Approaching Essay Questions

Before beginning your bibliographical search you need to choose your topic. Given the strict word limits that apply to research essays, it is important to make sure your topic is clearly focused and manageable. You want to make the most of the allowed word total and avoid including irrelevant material.

In most music history subjects your lecturer will supply you with a list of specific research topics or essay questions. Once you have chosen the question that you wish to answer, it is a good idea to consult the reference section of the library in order to locate useful background information to help you develop some understanding of the issues raised by the question, and of possible approaches to the topic.

Most essay questions have several components that will need to be considered before you can begin researching your essay.

For example, what are the chronological limits of the question (eg, the eighteenth century, the generation influenced by Schoenberg)? Geographical limits (Europe, Italy, America)? Does the question deal with a particular type or genre of music (eg, orchestral music, lieder, the symphony) or require an understanding of particular concepts (romanticism, nationalism) or formal considerations (sonata form, serialism)?

All of these factors must be taken into account in researching and writing an essay, and you may need to do some research to help you understand exactly what the question implies.