaticism. Music is meant to provide a meaningful interaction of the body and soul.
• Classical Music: Influence on Brain and Mood Considering the potential positive effects of classical music on the mood and the brain, the music can be adapted to influence people to behave in certain ways. We will write a custom essay specifically for you by our professional experts 808 writers online Learn More
• Classical and Contemporary Music Comparison Lyrical content is of great import to hip-hop and has spawned a new style of singing that has riveted the audiences’ attention to this music.
• Classical and Rock Music Genres As for the differences between rock and classical, the first thing that comes to mind is the length of the songs.
• Music Appreciation: Reggae Music and Classical Music At the end of the paper, the relationships between reggae and classical music will be considered with the emphasis made on the similarities between the genres.
• Classical Music: Composer Philip Glass Classic music emerged in the beginning of the 11th century in the West. Conclusion Philip Glass is a great composer who has helped conserve the unique nature of classical music.
• Pomona College Choir Classical Music Concert While in the previous performances, I perceived this song as a repenting of a sinner, when listening to the Pomona College Choir, I realized that there was a touch of childlike innocence to it.
• The Classical Music and Their Effects Classical Music can be defined as a form of Art music that is produced in traditions concerned with secular and western liturgical music.
• Classical Music: Attending a Concert 2 is one of the most remarkable stories in the world of classical music. Le Grand Tango for violin and piano is one of the most beautiful masterpieces in classical music.
• Classical Symphonies: Investigating Style Evolution of Western Classical Music The formative period of classical music was between the 18th and 19th centuries. Beethoven wrote music slowly and purposely with the romantics’ guidance.
• Modernist Movement in Music: Investigating Style Evolution of Western Classical Music The modernist movement in music seems appropriate for this paper because of the unique and exciting styles of composing modern-era music, such as jazz, pop, and rock.
• Listening to Classical Music This whole thing repeats, but with more complication, and then moves into a slower part like a waltz added in, and then the notes repeat the up and down pattern that sounded like shallow waterfall […]
• Classical Symphony and Classical Chamber Music 140″ is still one of the greatest works of the Baroque era. The composer is famous for many works, and some of them have left riddles.
• Classical Music: Cultural Consumption and Cultural Diversity The author states that the value of classical music is great, and it is recognized widely. It seems important to emphasize that the author of the given article aligns classical music with equality and dignity.
• Classical Music Concerts: Video Report The lighting in the contemporary venue is clear and sharp for this segment of the performance. The energy and complete commitment to the music on the part of the violinist, as well as the rest […]
• Classical and Modern Music To understand the connection between music performance and the epoch, it is possible to consider a concert in the late eighteenth century and a concert of hip-hop music in the early twenty-first century.
• Verismo in Classical Music Verismo refers to the composition of classical music based on natural elements and it was introduced to Italy in the late 19th Century.
• Pieces From Classical and Romantic Music E-Concert The material of the first part is repeated, and at the end of the Overture the harmonic balance of the orchestra is assaulted by sudden sounds of trombones, as if questioning the achieved harmony.
• Classical Music Concert “Toyota Symphonies for Youths” The lady was mainly doing the vocals while one of the gentlemen was playing the piano, the other was playing an oboe and the last one was playing a bassoon.
• Washington Cathedral Classical Music Christmas Concert The pieces were performed beautifully; actually, I got a sense of satisfaction and deep rumination of the Christmas season because of the expressive execution of the pieces by the band and the choir.
• Benjamin Britten: A Renowned Classic Musician However, his mother was a part time singer and she aided his growth in approach and musical content.”The Royal Falily” is one of his well known compositions in his early childhood, which was about the […]
• Overview of Baroque and Classical Music Differences
• Baroque Music: The Beginning of Classical Music
• Are Popular and Classical Music Listeners the Same People
• Can Culturally-Specific Perspectives to Teaching Western Classical Music Benefit International Students?
• The Relationships Between Classical Music and Cognitive Development
• Classical Music and Its Affect on Society
• Has Classical Music Influenced Rock Music?
• Comparative Analysis of Classical Music and Jazz Music
• Classical Music and Its Effect on Children
• History of Classical Music and the Era of Symphonies
• Classical Music and Its Influence on Education
• Comparing and Contrasting Classical Music and the Blues
• Classical Music and Its Influence on Western Culture
• Does Classical Music Help You Study Better?
• Comparative Analysis of Rap and Classical Music
• Classical Music and Modern Music: Comparative Analysis
• Creating Variation Within Traditional Classical Music Forms
• Classical Music Influences Our Body’s Vital Movements
• Does Classical Music Have an Effect on Infants’ Brain Development?
• Classical Music: Theme and Variations
• Comparison Between Pop Music and Classical Music
• Does Classical Music Help the Growth of Plants?
• How Franz Liszt’s Transcriptions Shaped the Path of Classical Music
• Ludwig Van Beethoven and His Influence on Classical Music
• Overview of Malaysian Malaysian Classical Music and Malaysian Folk
• Memory and Brain Effects of Classical Music
• Music and Emotion: A Case for North Indian Classical Music
• Rock vs. Classical Music: Pros and Cons of Each Type of Music
• Romanticism and Classical Music Styles Overview
• How Classical Music Has Changed the World
• Similarities Between Classical Music and Ellington’s Jazz
• The Eastern Classical Music Cultural Studies
• The Most Influential Composers of the Classical Music Era
• “The Mozart Effect”: Can Classical Music Improve Your Academic Ability?
• The Pros and Cons of Classical Music
• War and Creativity: Solving the War-Art Puzzle for Classical Music Composition
• Western Classical Music Development: Statistical Analysis of Composers’ Similarity, Differentiation, and Evolution
• Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Impact on Classical Music
• Innovation of Bach in Comparison to Other Composers of the Era
• Discovering the Effect Classical Music Has on a Person’s Perception
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The Music Playlist as a Method of Education Research

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• Published: 15 June 2022
• Volume 5 , pages 277–297, ( 2023 )

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As technologies are woven deep into the fabric of our postdigital society and universities, there is a need to devise new research methods, and to seek out new kinds of research material, in order to better understand our complex and changing surroundings. One such approach, I argue in this article, involves creating and analysing music playlists as a way of critically exploring the learning spaces and practices of higher education. To make this argument, I describe and discuss the ways that music playlists contributed towards an ethnographic study of undergraduate courses in Architecture and History at a UK university. This involved inviting students to participate in the creation of ‘study playlists’, as I sought to understand how their learning spaces and practices were affected by digital technologies. This approach initially helped to establish rapport and trust with participants, as well as eliciting conversation and interview discussion which surfaced how students use streamed playlists and other digital technologies to negotiate personalised learning spaces. By helping to reveal these and other rituals, the music playlist was shown to work as an ethnographic artefact, while at the same time exposing the postdigital character of the contemporary university.

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Introduction

I’ve got what I call a ‘music for work’ playlist and it’s got about 350 songs on it so far. So it's kind of just, hours! So I can shuffle it and know that the next song is always going to be something that I’m into. Or if I’m feeling like I want to like, focus in on something a little bit more, I know I have sections of the playlist that have this kind of music. (Sandy McFall, Year 2 Architecture student) For me, music is a nice way to get the motivation. It’s a nice accompaniment as well. Because sometimes it can get a bit monotonous when all you hear is the sound of your laptop, and the keys going. And if you’ve got music, you almost don’t feel like you’re doing work. (John Brown, Year 2 History student)

In this article, I am going to propose that the music playlist, in concert with other qualitative methods, offers a way of productively exploring the learning spaces and practices of higher education. To make this argument, I will draw upon my Doctoral research, which was funded by the Economic and Social Research Council of the United Kingdom, and explored how the learning spaces of higher education are affected by digital technologies (Lamb 2019 ). Taking a qualitative, ethnographic approach, I spent an academic year observing the learning spaces and practices associated with second year undergraduate courses in Architecture and History within ‘Ancient City University’, a prestigious UK higher education institution. This included observing students and academic staff as they participated in a range of teaching and learning, and within a variety of settings across and beyond the campus. I sat alongside students in lectures and presentations, and as they participated in exhibitions, tutorials and workshops. They allowed me to observe their work in the design studio, library, computer lab, café and at home. These practices and environments were documented through audio field recordings, photographs and written notes, some of which were generated via a digital journaling method. This was followed by semi-structured interviews with five students and tutors from each course. Most relevant to the article presented here, though, was my use of student-generated music playlists.

This method helped to establish rapport and trust with students, something that I had previously found difficult to achieve. The playlists also provoked discussion before and during interview, thus working as a form of elicitation method. These conversations helped to expose the complex ways that a varied range of learning spaces were affected by technologies. This included the negotiation of personalised learning spaces in different corners of the campus, as well as the student’s ability to reconfigure ostensibly domestic, social and transitory settings into environments that were conducive to writing, reading, drawing and the performance of other educational activities. In this way, the playlist was shown to exist as an ethnographic artefact through the way it offered a way of interrogating the rituals, cultures and environments of learners.

The Music Playlist

A ‘playlist’ in the context of this article refers to a sequence of music, mediated through a digital device such as a smartphone or laptop computer. The students who participated in my study almost exclusively accessed playlists via the Spotify streaming service, which advertises its ability to provide users with a vast range of music and audio content across a range of devices. On some occasions, students also listened to playlists hosted on the Mixcloud audio streaming service, or the Youtube video channel. My own interest in the critical possibilities of the playlist goes back to 2012 when I jointly established Elektronishes Lernen Muzik, Footnote 1 a project where students, teachers and researchers can share their learning playlists, accompanied by explanatory ‘liner notes’ and representative ‘cover art’. The 25 contributions to date have offered fascinating insights into the ways that a wide variety of music is seen to productively accompany or inspire a range of learning activities. There is, though, a more straightforward way of witnessing the ritual of listening-while-learning, and the presence of the playlist within our learning spaces and practices.

If you happen to be on a university campus while reading this article, at the next convenient moment, take a few minutes to step away from your desk and stroll over to the library or a nearby computer lab. You could alternatively wander into a café or other social area (and if you are already in such a space, simply cast an eye around your surroundings). I am going to speculate that many of the students you encounter will be seen wearing earphones as they go about their work. It would be intrusive to interrupt their quest for knowledge; however, if you were to strike up a conversation with these students, I am confident that you would find a considerable proportion to be listening to a streamed playlist of music. This does not mean that every student favours musical accompaniment to their learning, but as I will come on to show, when the playlist is a commonplace feature within our educational surroundings, it certainly justifies our critical attention.

‘Spaces’ and ‘Practices’

In the pages that follow, the term ‘learning practices’ (used interchangeably with ‘learning activities’ to avoid repetition) is used to capture all the different activities I observed, or students in my study described, as they undertook their respective courses. In the case of Architecture students, this included, among other things, sketching designs on paper and screen, staging an exhibition, speaking about their work within a critical review and preparing a reflective portfolio. For History students, it included attending lectures, participating in tutorial discussion, doing background reading, writing essays and so on. This is not an exhaustive description of the activities that were performed in the two courses, and learning is obviously a great deal broader than what happens in and around the undergraduate classroom. The point, though, is that ‘learning practice’ is used in this article to describe any course-related activity undertaken by students.

The term ‘learning space’ is considerably more complex, particularly in the context of the postdigital university where technologies have blurred the distinction between formal and informal learning spaces (Boys 2011 ), and it is difficult and perhaps unhelpful to differentiate between educational activity that happens ‘on campus’ and ‘online’ (Nordquist and Laing 2015 ). In an earlier Special Issue of this journal concerned with the postdigital learning spaces of higher education, Lamb et al. ( 2022 ) noted that we can think productively about ‘learning space’ in terms of physical and online education environments, as well as the practices they support, and also in more philosophical ways. For the purpose of this article, though, ‘learning space’ is used to denote any setting where educational activity is performed. This includes the classroom and other conventional teaching spaces of the university, including the library, lecture theatre, design studio, computer lab and other spaces where students assemble. However, it also refers to the more domestic, social and transitory settings beyond the university’s physical estate, including the café, living room, train carriage and elsewhere. These are other learning spaces have been critically explored through a varied range of approaches which includes, but is not limited to, interview and conversation (e.g. Monty 2015 ), ethnographic observation (e.g. Johnson and Khoo 2018 ), journaling (Gourlay and Oliver 2016 ) and, as I will come on to discuss, through sound.

Postdigital Thinking and Education

Alongside the working definitions provided above, I want to spend some time introducing postdigital thinking, as it may be an unfamiliar concept if you have arrived at this article primarily through an interest in methodology or music. Furthermore, while this is a methods article, the case for using music playlists in education research is made stronger by recognising how they are situated within the postdigital learning contexts of higher education. The concept of ‘postdigital’ can be traced back to two pieces of work that emerged simultaneously but independently towards the beginning of the century. Responding to what they saw as the ‘intellectual restrictions of the digital paradigm’ which resulted in ‘the reduction of continuous reality into discrete binary units’ ( 2000 : 8), Pepperell and Punt proposed the ‘postdigital’ as a way of recognising that the digitisation of information and the presence of machines altered our daily lives, but not in a way that represented a clean break from the past. Around the same time, the scholar and composer Cascone described how a ‘post-digital aesthetic’ had emerged in response to working in environments suffused with digital technologies ( 2000 ), even if the term was already in use before his deployment of it in that way (Cascone and Jandrić 2021 ). Of particular interest to Cascone were the glitches and malfunctions of digital technologies that sometimes proved productive in the creation of new electronic music.

An important assumption in this formative work, and one that retains its currency as we critique and conceptualise contemporary higher education, is that counter to the popular notion of a ‘digital revolution’ where technologies are understood to have displaced previous materials and to dictate behaviour, postdigital thinking instead nurtures a more nuanced position, which sees emergent resources and approaches as having become ‘imbricated with our everyday actions and interactions’ (Feenberg 2019 : 1). Thinking about education in particular, the concept of the postdigital thus provides a way of analysing and describing the relationship of the human learner (or teacher) to the technologies being collectively and individually experienced in the current moment (Jandrić et al. 2018 ).

The postdigital assumption that digital resources and practices have become a regular rather than remarkable feature of everyday life was neatly demonstrated as I spoke with Architecture and History students around their music-listening practices. Their matter-of-fact attitude to what I regarded as an incredible level of access to musical content can be seen as the product of their being born after the Internet boom of the 1990s, and the rapid ownership of mobile phones and personal computers that followed. Without generalising about their digital proficiency or preferences, unlike previous generations of undergraduates, these students had never reckoned with the finite number of cassettes that could be squeezed into a rucksack while packing for university. Their anytime-anywhere access to music, made possible by mass ownership of mobile devices, streaming services and an ability to seamlessly connect to the Internet, removed the dilemma of deciding which tape to slip into a Walkman ahead of an essay-writing stint in the library. Put simply, digital technologies and practices were woven into the fabric of their everyday experiences.

Sonic Methods, Listening Space and Spotify: A Review of the Literature

The purpose of this literature review is to consider how music playlists are situated within the wider use of sonic methods and materials within education research. Consistent with the setting of this article, I have focused upon critical work that relates to music-listening and sound within higher education. Similarly, I am mostly interested in research that in some way helps us to consider the methodological possibilities of the playlist, rather than attempting to more broadly consider research around music in education.

The Emergence of Sonic Methods

To date, sound has largely existed on the methodological fringes of qualitative and education research. This is a situation partly explained by what Gershon has described as the ‘ocular hegemony’ of inquiry (Daza and Gershon 2015 : 640), and accentuated by ‘a lack of any real aural training in our culture’ (Chion 2012 :53) which has swayed researchers to privilege sight over sound. There has been a tendency, Dicks et al. ( 2011 ) have noted, to regard sound as interview recordings that require transcription, or content to accompany images, rather than being more meaningful research material in its own right. Responding to this privileging of what researchers see over what they hear, Wargo et al. ( 2021 ) instead present a series of ‘sonic encounters’ where the conventional field recording, and the visually oriented nature of ethnographic representation and research itself, become reconfigured through a greater emphasis upon the aural. In common with Pink ( 2009 ). before them, Wargo et al. recognise the potential of using sound to convey, as well as to construct, knowledge. The possibilities of undertaking this kind of work have become considerably easier through recent advances in audio technologies (Dicks et al. 2011 ; Maeder 2013 ), not least on account of portable and relatively inexpensive hand-held devices that support the creation of high-quality recordings.

Turning attention to higher education research in particular, sonic material and methods are gradually becoming established as a way of critically tuning into our surroundings, a situation recognised by Gershon and Appelbaum ( 2018 ) who point towards the burgeoning body of work using sound to ask questions around contemporary educational activities, policies and theories. With a particular interest in the experiences, attitudes and practices of online learners, Bayne et al. ( 2013 ) invited a group of postgraduate students to capture audio of those spaces from where they connected with their institution. Recordings were submitted alongside photographs and explanatory text within ‘multimodal postcards’, and helped to surface a range of ways that these online students conceptualised their university, and sometimes fetishized physical buildings they would never visit. This was further explored with a specific emphasis on how these same learners used sound to construct space for learning away from the campus (Gallagher et al. 2016 ).

A different approach to exploring the relationship between learning, space and sound is provided by Wilson ( 2022 ) who proposes that we might use music theory to inform learning design and environments. With a specific interest in the hybrid learning that came to prominence amid the imposed constraints of the Covid-19 pandemic, Wilson suggests connections between the spatial and temporal representations of musical forms, and the organisation of components within learning design. Elsewhere, Ahern ( 2022 ) deploys the device of the ‘soundscape’ to consider the possibility of positively manipulating our online learning environments. Recognising the importance of the aural dimension of our educational surroundings, Ahern explores whether students and teachers might ‘plant’ sounds in those settings where online synchronous learning happens.

It is instructive to situate Ahern’s argument within the wider literature around higher education learning spaces. For at least the last decade, universities in the UK and elsewhere have, for a range of pedagogical and strategic reasons, invested vast sums of money redesigning their campuses (Goodyear et al. 2018 ; Mulcahy et al. 2015 ). However, while the library has been reinvented as a ‘learning commons’ (Johnson and Khoo 2018 ; Lomas and Olinger 2006 ) and the campus café has been reimagined as a place where students consume knowledge as well as coffee and snacks (Coulson et al. 2015 ), learning has at the same time been seeping through the boundaries of the university estate, supported by the emergence of new digital pedagogies and the proliferation of digital technologies across society. If we accept the need to create spaces that are conducive to learning, that digital technologies increasingly mean that these spaces exist beyond the campus and that learning spaces are in some way shaped by their sonic qualities (Neuman 2013 ; Gallagher et al. 2016 ; Ceraso 2018 ), there would seem to be a strong case for exploring whether and how we might try and nurture sound within and through our online learning environments. It is interesting to reflect on the possibility that educators and universities might seek to actively shape these learning spaces in the same way that music has been strategically used to influence behaviour in the shopping mall (Sterne 1997 ), factory floor (Bijsterveld 2012 ) and a multitude of other settings.

Music for Learning

A further line of inquiry has been less concerned with how and where students listen to music, and instead whether it has an impact upon their comprehension. At least in the popular imagination, there has been enthusiasm for the possibility that listening to music might lead to some kind of improved academic performance or acquisition of knowledge. This has often been referred to as the ‘Mozart effect’, a term which emerged following a study by Rauscher et al. ( 1993 ) where, for a short period after listening to classical music, a group of college students were shown to have improved spatial reasoning. Among other approaches that have sought to establish whether a connection can be found between music and the performance of learning activities are de Groot’s ( 2006 ) study into the effects of background music on foreign language acquisition, Jäncke and Sandmann’s ( 2010 ) interest in the possible impact of music upon verbal learning, and Dolegui’s ( 2013 ) research into the impact of genre and volume upon cognitive performance. Elsewhere, Perham and Currie ( 2014 ) undertook a study that explored whether reading comprehension was improved when accompanied by the learner’s preferred style of music, and Bellier et al. ( 2019 ) more recently investigated the relationship between music and anxiety among medical students as they performed anatomical dissections. In light of the way that listening practices and learning preferences can vary across even a small group of students, it is unsurprising that these and related pieces of research do not present a clear or completely persuasive connection between music and the performance of academic tasks. What these and comparable studies do, however, is to reiterate the prominence of music-listening within our learning practices and spaces, such that it continues to be a cause for critical investigation.

The Playlist and Spotify

As will become apparent below, the music playlist exists as a method but also the subject of research in itself. Situated within the field of music psychology, but also drawing on approaches from consumer psychology, Krause and North ( 2014 ) explored practices around music-listening devices and the strategies for selecting music. In particular, Krause and North were interested in whether psychological variables offered a better way of predicting music-listening practices than preceding approaches that had looked towards demographic and technological factors. Among other ways, this study is interesting for the way that it proposes technology, identity and behaviour to be connected, thereby striking a parallel with the postdigital assumption around the mutually defining nature of the biological, material, social and technological (Jandrić et al. 2018 ). Krause and North differently consider everyday listening practices through the concept of time ( 2016 ), which surfaced the possibility that playlist listening exists in the moment rather than something which is pre-planned and constructed. As I will come on to discuss, some students in my own research did indeed favour this kind of impromptu listening; however, others also meticulously compiled playlists to accompany their future learning activities.

Among the ten Architecture and History students with whom I worked most closely during my research, Spotify was the go-to music service for all but one of the participants, pointing towards its widespread presence within current listening practices. The emergence of Spotify has been accompanied by a range of critical work that has sought to understand its technical workings, the impact it is having upon the music industry and the kinds of listening practices it engenders. With an interest in exploring user experiences of curating, maintaining and consuming personal playlists, Hagen ( 2015 ) deployed a method that combined interviews, observation and the completion of self-reporting diaries. Among the findings to emerge from her study, Hagen noted that while Spotify and comparable services nurtured new ways of accessing music, playlist practices were also informed by pre-digital ways of collecting music. While some listeners in Hagen’s study were drawn to the immediacy and fluidity of the streamed playlist, others instead drew on more traditional music-collecting practices to seek out gems and curate collections that in some way represented their identity amid an abundance of listening content. Referring back to my earlier discussion around postdigital thinking, Hagen’s observation is interesting for the way that it presents emergent digital practices as coalescing with, rather than being distinct from, those that preceded them. Digital technologies, in this case in the form of the streamed playlist and the listening device, are shown to have reshaped rather than revolutionised practices around music-listening, thereby enacting a key aspect of Pepperell and Punt’s proposition of the postdigital ( 2000 ).

The relationship between existing and emergent music-listening practices was also a feature of Webster’s ( 2020 ) examination into the relationship between music streaming services and new forms of class distinction. Once again drawing on interviews with everyday Spotify users, Webster raises the question of whether streaming services and other online platforms extend or potentially destabilise class-based differences in how we interact with digital content and environments. Interesting from a postdigital perspective is Webster’s observation that counter to the ease of accessing digitally mediated music content, some users distinguished themselves by seeking out physical formats such as records. Therefore, digital practices and resources were shown to exist alongside pre-existing technologies and activities, rather than rendering them obsolete.

The social meaning of the playlist was considered in a different context by Boswall and Al Akash ( 2017 ), as they explored the role that revolutionary music played during a period of protest and turmoil. Working with a group of Syrian women living as refugees in Northern Jordan, Boswall and Al Akash studied the song choices on participants’ mobile phones, supported by interview conversation, to explore how music contributed to their everyday lives, their sense of self and their connections with the home country from where they had been displaced. This study is particularly helpful in supporting the case for the playlist as a research method through the way that collections of music are shown to act as a device for exploring wider activities and attitudes that include, but also extend beyond, listening in itself.

Rather than using music as a way of interrogating wider practices, Krukowski ( 2017 ) is among those who has raised questions about Spotify’s operating model, discussing for instance the royalties that find their way to the artists whose work can be found on its playlists. This question is further explored by Marshall ( 2015 ) who provides an overview of the controversy surrounding the payments made by streaming services to artists, but also makes the point that Spotify and other providers take an approach that aligns with wider practice among major record labels. As I touch on below, the popular use of Spotify to accompany student learning thereby contributes in a very subtle way to the commercialisation of those settings where educational activity is performed. Elsewhere, a range of studies have taken a more technical approach to interrogate how Spotify recommends content, although more salient from the perspective of qualitative educational research is Werner’s ( 2020 ) use of ethnographic work to explore whether and how Spotify’s algorithms have the effect of organising music along lines of genre and gender. As I will come on to discuss, the assumptions and interests that shape the algorithms beneath the Spotify interface potentially carrying implications for the ways the students negotiate personalised learning spaces, and the performance of activities that happen in these settings.

Introducing the Music Playlist as a Method

When I first entered the Architecture design studio, I did so without a particular intention to investigate the listening practices of students. However, as I reviewed some of my early photographs, I was drawn to the recurring presence of music within student spaces, most often through headphones and earbuds, and occasionally through the sound of music itself.

Taking advantage of ethnography’s flexibility in enabling the researcher to pursue different paths of inquiry as they emerge, I added a form to my research website where these Architecture students could nominate pieces of music, alongside an explanation of how it contributed to their learning. I advertised this activity in conversation, as well as through a poster which I pinned to the ventilation column in the centre of the design studio. I presented this as a collaborative exercise, where I would compile and share a playlist of the nominated pieces of music.

An alternative approach was required in the case of the History students who did not enjoy a permanent space equivalent to the design studio where I could promote the activity, or be sure to find members of the group at any time of day, with the possibility of striking up a conversation around what they were listening to. Instead, I collected their listening preferences via email, screenshots of their Spotify playlists and during interview. Although my conversations with the group of History students about their listening practices generated rich insights, this feels less complete compared with the more involved approach I took with their counterparts in Architecture (and something which I address towards the end of this article).

Across the two courses and these different approaches, fifteen students suggested pieces of music they listened to, sometimes offering an individual song, and on other occasions naming artists or genres or pointing me towards entire collections. From there, I created two playlists: ‘Studio Tracks’, made up of the songs suggested by Architecture students, and ‘EDM: Essay Deadline music’, in the case of History. I then published these playlists on the Mixcloud online streaming service, and subsequently made them available via QR code within my thesis (see Fig.  1 ).

Linking to the playlists using QR codes

Rapport, Trust and Elicitation

An unexpected but welcome consequence of inviting students to participate in this activity was the establishing of rapport and trust within the Architecture group, something which I had previously found difficult to achieve, possibly on account of age difference, or our differing reasons for being in the design studio. Immediately after encouraging interaction around music, a number of students who had previously been cautiously cooperative became considerably more willing to engage in conversation, and enthusiastic about participating in other parts of my research. Without suggesting that playlists would provide common ground in every researcher-participant relationship, in these instances, music acted as a ‘hook’ that brought me closer to some of the students I was observing and working with. Although this was an unintended by-product of what I hoped to achieve through the use of playlists, I am keen not to underplay its significance, bearing in mind the importance attached to rapport and trust within successful ethnographic work (Cohen et al. 2011 ) and the way it can positively contribute towards what Hammersley and Atkinson recognise as the importance of managing ‘field relations’ ( 2007 : 63).

The rapport and trust described here also contributed towards open conversation during interview, which included talking about playlists and music-listening more generally. Although it had not been my intention at the point of conception, the playlists emerged as a music-driven equivalent of the photo elicitation method, where images or other visual material are used to provoke reflection and conversation during interview. The photo-elicitation interview has become an established part of participatory ethnography according to Pink ( 2013 ), helped by the possibility of generating types of knowledge that might not be gained through observation (Hammersley and Atkinson 2007 ). In the case of my own study, participants were encouraged to explain their attitudes, experiences and practices around songs, rather than photographs, drawings or other forms of visual content. The degree to which this was a success is best evaluated through the insights that emerged from these conversations, two of which I will now move on to discuss.

Reconfiguring the Classroom Through Sound

One of the first steps in composing a History essay, Heidi Green told me, was to scroll through Spotify until she found the Cheesy Hits! playlist that brought some initial momentum to her writing. When the time came for refining her central arguments around the emergence of feminism in the United States, she would segue from Aqua and Ricky Martin into collections of movie soundtracks in order to allow for greater concentration. Over in the Architecture school meanwhile, Robbie Stanton preferred to accompany Computer-Aided-Design with dance music, as he sought to infuse his work with energy, and to enliven his surroundings. We get a sense here of the way that Heidi and Robbie sought to broadly synchronise the tempo (that is, the pace or beats-per-minute) of a song with the learning task in hand, something that was evidently straightforward through the vast amount of music available at the swipe of a screen. The temporal dynamic of listening-while-learning surfaced elsewhere in conversation as Sandy McFall described moving between playlists as afternoon merged into evening and he attempted to make progress on plans for his Architecture school. In contrast, with a History essay deadline fast approaching, John Brown favoured the up-tempo rock within a Mood Boosters Spotify playlist, in an attempt to defy fatigue and falling darkness (Fig. 2 ).

Heidi Green displays the Cheesy Hits! Spotify playlist that brought early momentum to her essay writing

Like John Brown, other students described selecting playlists either to match or shape their mood, rather than necessarily trying to find the perfect accompaniment for a particular learning task. There is a psychological dimension to playlists here that surfaced elsewhere in conversation, with music being an enticement for students to sit down at the computer in the first place, to keep them there and to act as a kind of reward for a long stint at the keyboard. As I will come on to discuss, music was also seen as a way of aiding concentration, for instance by Ella Ness who turned to Spotify as a way of focusing on her reflective portfolio, while at the same time muting the conversation between friends in the adjacent area of the design studio that she might otherwise have been inclined to join. In the moments when Ella Ness, John Brown or any of their fellow students put in their ear buds and pressed play, we can see them establishing what Bull refers to as an ‘auditory bubble’ ( 2005 : 344), where they used digitally mediated music to create a space that aligned with their learning needs in the moment.

Across all of these different motivations and approaches, the ability to find music suited to the particular learning activity was made possible by the vast amount of music available via the Spotify streaming service, and the simplicity and speed with which it could be accessed. This was neatly captured during conversation in the design studio, where Sandy McFall described using his Spotify premium account to continually extend a personal playlist that had grown to several hours-long, enabling him to dip into particular pockets of music to suit whatever the architectural task-in-hand might be. That said, the wealth of music could also have the opposite effect according to Sandy’s classmate Robbie Stanton, who explained that compiling the perfect playlist could become a form of procrastination, causing a slowing of progress on his plans for a public library.

Robbie Stanton’s assigned desk space meant that he had more reason than most of his peers to spend time seeking the right kind of music to soundtrack his learning. Situated adjacent to the corridor that ran the length of the design studio, Robbie’s permanent workspace was particularly subject to the aural intrusion of moving bodies and the continual hum of conversation, sounds that he and some fellow students described as ‘noise’, and Flügge refers to in her research around personal sound space ( 2011 ) as ‘sonic trespass’. The combined technologies of the streamed playlist, laptop computer and noise-cancelling headphones erected a wall of sound to supress what Robbie regarded as unwelcome elements of his physical surroundings. Even in the hushed atmosphere of the library, the shuffling of feet and paper was sufficiently distracting to Debbie Harris and Neville Smith that they would turn to playlists of ambient electronica and Edith Piaf as they sought to make progress on their History essays. Therefore, where the earlier examples suggest music being used to positively nurture an ambience for learning, in these instances, the playlist (in conjunction with connected technologies) was presented as erecting a barrier against sonic intrusion, and disruption from learning. The listening-and-learning strategies that students explained resonate with Ceraso’s argument that digitally mediated music-listening enables the individual to withdraw from unfavourable aural surrounding and to instead ‘customise their soundscape to match their moods and desires’ ( 2018 : 87).

The experiences described here reveal insights into learner preferences and practices, as well as the temporal and spatial dynamics of the classroom. But they also hint at a form of power that the students exercised through digitally mediated music, or what Flügge ( 2011 ) describes as ‘spatial-acoustic self-determination’. Rather than accepting or adapting to the pre-existing ambience of the library or design studio, instead Debbie, Ella, Neville and their peers used sound to manipulate their assigned educational surroundings. When educators discuss the design of classrooms and comparable settings, conversation can understandably focus upon layout, sightlines and the material organisation of a particular physical setting. The approaches described by the participants in my research instead suggest a sonic rearrangement of space, where the furniture remains static and the student sedentary, but streamed music alters the ambience of the classroom and its propensity towards learning.

Mobile Listening and Learning

Across the last two decades, the flow of data and mass ownership of digital technologies has meant that teaching and learning have increasingly been performed outside the established educational settings of the classroom and campus (Carvalho et al. 2016 ; Monty 2015 ). This has happened alongside the emergence of mobile learning as an area of research, with Sharples et al. ( 2009 ) and Pachler ( 2007 ) providing particularly useful introductions to this field. A central proposition of this work is that the portability of the modern computer device, combined with the growth of digital pedagogies and the widespread presence of educational material online, enables educational activity to be performed in a wider range of settings than was previously the case. Or to put it another way, the learner is less bound to the classroom and other designated educational spaces of the campus, as they are instead able to access content, and connect with colleagues and the university itself, through the flow of data and the mobile computing device. Within my own research, the conversations that took place around playlists surfaced music as a hitherto under-considered contributor towards the negotiation of learning spaces and the performance of learning practices in a range of ostensibly domestic, social and transitory environments. Settings as diverse as the café, train carriage, aeroplane cabin and couch of a shared student flat were consciously and temporarily reconfigured through music into spaces that supported writing, reading, note taking, drawing and other learning activities.

The potential for digitally streamed music to support a renegotiation of these settings echoes Bull’s work around mobile listening where he describes how the portable music device provides the user with ‘unprecedented power of control over their experience of time and space’ ( 2005 : 343). Mobile listening, in Bull’s view, enables the nurturing of individualised narratives in a public environment, while Hosokawa ( 2012 ) similarly described how the Walkman offered a personalised sonic experience where the listener’s relations with their surroundings become altered. Although there is nothing new in students listening-while-learning, what is significant and different compared to the recent past is the ease of accessing a vast range of musical material. Therefore, when Debbie Harris passed time on a train journey by catching up on her History reading, and Matthew Redfearn developed his Architectural drawings while sitting at his grandfather’s dining table, they could scroll through Spotify until finding a playlist they felt matched the academic task in hand. As well as providing insights into some of the learning practices of these particular groups of students, these and other examples from my research were instructive in providing a wider understanding of the ways that space, technology and pedagogy coalesce.

When thinking about the flexibility and mobility that digital technologies have brought to learning spaces and practices, our thoughts might tend towards the possibility of remotely accessing educational content, or attending class when physically distant from the university. These are certainly valid questions to pursue; however, the examples presented here highlight how digital technologies provide possibilities beyond access and connection, to enable the establishing and rearranging of ostensibly domestic, social and transitory settings into productive, personalised learning spaces.

I have offered here two themes that emerged during conversations with students around music. Naturally, they shed a light on listening practices, but they also go further by providing insights into the temporal and spatial dynamics of learning. These themes also raise questions about the student’s power to renegotiate their surroundings, and the ways that digital technologies are woven through our everyday educational activities and surroundings. A fuller discussion of these ideas is presented within my thesis, alongside reflection upon other rituals and observations that emerged as students told me about their listening practices. For instance, although students evidently enjoyed the ability to sonically reconfigure their surroundings or retreat in an auditory bubble, they remained moored to their physical surroundings and its particular conditions and distractions. Meanwhile, student descriptions of how they selected and compiled playlists surfaced the influence of algorithms beneath the Spotify interface, which in turn raised the possibility that their learning spaces and practices were being shaped by profit and other interests that influence its design and code. Referring back to my discussion of the literature, I noted critiques of the commercial dynamics of the Spotify model, alongside work that has sought to understand how music is algorithmically selected and presented for consumption. On the basis that learning spaces and practices are in some way influenced by sound, this raises the intriguing question of whether the commercially motivated and algorithmically facilitated Spotify model is subtly shaping educational environments and practices through the interests of profit. When I pinned up my poster in the Architecture school inviting nominations for a course playlist, I did not anticipate that it would produce such a varied collection of insights into higher education learning spaces and practices.

The Possibilities and Scope of the Playlist Method

In the previous section, I made the case that music playlists offer a way of critically exploring the learning spaces and practices of higher education. It is important, though, to also reflect upon the scope of the described approach, and to consider alternative ways that music playlists might contribute towards education research. As I have already noted, the absence of a permanent physical base for students on the History course meant that there were fewer obvious opportunities to invite students to contribute towards the creation of a playlist. Although this was a method-in-development, I recognise in hindsight that I could have used electronic means to promote the activity. Therefore, while conversation that took place around listening practices during interview with History students proved to be a rich source of insights, the approach feels less complete compared to that with the Architecture group, where working together on the creation of a collaborative playlist established rapport and trust, and provided more regular opportunities for open conversation.

The Music Playlist in Concert with Other Methods

It also needs to be reiterated that I used music playlists as part of a wider ethnographic study. As I have explained, it was while reviewing photographs taken in the Architecture design studio that my attention was first drawn towards the presence of music. The meaning of these playlists and associated listening practices later became apparent during interview conversation. Therefore, while the use of playlists was of considerable value in establishing trust and provoking conversation, and contributed towards the emergence of insights around learning spaces and practices that might not otherwise have surfaced, this happened in conjunction with other established qualitative research methods.

In my discussion of the literature, I noted that sonic methods have been seen to exist on the margins of qualitative research, unable to vie with some of the prevailing approaches that are commonly used to interrogate learning spaces and practices. Perhaps, though, it is more productive to consider how sonic methods and practices can work in concert , rather than in competition with more conventional approaches to education research. Looking towards the research that provides the setting for this article, there will be moments where the music playlist can indeed take centre stage, performing a role that augments and goes beyond what can be achieved through observation, interviews and other more conventional forms of educational inquiry.

Generalisability

As I have explained, my use of playlists was a response to the apparent prominence of music-listening practices among students participating in my ethnographic study. These were second year undergraduates, from two different courses, at a single UK university. I have been careful to avoid suggesting that the experiences of these research participants would be neatly replicated across other contexts. Although Architecture and History offer contrasting approaches to teaching and learning, other programmes and disciplines might require students to work in ways and in settings that do not lend themselves so readily to being accompanied by music. It is also important to recognise that these students experienced a high level of access to digital technologies that contributed towards the convenience of accessing music content: it should not be assumed that all learners would enjoy the same availability of laptop computers, smartphones and Internet coverage. It is certainly also the case that some learners see music as a form of ‘noise’ and thus something to be excluded from their writing or reading space, although this in itself is interesting from a research perspective. Therefore, the education researcher who has been left persuaded by the potential for the music playlist to support their own work might need to refine the method proposed here to synch with their own context and questions.

The Playlist as an Ethnographic Artefact

If we accept that ethnography is broadly concerned with the study of cultures, rituals and people, then ‘ethnographic artefacts’ are objects that help us in this pursuit. Within a conventional educational setting, this might include the calculator and chalkboard, and the lab coat and laptop computer, among a multitude of other tangible materials to be found across and beyond the classroom. However, in the context of postdigital education where technologies are woven into the fabric of the university, there is a need to seek out the non-physical artefacts that are made possible through the flow of data: the email, the learning management system, the online journal article and so on. In light of the way that music playlists helped me to better understand the learning and listening practices of participants in my study, there is a persuasive case that they should be regarded as ethnographic artefacts.

Analysis, Elicitation and the Wider Application of the Playlist Method

While my own study was concerned with learning spaces in particular, it is interesting to consider whether the playlist might work as a methodological device of value to researchers instead concerned with the influence of music upon learning behaviour (and I have noted this area of work in my review of the literature). For instance, approaching the production and perception of playlists from a psychological perspective might enable us to better understand those conditions (sonic and otherwise) that are seen to be conducive to writing, reading, reflection and other educational activities. At the same time, inviting conversation or participation in the creation of playlists might help to expose how music and other sounds are understood as ‘noise’ that disrupt concentration (as Gallagher et al.  2016 , point towards). It is also intriguing to consider whether students might turn towards particular genres when performing tasks that require more pronounced physical activity (for instance when building models in the architecture workshop). In light of the postdigital assumption that the digital, material, biological and social are intrinsically connected (Jandrić et al. 2018 ), we might ask how the body, music and physical environment coalesce in the performance of particular learning activities. Among other applications, these kinds of knowledge could potentially inform the future work suggested by Ahern ( 2022 ) where sounds might be ‘planted’ in order to actively shape online learning spaces and support particular kinds of learning activities.

There would also seem to be a case for developing the music playlist as a form of elicitation method. Within my own research, the playlist contributed productively within a broader participant interview: the quality of insights that emerged from these discussions suggests that the playlist could potentially feature as the focal point of the interview and other discussions, something that Boswall and Al Akash’s ( 2017 ) study around listening practices among refugees points towards.

Finally, while the playlist method seemed to particularly synchronise with the interests of the undergraduates in my study, there is good cause to assume it could also be used to explore the attitudes, experiences and environments of other learners and educators. Taking the example of academic staff, as I have glanced at my Twitter feed in the course of writing this article, I have seen how educators are using playlists to collaboratively explore connections with nature and space, Footnote 2 add a musical dimension to historical walking tours Footnote 3 and provide a soundtrack to strike action that was taking place across the higher education sector. Footnote 4 Therefore, among other lines of research inquiry, the playlist method advanced here might be used to explore conceptualisations of subject matter, augment our exploration of the urban environment and more generally capture the rituals and tensions of higher education within the particular moment.

In this article, I have argued that researchers can use music playlists to interrogate the learning spaces and practices of higher education. To do this, I have reflected upon my own use of student-generated playlists as part of an ethnographic study that explored the relationship between digital technologies and learning spaces within undergraduate courses in Architecture and History. Inviting students to contribute towards the creation of playlists helped to build trust and rapport that I had previously found difficult to establish with some participants. The playlists also worked as a type of music-centred elicitation method, as they provoked conversation during and outside of interviews. This contributed to a range of insights around the ways that learning spaces and practices are affected by digital technologies, including how students negotiated personalised learning spaces across and beyond the campus. The playlist was shown to exist as an ethnographic artefact through the way it provided a method of interrogating attitudes, rituals and environments, and more generally the ways that technologies have become woven into the fabric of the postdigital university. Brought together, these observations demonstrate how the music playlist, in concert with other qualitative methods, can better enable us to critically tune into our educational surroundings.

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Acknowledgements

This work draws on research that was funded by the Economic and Social Research Council of the United Kingdom. I would also like to acknowledge the contribution made by Architecture and History students at ‘Ancient City University’ who participated in my research, and their course tutors who welcomed me into the design studio, lecture theatre, tutorial room and other settings across the campus.

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Lamb, J. The Music Playlist as a Method of Education Research. Postdigit Sci Educ 5 , 277–297 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42438-022-00319-y

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