music business research topics

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

• 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

• Writing a Research Paper
• Research Paper Title
• Research Paper Sources
• Research Paper Problem Statement
• Research Paper Thesis Statement
• Hypothesis for a Research Paper
• Research Question
• Research Paper Outline
• Research Paper Summary
• Research Paper Prospectus
• Research Paper Proposal
• Research Paper Format
• Research Paper Styles
• AMA Style Research Paper
• MLA Style Research Paper
• Chicago Style Research Paper
• APA Style Research Paper
• Research Paper Structure
• Research Paper Cover Page
• Research Paper Abstract
• Research Paper Introduction
• Research Paper Body Paragraph
• Research Paper Literature Review
• Research Paper Background
• Research Paper Methods Section
• Research Paper Results Section
• Research Paper Discussion Section
• Research Paper Conclusion
• Research Paper Appendix
• Research Paper Bibliography
• APA Reference Page
• Annotated Bibliography
• Bibliography vs Works Cited vs References Page
• Research Paper Types
• What is Qualitative Research

Receive paper in 3 Hours!

• Choose the number of pages.
• Select your deadline.
• Complete your order.

Number of Pages

550 words (double spaced)

Deadline: 10 days left

By clicking "Log In", you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We'll occasionally send you account related and promo emails.

Sign Up for your FREE account

• Privacy Policy

Home » 500+ Music Research Topics

500+ Music Research Topics

Music is a universal language that has the power to evoke emotions, bring people together, and express complex ideas and feelings. As a result, it has been the subject of extensive research and analysis across a wide range of fields, from psychology and neuroscience to sociology and cultural studies. Whether you are a music student, researcher , or simply a curious enthusiast, there are countless fascinating and important topics to explore within the realm of music research. From the history and evolution of different musical genres to the impact of music on human behavior and cognition, the possibilities for investigation and discovery are virtually endless. In this post, we will highlight some of the most interesting and relevant music research topics that you can explore in your own studies or simply as a way to deepen your appreciation and understanding of this rich and diverse art form.

Music Research Topics

Music Research Topics are as follows:

• The impact of music on memory retention.
• The evolution of hip-hop music and its influence on popular culture.
• The relationship between music and emotions.
• The role of music in religious and spiritual practices.
• The effects of music on mental health.
• The impact of music on athletic performance.
• The role of music in therapy and rehabilitation.
• The evolution of classical music through the ages.
• The impact of technology on music creation and distribution.
• The relationship between music and language acquisition.
• The cultural significance of music in different parts of the world.
• The influence of popular music on politics and social issues.
• The impact of music on academic performance.
• The role of music in film and television.
• The use of music in advertising and marketing.
• The psychology of musical preferences.
• The effects of music on sleep patterns and quality.
• The impact of music on creativity and productivity.
• The influence of music on fashion and style.
• The impact of music education on childhood development.
• The role of music in memory recall and nostalgia.
• The effects of music on physical health.
• The relationship between music and brain development.
• The impact of music on the immune system.
• The influence of music on social behavior.
• The evolution of jazz music and its impact on society.
• The role of music in cultural preservation and identity.
• The effects of music on stress levels and anxiety.
• The relationship between music and social movements.
• The impact of music on language learning and pronunciation.
• The effects of music on learning and cognition.
• The influence of music on political ideologies and movements.
• The impact of music on academic achievement.
• The relationship between music and cultural assimilation.
• The role of music in international diplomacy.
• The effects of music on physical performance and endurance.
• The impact of music on memory consolidation and recall.
• The influence of music on fashion trends and subcultures.
• The role of music in socialization and identity formation.
• The effects of music on perception and attention.
• The impact of music on decision making and judgment.
• The relationship between music and romantic attraction.
• The role of music in social justice movements.
• The effects of music on motor skills and coordination.
• The influence of music on cultural exchange and globalization.
• The impact of music on language and cultural barriers.
• The relationship between music and cultural appropriation.
• The role of music in community building and activism.
• The effects of music on motivation and goal setting.
• The influence of music on fashion advertising and marketing.
• The impact of music on social inequality and discrimination.
• The relationship between music and cultural hegemony.
• The role of music in political propaganda and manipulation.
• The effects of music on physical therapy and rehabilitation.
• The influence of music on cultural diplomacy and international relations.
• The impact of music on the environment and sustainability.
• The relationship between music and social hierarchies.
• The role of music in cultural exchange and intercultural communication.
• The effects of music on creative thinking and problem solving.
• The influence of music on consumer behavior and product preferences.
• The impact of music on social mobility and economic inequality.
• The relationship between music and cultural diversity.
• The role of music in intergenerational communication and conflict resolution.
• The effects of music on mood and emotional regulation.
• The influence of music on cultural authenticity and representation.
• The impact of music on memory in patients with Alzheimer’s disease.
• The impact of music on recovery and rehabilitation in individuals with physical injuries.
• The role of music in promoting cultural exchange and understanding in international education.
• The role of music in promoting cultural sensitivity and understanding in international relations.
• The role of music in promoting cultural sensitivity and understanding in international human rights.
• The effects of music on cognitive functioning and mental health in individuals with ADHD.
• The relationship between music and cultural representation in the food and beverage industry.
• The influence of music on cultural identity and mental health in individuals with mixed-sexual orientations.
• The impact of music on job satisfaction and retention in the finance industry.
• The role of music in promoting cultural diversity and understanding in international development.
• The effects of music on emotional regulation and depression in individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder.
• The relationship between music and cultural representation in the transportation industry.
• The influence of music on cultural identity and mental health in individuals with mixed-abilities.
• The impact of music on academic performance and motivation in college students.
• The role of music in promoting cross-cultural understanding and acceptance in international cooperation.
• The effects of music on social skills and behavior in individuals with autism spectrum disorder.
• The relationship between music and cultural representation in the entertainment industry.
• The influence of music on cultural identity and mental health in individuals with mixed-language backgrounds.
• The impact of music on creativity and innovation in the tech startup industry.
• The role of music in promoting cultural sensitivity and understanding in international peacekeeping.
• The effects of music on cognitive functioning and mental health in individuals with traumatic brain injury.
• The relationship between music and cultural representation in the travel industry.
• The influence of music on cultural identity and mental health in individuals with mixed-socioeconomic backgrounds.
• The impact of music on job satisfaction and productivity in the education industry.
• The role of music in promoting cultural diversity and understanding in international cooperation.
• The effects of music on emotional regulation and anxiety in individuals with generalized anxiety disorder.
• The relationship between music and cultural representation in the home appliance industry.
• The influence of music on cultural identity and mental health in individuals with mixed-culture backgrounds.
• The impact of music on academic performance and motivation in graduate students.
• The role of music in promoting cross-cultural understanding and acceptance in international diplomacy.
• The effects of music on social skills and behavior in individuals with attention deficit disorder.
• The relationship between music and cultural representation in the construction industry.
• The influence of music on cultural identity and mental health in individuals with mixed-spiritual backgrounds.
• The impact of music on creativity and productivity in the healthcare industry.
• The role of music in promoting cultural sensitivity and understanding in international justice.
• The effects of music on cognitive functioning and mental health in individuals with Parkinson’s disease.
• The relationship between music and cultural representation in the hospitality industry.
• The influence of music on cultural identity and mental health in individuals with mixed-political backgrounds.
• The impact of music on job satisfaction and retention in the automotive industry.
• The role of music in promoting cultural diversity and understanding in international diplomacy.
• The effects of music on emotional regulation and depression in individuals with major depressive disorder.
• The relationship between music and cultural representation in the telecommunications industry.
• The influence of music on cultural identity and mental health in individuals with mixed-ethnic and racial backgrounds.
• The impact of music on academic performance and motivation in high school students with disabilities.
• The role of music in promoting cross-cultural understanding and acceptance in international trade.
• The effects of music on social skills and behavior in individuals with borderline personality disorder.
• The relationship between music and cultural representation in the fashion industry.
• The influence of music on cultural identity and mental health in individuals with mixed-heritage backgrounds.
• The effects of music on cognitive functioning and mental health in individuals with schizophrenia.
• The relationship between music and cultural representation in the technology industry.
• The influence of music on cultural identity and mental health in individuals with mixed-race identities.
• The impact of music on job satisfaction and retention in the hospitality industry.
• The role of music in promoting cultural diversity and understanding in global development.
• The effects of music on emotional regulation and anxiety in individuals with social phobia.
• The relationship between music and cultural representation in the toy industry.
• The influence of music on cultural identity and mental health in individuals with mixed-faith backgrounds.
• The impact of music on academic performance and motivation in high school students.
• The effects of music on social skills and behavior in individuals with oppositional defiant disorder.
• The relationship between music and cultural representation in the beauty industry.
• The influence of music on cultural identity and mental health in individuals with mixed-ethnicity backgrounds.
• The impact of music on creativity and productivity in the fashion industry.
• The role of music in promoting cultural sensitivity and understanding in international aid.
• The effects of music on cognitive functioning and mental health in individuals with dementia.
• The relationship between music and cultural representation in the fitness industry.
• The influence of music on cultural identity and mental health in individuals with mixed-gender identities.
• The impact of music on job satisfaction and productivity in the technology industry.
• The role of music in promoting cultural diversity and understanding in international tourism.
• The effects of music on emotional regulation and depression in individuals with anxiety disorders.
• The relationship between music and cultural representation in the pet industry.
• The influence of music on cultural identity and mental health in individuals with mixed-education backgrounds.
• The impact of music on academic performance and motivation in middle school students.
• The effects of music on social skills and behavior in individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder.
• The relationship between music and cultural representation in the home decor industry.
• The influence of music on cultural identity and mental health in individuals with mixed-sex identities.
• The impact of music on creativity and innovation in the gaming industry.
• The role of music in promoting cultural sensitivity and understanding in international conflict resolution.
• The effects of music on cognitive functioning and mental health in individuals with bipolar disorder.
• The relationship between music and cultural representation in the sports industry.
• The influence of music on cultural identity and mental health in individuals with mixed-nationality and mixed-linguistic backgrounds.
• The impact of music on job satisfaction and retention in the retail industry.
• The role of music in promoting cultural diversity and understanding in global governance.
• The effects of music on emotional regulation and anxiety in individuals with panic disorder.
• The relationship between music and cultural representation in the electronics industry.
• The influence of music on cultural identity and mental health in individuals with mixed-citizenship backgrounds.
• The impact of music on academic performance and motivation in elementary school students.
• The role of music in promoting cross-cultural understanding and acceptance in international security.
• The effects of music on social skills and behavior in individuals with conduct disorder.
• The relationship between music and cultural representation in the agriculture industry.
• The influence of music on cultural identity and mental health in individuals with mixed-religious backgrounds.
• The effects of music on cognitive functioning and mental health in individuals with traumatic brain injuries.
• The influence of music on cultural identity and mental health in individuals with disability identities.
• The role of music in promoting cross-cultural understanding and acceptance in the healthcare industry.
• The effects of music on emotional regulation and anxiety in individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
• The influence of music on cultural identity and mental health in individuals with LGBTQ+ identities.
• The impact of music on job satisfaction and productivity in the gig economy.
• The role of music in promoting cultural sensitivity and understanding in education policy.
• The effects of music on social skills and behavior in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
• The influence of music on cultural identity and mental health in individuals with mixed-age identities.
• The impact of music on creativity and innovation in the advertising industry.
• The role of music in promoting cultural diversity and understanding in urban planning.
• The effects of music on cognitive functioning and mental health in individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
• The relationship between music and cultural representation in the food industry.
• The impact of music on job satisfaction and retention in the nonprofit sector.
• The role of music in promoting cultural understanding and acceptance in international business.
• The effects of music on emotional regulation and depression in individuals with chronic pain.
• The relationship between music and cultural representation in the gaming industry.
• The influence of music on cultural identity and mental health in individuals with mixed-sexual orientation identities.
• The role of music in promoting cross-cultural communication and understanding in foreign policy.
• The effects of music on social skills and behavior in individuals with social anxiety disorder.
• The relationship between music and cultural representation in the craft industry.
• The influence of music on cultural identity and mental health in individuals with mixed-disability identities.
• The impact of music on creativity and productivity in the media industry.
• The role of music in promoting cultural sensitivity and understanding in corporate social responsibility.
• The effects of music on cognitive functioning and mental health in individuals with substance use disorders.
• The relationship between music and cultural representation in the automotive industry.
• The impact of music on job satisfaction and productivity in the education sector.
• The role of music in promoting cultural diversity and understanding in international law.
• The relationship between music and cultural representation in the wellness industry.
• The influence of music on cultural identity and mental health in individuals with mixed-nationality backgrounds.
• The impact of music on academic performance and motivation in adult learners.
• The role of music in promoting cultural understanding and acceptance in global governance.
• The relationship between music and cultural representation in the furniture industry.
• The influence of music on cultural identity and mental health in individuals with mixed-generational backgrounds.
• The impact of music on creativity and innovation in the film industry.
• The role of music in promoting cultural integration and social cohesion in diverse communities.
• The effects of music on cognitive functioning and mental health in individuals with multiple sclerosis.
• The relationship between music and cultural representation in the tech industry.
• The influence of music on cultural identity and mental health in second-generation immigrants.
• The role of music in promoting cross-cultural communication and understanding in diplomacy.
• The effects of music on emotional regulation and self-esteem in individuals with eating disorders.
• The relationship between music and cultural representation in the publishing industry.
• The influence of music on cultural identity and mental health in biracial and multiracial families.
• The impact of music on creativity and innovation in the workplace.
• The role of music in promoting cultural awareness and sensitivity in the criminal justice system.
• The effects of music on social skills and behavior in individuals with schizophrenia.
• The influence of music on cultural identity and mental health in individuals with refugee backgrounds.
• The role of music in promoting cultural understanding and acceptance in global marketing.
• The effects of music on emotional regulation and anxiety in individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
• The influence of music on cultural identity and mental health in individuals with mixed religious backgrounds.
• The impact of music on academic achievement and retention in community college students.
• The role of music in promoting cultural exchange and understanding in international development.
• The effects of music on social skills and behavior in individuals with bipolar disorder.
• The relationship between music and cultural representation in the luxury goods industry.
• The influence of music on cultural identity and mental health in individuals with immigrant parents.
• The impact of music on creativity and productivity in the tech industry.
• The role of music in promoting cultural sensitivity and understanding in journalism.
• The effects of music on emotional regulation and depression in individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome.
• The relationship between music and cultural representation in the wine industry.
• The influence of music on cultural identity and mental health in individuals with non-binary gender identities.
• The impact of music on job satisfaction and productivity in remote workers.
• The role of music in promoting cultural diversity and understanding in international relations.
• The role of music in promoting cultural awareness and sensitivity in diplomacy.
• The effects of music on emotional regulation and self-esteem in individuals with body dysmorphia.
• The influence of music on cultural identity and mental health in individuals with immigrant grandparents.
• The role of music in promoting cultural understanding and acceptance in global advertising.
• The effects of music on social skills and behavior in individuals with borderline intellectual functioning.
• The relationship between music and cultural representation in the fragrance industry.
• The influence of music on cultural identity and mental health in individuals with mixed-citizenship status.
• The impact of music on creativity and productivity in the creative industries
• The relationship between music and social cohesion in diverse communities.
• The role of music in social justice movements and protests.
• The effects of music on pain management and perception.
• The influence of music on cultural hybridity and globalization.
• The impact of music on social identity and self-esteem.
• The relationship between music and cultural imperialism.
• The role of music in therapeutic settings for children and adolescents.
• The effects of music on language development in bilingual children.
• The influence of music on cultural representation in the media.
• The impact of music on interpersonal relationships and communication.
• The relationship between music and cultural hegemony in the digital age.
• The role of music in community-based initiatives for social change.
• The effects of music on mental health in marginalized communities.
• The influence of music on cultural identity and self-expression.
• The impact of music on academic engagement and success in at-risk students.
• The relationship between music and cultural appropriation in popular culture.
• The role of music in cultural diplomacy and international relations in the 21st century.
• The effects of music on cognitive processing in individuals with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
• The influence of music on cultural hybridity and transnationalism.
• The impact of music on social justice advocacy and awareness-raising.
• The relationship between music and cultural resistance in marginalized communities.
• The role of music in the negotiation of cultural identities in the diaspora.
• The effects of music on language processing and learning in second language acquisition.
• The influence of music on cultural exchange and intercultural communication in the digital age.
• The impact of music on academic achievement in students with disabilities.
• The relationship between music and cultural hegemony in the music industry.
• The role of music in the socialization and empowerment of girls and women.
• The effects of music on physical health in individuals with chronic pain.
• The influence of music on cultural authenticity and representation in the tourism industry.
• The impact of music on the construction of gender and sexuality in popular culture.
• The relationship between music and cultural appropriation in the fashion industry.
• The role of music in promoting cross-cultural understanding and empathy.

About the author

Muhammad Hassan

Researcher, Academic Writer, Web developer

You may also like

350+ Biology Research Topics

1000+ Sociology Research Topics

500+ Cyber Security Research Topics

500+ Quantitative Research Titles and Topics

300+ Communication Research Topics

500+ Medical Research Topic Ideas

Explore your training options in 10 minutes Get Started

• Graduate Stories
• Partner Spotlights
• Bootcamp Prep
• Bootcamp Admissions
• University Bootcamps
• Coding Tools
• Software Engineering
• Web Development
• Data Science
• Tech Guides
• Tech Resources
• Career Advice
• Online Learning
• Internships
• Apprenticeships
• Tech Salaries
• Associate Degree
• Bachelor's Degree
• Master's Degree
• University Admissions
• Best Schools
• Certifications
• Bootcamp Financing
• Higher Ed Financing
• Scholarships
• Financial Aid
• Best Coding Bootcamps
• Best Online Bootcamps
• Best Web Design Bootcamps
• Best Data Science Bootcamps
• Best Technology Sales Bootcamps
• Best Data Analytics Bootcamps
• Best Cybersecurity Bootcamps
• Best Digital Marketing Bootcamps
• Los Angeles
• San Francisco
• Browse All Locations
• Digital Marketing
• Machine Learning
• See All Subjects
• Bootcamps 101
• Full-Stack Development
• Career Changes
• View all Career Discussions
• Mobile App Development
• Cybersecurity
• Product Management
• UX/UI Design
• What is a Coding Bootcamp?
• Are Coding Bootcamps Worth It?
• How to Choose a Coding Bootcamp
• Best Online Coding Bootcamps and Courses
• Best Free Bootcamps and Coding Training
• Coding Bootcamp vs. Community College
• Coding Bootcamp vs. Self-Learning
• Bootcamps vs. Certifications: Compared
• What Is a Coding Bootcamp Job Guarantee?
• How to Pay for Coding Bootcamp
• Ultimate Guide to Coding Bootcamp Loans
• Best Coding Bootcamp Scholarships and Grants
• Education Stipends for Coding Bootcamps
• Get Your Coding Bootcamp Sponsored by Your Employer
• GI Bill and Coding Bootcamps
• Tech Intevriews
• Our Enterprise Solution
• Connect With Us
• Publication
• Reskill America
• Partner With Us

• Resource Center
• Bachelor’s Degree
• Master’s Degree

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.

Find your bootcamp match

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.

About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication .

What's Next?

Get matched with top bootcamps

Ask a question to our community, take our careers quiz.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

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

Presentations made painless

• Get Premium

115 Popular Music Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

Inside This Article

Music has always been a powerful form of expression, and popular music in particular has the ability to shape culture and society. If you are tasked with writing an essay on popular music, you may find yourself overwhelmed by the sheer number of topics to choose from. To help you narrow down your options and get started on your essay, here are 115 popular music essay topic ideas and examples.

• The impact of social media on the music industry
• The evolution of music streaming services
• The role of women in the music industry
• The influence of technology on music production
• The rise of K-pop in the global music market
• The impact of the internet on music distribution
• The role of music in political movements
• The portrayal of race and ethnicity in popular music
• The influence of music on fashion trends
• The role of music in advertising
• The impact of music festivals on local economies
• The relationship between music and mental health
• The evolution of music videos
• The influence of popular music on language and slang
• The role of social justice in popular music
• The impact of music streaming on album sales
• The rise of TikTok as a platform for discovering new music
• The influence of popular music on youth culture
• The role of music in shaping identity
• The impact of music piracy on the music industry
• The portrayal of gender in popular music
• The role of music in shaping societal norms
• The influence of popular music on political campaigns
• The evolution of music genres
• The impact of music awards shows on the industry
• The relationship between music and nostalgia
• The role of music in protest movements
• The influence of popular music on film and television
• The portrayal of love and relationships in popular music
• The impact of social media influencers on music trends
• The evolution of music marketing strategies
• The role of music in cultural appropriation
• The influence of popular music on fashion trends
• The impact of music festivals on tourism
• The relationship between music and dance
• The role of music in shaping generational identities
• The influence of popular music on consumer behavior
• The portrayal of masculinity in popular music
• The impact of music education on academic achievement
• The evolution of music production techniques
• The role of music in branding and advertising
• The influence of popular music on language and communication
• The impact of music streaming on artist royalties
• The relationship between music and emotion
• The role of music in social movements
• The influence of popular music on body image
• The portrayal of sexuality in popular music
• The impact of music festivals on environmental sustainability
• The evolution of music journalism
• The role of music in cultural diplomacy
• The impact of music videos on artist visibility
• The relationship between music and memory
• The role of music in shaping cultural identity
• The influence of popular music on social media trends
• The portrayal of mental health in popular music
• The impact of music festivals on local communities
• The evolution of music distribution platforms
• The role of music in shaping political ideologies
• The influence of popular music on social justice movements
• The impact of music streaming on artist discovery
• The relationship between music and technology
• The role of music in healing and therapy
• The influence of popular music on consumer trends
• The portrayal of race and ethnicity in music videos
• The impact of music festivals on artist careers
• The evolution of music criticism
• The role of music in cultural assimilation
• The influence of popular music on social norms
• The impact of music education on creativity
• The relationship between music and spirituality
• The role of music in storytelling
• The influence of popular music on political discourse
• The portrayal of gender identity in popular music
• The role of music in cultural preservation
• The portrayal of love and relationships in music videos
• The impact of music streaming on artist exposure
• The role of music in shaping social movements
• The influence of popular music on body positivity
• The evolution of music journalism in the digital age
• The role of music in shaping cultural identities
• The portrayal of mental health in music lyrics

These popular music essay topic ideas and examples should help you get started on your essay and explore the diverse and fascinating world of popular music. Whether you are interested in the impact of technology on the music industry, the portrayal of social issues in music, or the role of music in shaping cultural identities, there is a topic for everyone in the world of popular music. Happy writing!

Want to research companies faster?

Instantly access industry insights

Let PitchGrade do this for me

Leverage powerful AI research capabilities

We will create your text and designs for you. Sit back and relax while we do the work.

Explore More Content

• Privacy Policy
• Terms of Service

© 2024 Pitchgrade

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 the 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 the 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 basis of European music
• Performances in amphitheaters 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 acquiring 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 corrupts 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 on 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 centers of interest of the melody 
• Effect of ambient music on sleep trials
• The 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. 

If you want to save your time and get your music research paper written by us, you are in for good news. We offer the best research paper writing services in the USA. You can  contact us  to discuss your research paper. You can also  place your order  and we can start working on your research paper right away. 

Order Original Papers & Essays

Your First Custom Paper Sample is on Us!

Timely Deliveries

No Plagiarism & AI

100% Refund

Try Our Free Paper Writing Service

Related blogs.

Connections with Writers and support

Privacy and Confidentiality Guarantee

Average Quality Score

• Paper writing help
• Buy an Essay
• Pay for essay
• Buy Research Paper
• Write My Research Paper
• Research Paper Help
• Custom Research Paper
• Custom Dissertation
• Dissertation Help
• Buy Dissertation
• Dissertation Writer
• Write my Dissertation
• How it works

200 Best Music Research Paper Topics For Students

Music research topics are an excellent opportunity to trace the history of the development of individual genres or entire eras. You can create an essay or research paper with an emphasis on certain stylistic features, or delve deeper into the technical aspects of album making. Also, the research topics in music allow you to learn more about popular composers, musicians, and individual bands. You can find out the history of creating certain songs or finding out the nuances of the breakup of groups.

While music research paper topics seem easy, it still requires a good outline and reliable sources to gather information. The life of many musicians is very busy, so certain topics for music research papers may require a more thorough analysis. For example, you will need to research the biography and all creation stages of famous music industry personalities.

Any research topic about music should be analyzed, and only verified facts added. You should also avoid using emotional coloring and bias. And don't forget about formatting. Any interesting music topics require clear structuring into paragraphs, lists, and subheadings.

By popular genres & styles

Individual styles are especially appreciated in research paper topics on music. You can choose the genre or group that interests you. This will allow you to get additional motivation and focus more on facts. The main challenge in this case is to find authoritative sources.

• The impact of rock and roll on the modern music industry.
• The basic concepts of creating musical songs.
• Rock performers and their popularity in society.
• Reasons for the negative attitude towards the rock vocalist.
• Rock musicians and problems with the law.
• The nuances of alcohol addiction of rock musicians.
• The main features of creating rock songs.
• Musical agitation as the main motive of rock songs.
• The main reasons for making rock songs.
• Symbiosis of rock and classical music.
• Rock performers and popular musicians.
• The analysis of the creative personality on the example of Kurt Cobain.
• The modern musical trend in culture.
• Top 10 most popular metal groups.
• Why has metal music become so popular?
• The mix of traditional music and heavy metal.
• Analysis of lyrical constructions of metal performers.
• The symbiosis of musical instruments in metal music.
• The analysis of seventh chords in the construction of metal songs.
• The influence of metal on other genres.
• The symbiosis of metal and pop music.
• The influence of metal vocalists on American culture.
• The symbiosis of genres as the reason for the creation of metal.
• The modern icons of the metal scene.
• The best metal bands in the last thirty years.
• The analysis of the dynamics of the popularity of metal bands.
• The modern concerts on the example of metal bands
• Female vocalists in pop music.
• The reason for the creation of numerous female musical groups.
• Pop music as a tuning fork of public morality.
• Why is pop music degrading?
• How can pop music be used to improve college grades?
• The nuances of using pop music in contemporary American culture.
• How can pop music be used to improve mood?
• The symbiosis of pop music and rap culture.
• How does contemporary pop music affect young people?
• The study of pop music in the context of the social culture of Harlem.
• The classic examples of pop artists.
• Madonna: the most popular popes of personalities.
• The analysis of the popularity of Britney Spears.
• Pop icons of the past decade.
• Hip-hop as the basis of the movement for social equality.
• The origins of hip-hop and the reasons for its popularization.
• How does hip-hop affect contemporary pop artists?
• The analysis of hip-hop performers on the example of the best vocalists of the decade.
• How does hip-hop allow athletes to train?
• Modern hip-hop and new musical trends.
• The symbiosis of hip-hop and metal music.
• How does hip-hop motivate people for sporting achievements?
• The analysis of hip-hop performers on the example of female vocalists.
• Modern hip-hop and its impact on youth.
• The main aspects of the integration of hip-hop music in the modern community.
• All technical aspects of creating hip-hop music.
• The classic approach to the formation of hip-hop motives.
• The analysis of the structure of hip-hop songs.
• The best hip-hop artists of the last decade.
• The stages of the formation of jazz as a separate musical genre.
• Why is jazz so popular these days?
• The nuances of studying jazz musical combinations.
• How Jess influences the structuring of student learning.
• The nuances of jazz performers in modern America.
• The best American jazz performers.
• Jazz as the most structured musical theory.
• How can you quickly learn to create jazz compositions?
• The influence of jazz on the cultural and political elite of the United States.
• Can jazz replace other musical styles?
• Jazz fusion as an example of musical prowess.
• The technical aspects of creating a pentatonic scale in a jazz style.
• The selection of jazz musicians.
• The development of jazz in the United States.
• The main reasons for the popularization of jazz in modern society.
• Blues and its influence on the development of the music industry.
• The symbiosis of blues and jazz.
• Can the Blues be compared to classical music?
• How do contemporary artists use the Blues in pop music?
• Historical context creation of blues compositions.
• How does the Blues affect rock music?
• Can the Blues help students learn?
• How blues musicians are developing in the USA.
• Can blues be used as a springboard for classical music production?
• The best US blues artists of the last 20 years.
• Blues performers of the last ten years.
• The influence of the blues on the formation of other genres.
• The analysis of the statistical popularity of the blues.
• The critical aspects when creating Blues compositions.
• The selection of blues parties when creating music.
• The influence of classical music on pop culture.
• The classical music and the best composers of the last century.
• Beethoven and his best works.
• How did Mozart influence classical music?
• Is the symbiosis of jazz and classical music possible?
• The structure of making classical music.
• The stages of the formation of classical music in modern society.
• Can you replace pop culture with classical music?
• How does classical music affect the psychological state of people?
• The classical music and symbiosis with opera.
• The basic concept of the analysis of classical music.
• A technical comparison of the mastery of classical composers.
• The choice of classical music for the mood.
• The classical music and its influence on rock culture.
• The main technical aspects of creating a score.

The region is important for those looking for musical topics for research paper. Most genres of European music and some information about composers are open to general use. If your research topic on music is aimed at analyzing the Arab countries, then you will need more time looking for reliable information. The fact is that not all Muslim archives are in the public domain.

Western music

• The features of musical motives of Western music.
• The history of Western music with real examples.
• How has Western music changed over the past two hundred years?
• Is it possible to combine Western music with European motives?
• The features of the use of traditional Western musical instruments.
• How do Western countries use music for meditation?
• Western music in the context of modern society.
• The role of Western music in the life of native people.
• How melodic is oriental music?
• The stages of the formation of Western music in American culture.

European music

• European music and modern trends.
• British pop bands and their worldwide popularity.
• How popular are German pop bands in the USA?
• European music and national musical instruments.
• How does European music affect well-being?
• The analysis of European music with specific examples.
• Top 10 of the greatest European musical groups.
• The analysis of European music on the example of instrumental groups.
• The best pop music performers in Europe.
• How does pop music influence the development of culture?

Asian music

• Asian music: the example of ethnic trends.
• The influence of Asian music on world culture.
• The main musical instruments of Asia.
• Can you compare Asian music with European motives?
• How has Asian music changed over the past hundred years?
• The nuances of creating Asian music.
• How does Asian music influence contemporary cinema?
• The best Asian performers.
• Top 10 Asian vocalists who have conquered the whole world.
• Do national instruments influence the creation of Asian music?

By history periods

You can use music appreciation research paper topics to analyse a specific period in history. Baroque, Renaissance and other eras are especially relevant for research as they allow you to see the history of the development of music. You can concentrate on a specific time period and the most famous composers.

• Medieval music and its influence on the Crusades.
• The major trends in the medieval music industry.
• The influence of kings on the creation of medieval music.
• The main musical instruments in medieval Europe.
• Musical instruments in Central Asia during the Middle Ages.
• What kind of music was popular in the Middle Ages.
• How difficult was the life of a musician in the Middle Ages?
• The analysis of medieval music on modern examples.
• How has contemporary music influenced pop culture?
• Historical aspects of the creation of medieval music.
• The influence of medieval music and culture.
• The rhythmic pattern of medieval music.
• The medieval music during the feast.
• The influence of medieval music on classical music.
• The medieval music channel and musical comparison.

Renaissance

• The dawn of musical culture during the Renaissance.
• The analysis of Renaissance music with specific examples.
• How has Renaissance music influenced contemporary pop culture?
• The analysis of Renaissance music as a constructive masterpiece.
• The nuances of Renaissance music and, most importantly, musical instruments.
• How difficult is it to reproduce Renaissance music in today's environment?
• The analysis of structural compositions of the Renaissance.
• Renaissance music as a tuning fork of public morality.
• How has music changed since the Renaissance?
• Can Renaissance music be used to create a modern instrumental ensemble?

Baroque Age (XVI-XVIII)

• The influence of politicians on the formation of music during the Baroque period.
• How has Baroque influenced contemporary instrumental music?
• The nuances of musical constructions during the Baroque period.
• How has the baroque influenced modern instruments?
• The nuances of the Baroque in the context of the complexity of musical compositions.
• The main effect of the Baroque in contemporary music.
• The historical aspects of the creation of the Baroque as a separate genre of music.
• The influence of the Baroque on the creation of contemporary musical groups.
• The analysis of the structure and musical motives of Baroque in detail.
• Baroque in contemporary music.
• The nuances of creating songs in the Baroque style.

Classical Age (XVIII-XIV)

• The Classical Age of music in modern society.
• How did the Classical Age influence the formation of musical trends?
• The general concept of the Classical Age in instrumental music.
• The nuances of creating music based on the Classical Age.
• How did the Classical Age influence the creation of pop culture?
• The theory of creating musical compositions on the example of the Classical Age.
• The general factors of the Classical Age in instrumental music.
• The main trends and popular instruments of the Classical Age.
• The main musical compositions of the 14th century.
• The main factors in the creation of musical compositions in the 13th century.

Romantic Era (XIV-XX)

• The Romantic Era and its impact on contemporary music.
• The main principles of structuring music into the Romantic Era.
• Features of creating instrumental compositions in the Romantic Era.
• The Romantic Era and modern music trends.
• The main factors influencing the Romantic Era in the music industry.
• Key figures in the music industry and their passion for the Romantic Era.
• How did the Romantic Era form the modern style?
• How has the Romantic Era influenced rhythmic music?
• The Romantic Era in the music industry.
• The main aspects of the formation of the Romantic Era in musical culture.
• Making marching music in the Romantic Era.
• Features of creating musical compositions.
• The technical aspects that influenced modern romantic motives.

Modern Era (XX-XXI)

• Jazz music as a phenomenon of the modern roar the influence of the modern era on instrumental music.
• Technical aspects of hip-hop and Reggae.
• How is contemporary classical music created?
• Can modern music genres be combined to create something new?
• Why is the modern music industry stagnating?
• The aspects of contemporary music.
• How does instrumental music affect culture?
• Contemporary music and technical innovation.
• How is contemporary music created?
• The nuances of creating hip-hop albums.

How To Write On Music Related Research Topics

By choosing topics about music for an essay, you get the opportunity to prepare a detailed paper work with facts, genre nuances and detailed biographies of famous musicians. You need to stick to the formatting and your outline. Find reliable information for music history research topics and talk about the emergence of certain genres.

Music business research topics are especially important, as you need to consider not only the stylistic but also the commercial nuances of the bands. For example, you can prepare detailed data on annual music tours or album sales.

All music appreciation presentation topics require detailed factual focus, which can be difficult for many people. If you are not ready to do it yourself, then we can help you.

Our service will solve your problem with music research topics high school. We also guarantee that you will get a good grade. We will help you organize all the nuances so that your music history paper topics become a reason for pride and high scores.

An Inspiration List

• popular music | Description, History, & Facts | Britannica
• History of music
• Music History from Primary Sources
• Brief History of Music: An Introduction
• How Music and Instruments Began

Advertisement

Music in business and management studies: a systematic literature review and research agenda

• Open access
• Published: 27 March 2023
• Volume 74 , pages 1439–1472, ( 2024 )

Cite this article

You have full access to this open access article

• Elia Pizzolitto   ORCID: orcid.org/0000-0002-4569-1365 1  

10k Accesses

3 Citations

1 Altmetric

Explore all metrics

Music is the background of life, representing an international language that connects different cultures. It is also significant with respect to economies, markets, and businesses. The literature in the music field has identified several issues related to the role of digitalization in the revolution of music, the distribution of music products, the management and organization of music events, music marketing strategies, and the position of musicians as entrepreneurs. This paper comprises a systematic literature review of the most recent articles discussing the numerous connections between music, business, and management (2017–2022). Through a rigorous protocol, this research discusses the effects of the digital revolution on the music industry, with particular reference to the persisting oligopoly of major labels and the new business models that integrate music streaming and social networks. The findings show the renaissance and relevance of live music events, the fundamental role of segmentation strategies for managing festivals, and the limited presence of sustainability as a priority during festivals and events management. Furthermore, the literature highlights the relevance of discussions concerning musicians’ identity, especially in light of the complex relationship between the bohemian and the entrepreneurial nature of their profession. This is followed by numerous reflections on future research opportunities, recommending theoretical and empirical in-depth studies of music industry competition, futuristic management philosophies and business models, and the roles of technology, sustainability, and financial elements in fostering artists’ success in the digital era. Finally, the paper discusses business models and strategies for musicians, festivals management, stores, and sustainability.

Similar content being viewed by others

Economics, Marketing and Performances of US Classical Music: Journeyin’ Together to de Promise Land

Market Readiness for the Digital Music Industries: A Case Study of Independent Artists

Humanizing Business: A Music Perspective

Explore related subjects.

• Artificial Intelligence

Avoid common mistakes on your manuscript.

1 Introduction

As Mithen ( 2009 ; p 3) states, “To be human is to be musical”. Music is part of most individuals’ daily lives. For example, it plays in the background when people make purchases at stores and eat at restaurants. It is a universal language that helps strangers communicate immediately, that spreads and evokes emotions, and that inspires players, producers, and listeners (Cooke 1990 ; Hunter and Schellenberg 2010 ). However, beyond being an artform that can connect people from different cultures (Huron 2001 ) and with different identities (Mithen 2009 ), music is also a business.

The worldwide relevance of music can be recognized not only in philosophical discussions but also in statistical data about the industry. Music consumption has grown quickly, particularly since the start of the digital revolution, and this growth seems unlikely to slow down in the future (IFPI 2022 ). The worldwide music industry has grown significantly in recent years. In fact, it grew from US$14.2 billion in 2014 to US$25.9 billion in 2021, revealing growth of 18.5% in 2021 (IFPI 2022 ). Streaming now drives the music market, representing 65% of global music market revenues in 2021 (IFPI 2022 ). This trend is a consequence of the digital revolution, which has been characterized by two phases of development (Koh et al. 2019 ). The first phase involved physical and digital music record sales. The second phase was the development of streaming, unbundling, and cross-platform services that combined music with other entertainment forms, such as video games, television programs, films, and talent shows (Shen et al. 2019 ).

Two of the most relevant dimensions of the music industry are as follows: (a) the production and distribution of music through physical and digital support networks, as guided by record companies; and (b) the production and distribution of live music, which is controlled by world-famous artists but is characterized by many minor professional musicians, sound technicians, and other workers. These two dimensions are interconnected. The digital revolution is disruptive, and it has upset traditional capitalist economies, but the world of live music has resisted such changes (Azzellini et al. 2021 ). In addition to these two major dimensions, the music industry includes a complex and elaborate set of other dimensions. These comprise the conditions of minor musicians and labels; publishing, managing, and marketing; teaching and other educational activities (Thomson 2013 ); and the conditions of local music and record stores.

In this regard, multiple issues have emerged from the literature, mostly related to the big change that the digital revolution has brought about in the music industry. For example, minor artists and labels have to consider new marketing strategies, and they need to find innovative ways to exploit the easier connections between consumers and their products that technologies allow, despite having limited financial assets (Zhang 2018 ). Another example involves music events or festivals, which face complex challenges because of the recent Covid-19 pandemic. Innovation in the organization and marketing of these events is focused on the concept of value creation, guided by the idea of festivals as chaotic and unpredictable events in which collaboration and co-creation are critical for the achievement of financial, economic, and social objectives (Werner et al. 2019 ). Covid-19 and the digital revolution complicated the conditions of local music and record stores, which are more centered on experience than competition and need stable innovation in their marketing strategies (Trabucchi et al. 2017 ).

Moreover, the growth of the music business has highlighted the complex relationship between musicians’ artistic and entrepreneurial sides. In fact, musicians face cultural barriers to their identification as professionals. As Frederickson and Rooney ( 1990 ) noted, an absence of formal requisites to enter the musical profession is one of its most relevant barriers; because of this lack of a need for credentials, many people do not consider music to be a profession. Indeed, as Henry ( 2013 ) found, few music students think about teaching music as a future profession. According to Pizzolitto ( 2021 ), musicians are reluctant to consider themselves entrepreneurs because of the complex relationship between art and profit. Therefore, the entrepreneurial identity of musicians should be fostered to overcome this obstacle to recognizing music as a profession.

This may be challenging, as the Covid-19 pandemic has adversely affected musicians’ activities. Although the music industry has continued to grow and has not been experienced many negative consequences, there have been numerous (orderly) protests by musicians and sound technicians who feel they have been forgotten by governmental policies. For example, in October 2020, a large group of musicians played in front of the British Parliament to protest a decision to decrease state benefits for freelance workers (Savage 2020 ). During the same month, musicians and sound technicians peacefully occupied many public squares in Italy to broadcast the slogan Esistiamo anche noi , which translates to “We also exist” (Sky Tg24 2020 ). In November 2020, musicians in Berlin held silent protests against a lockdown (Global Times 2020 ). Indeed, music around the world has experienced a number of conflicts.

Beyond the disparities in the success of record companies versus professional musicians, there are philosophical complexities connected to an antinomy between the artistic nature of music and the capitalistic context in which it is developed (e.g., see Bridson et al. 2017 ; Haynes and Marshall 2017 ). Musicians and record producers also face strategic issues concerning the distribution of their music. Waldfogel ( 2017 ) defined the current era as a golden age for music listening, yet musicians and producers experience dilemmas every time they intend to launch a product. One dilemma relates to the many opportunities available because of the digital revolution; for example, one can take advantage of digital platforms, streaming, and physical support networks. However, the increase in options demands more in-depth strategic planning. Thus, the philosophical significance of music to individuals, its relevance to people’s lives, and its importance to the economy are at odds with the research conditions of the field.

While attempts to map the literature on music research have been numerous and of high quality, they have mainly concentrated on the effects of music in the workplace (e.g., Landay and Harms 2019 ) or music education research. For instance, in 2004, volume 32 (issue 3) of Psychology of Music focused on mapping music education research in single national contexts (e.g., Welch et al. 2004 ; Gruhn 2004 ). Moreover, in 2006, Roulston published a methodological paper that incentivized qualitative research in the music field. Therefore, while existing research has discussed content relevant to the field, there is no literature review on the recent development of music in business and management studies, including topics such as digitalization, the conditions of the industry and competition, the management of music events, innovations, sustainability, and the complex position of musicians after the digital revolution. Consequently, this article addresses the research question “How does recent literature debate music in business and management studies?”.

The next section provides details on the methodology used in this literature review. In particular, it gives a detailed explanation of the procedure used to gather data and analyze the content of articles. Following this is a descriptive analysis of the literature sample, including the journals, author affiliations, and methods of the articles, and an analysis of the contents of the articles. The next section studies the themes that emerged in the articles. Finally, future research opportunities, managerial implications, and a general discussion of the results are presented in the conclusion.

2 Methodology

A systematic literature review (SLR) was chosen as the methodology for this study for two main reasons. First, the research questions concern a specific field (i.e., music in business studies). Second, an SLR can ensure a greater degree of objectivity compared with other kinds of literature reviews (e.g., narrative). It can also ensure reproducibility and limit biases in article selection and interpretation (Denyer and Tranfield 2009 ; Post et al. 2020 ). This study used a method described by Wolfswinkel et al. ( 2013 ), where contents of articles are analyzed using a grounded theory approach. This method ensured that the analysis would not be based on any prejudices. Moreover, grounded theory provides the advantage of developing a theoretical framework in the absence of a specific background (Corbin and Strauss 1990 ; Strauss and Corbin 1997 ). Finally, the method published by Wolfswinkel et al. ( 2013 ) exhibited no article selection differences compared with other SLR methodologies (e.g., see Denyer and Tranfield 2009 ; Post et al. 2020 ). Therefore, the method met all the requirements for conducting an SLR as objectively as possible.

2.1 The employed protocol

The method included the five following phases: define, search, select, analyze, and present (Fig.  1 ). During the first phase, the database and the inclusion/exclusion criteria for the study were determined. Similar to most SLRs (e.g., see Vrontis and Christofi 2019 ), only articles that were written in English and that had been published in peer-reviewed journals were included in the sample. To ensure that articles of the highest quality would be included, only those listed in the SCOPUS, EBSCOHost, and Web of Science databases were considered. Finally, specific keywords were used to search the three databases and were applied to titles, abstracts, and keywords of the articles. The keywords were music AND ( business OR management ).

Phases of SLR employed protocol

The second phase consisted of the search for articles. This began with several exploratory analyses to ensure that all relevant literature would be included. The research commenced with searching SCOPUS, and 7825 results were retrieved. The results were limited to peer-reviewed articles written in English, which narrowed the list to 3764 results. As the focus was on recent literature regarding music in business studies, the publication years were then restricted to 2017–2022, leaving 1333 results.

The same steps were followed in searching EBSCOHost. The initial dataset included 17,765 results, and after the limitations were applied, 183 articles remained. The steps were repeated in searching Web of Science, resulting in an initial sample of 2944 results. This number decreased to 855 after the limitations were applied.

During the third phase, the 2371 results were refined, and 771 duplicates were eliminated. After screening the titles, abstracts, keywords, and contents, 1444 false positives were eliminated. The final dataset comprised 145 articles.

The last two steps of the procedure were “analyze” and “present.” The next section presents the descriptive and content analyses of the articles (i.e., the results of these steps). Analyzing the articles included determining the type of paper, the distribution of publications over time, the authors’ productivity and affiliations, and the methods employed in the empirical articles. The contents of the articles were analyzed using a grounded theory approach, during which four themes emerged.

2.2 Inclusion and exclusion criteria

This section details the methods applied when including or excluding articles. To facilitate the selection of articles, an Excel file with 19 columns and 145 rows was created. More than 2700 cells were filled in with the following information for each paper: ID number, DOI, authors, title, publication year, source title, number of citations, source (i.e., SCOPUS, EBSCOHost, or Web of Science), paper type (i.e., empirical, conceptual, review), methodology (i.e., qualitative or quantitative), methods employed, sample size, type of statistical units; authors’ provenience; and theories cited. For reasons of space, the table cannot be shown here, but it is available upon request.

In addition, a column was devoted to the reason for including or excluding a paper. The objective was to consider only articles that explicitly referred to the interconnections between music and business or management issues. The process started with evaluating the titles, abstracts, and keywords to gain an understanding of the articles’ contents. If this evaluation was insufficient, the articles were read for a better evaluation.

To ensure transparency in the selection process, as suggested by Denyer and Tranfield ( 2009 ), some examples are considered. One article that was retrieved from the Scopus database was the article Neumatic singing in Thai popular singing, 1925–1967 by Inkhong et al. ( 2020 ) because it included the keywords used for the initial extraction. The article discussed solutions to problems related to incorrect pronunciation using neumatic singing. Therefore, it was excluded. Another article, Quality management of music education in modern kindergarten: Educational expectations of families by Boyakova ( 2018 ) talked about understanding and improving the quality of children’s music education and made no reference to business or management studies. Therefore, it too was excluded.

Examples of articles that were included are as follows. The article Digital music and the “death of the long tail” by Coelho and Mendes ( 2019 ) discussed the impact of digital distribution in the music market, concentrating on the dualism between the long tail theory and the superstar effect theory. Schediwy et al. ( 2018 )’s article Do bohemian and entrepreneurial career identities compete or cohere? discussed the identity of musicians. The article The role of stakeholders in shifting environmental practices of music festivals in British Columbia, Canada by Hazel and Mason ( 2020 ) discussed festival management. These three articles were relevant to our study and were therefore included in our review.

2.3 Grounded analysis of the articles’ contents

The grounded theory approach employed in this review followed a certain protocol. The 145 papers included in the sample were divided into subsamples of five randomly selected papers using Excel. Open coding was used to label the subsamples with codes to identify concepts and enable comparisons of the articles, including information such as the affiliated intuitions, the methodologies used, and the theoretical in-depth analyses. The final aim is to conceptualize the most relevant aspects and identify categories and subcategories of common elements.

Axial coding was then employed to make connections between the codes and facilitate further comparison of data emerging from the articles and theoretical and methodological frameworks in the various subsamples. The final aim was to build a systematically integrated network of concepts.

Finally, selective coding was employed to conceptualize and improve the results of the previous analyses. The aim was to achieve a well-integrated theoretical reasoning that can be used to simplify and enrich the reflections on the studied phenomenon.

Figure  2 shows an example of how subthemes emerged during the analysis. The blue tables correspond to random samples of five articles. The red oblongs represent the most relevant articles. The black squares represent (a very limited number of) critical codes (open coding). The violet, red, and green circles represent the results of conceptual connections among the codes (axial coding); the interpretation of these connections is shown at the bottom of the figure.

An example of grounded methodology applied in this research (colour figure online)

2.4 Limitations

This literature review tries to develop a complete picture of the most relevant research in music management and business. The aim is to establish a starting point for future in-depth analysis and gathering of future research in this area. Nevertheless, it is not exempt from limitations. First, the methodology, database searches, and analyses were performed by one author. Although the selected method (grounded theory method; see Wolfswinkel et al. 2013 ) was chosen for its ability to reduce objectivity, even in the content analysis of the selected articles, there might be limitations in the application of inclusion and exclusion criteria considering the high number of articles.

Second, this review employed specific databases to ensure the quality of papers extracted. However, this method inevitably excluded books, book chapters, grey literature, and other sources of information that could be relevant to the topic and in terms of triangulating information and enriching the results of the analysis. Therefore, future research should include the object of the analysis and more sources of information.

Finally, this review limits the time span to recent years. Although SLRs should include a limited number of articles to concentrate on a very specific and relevant research question, the considerable body of knowledge in terms of music management and business suggests that a more comprehensive viewpoint can be considered. Nevertheless, in case future research would be interested in enlarging the time span of the analysis, the amount of articles that would emerge would be studied using quantitative methods, such as meta-analysis or bibliometric analysis.

3 Descriptive analysis

This section presents the descriptive analysis of the selected literature. The analysis focuses on three aspects: (1) the authors’ provenience (Fig.  3 ), (2) the types of papers, and (3) the methods employed in the empirical studies.

Authors’ provenience

The UK and the USA led in terms of the number of relevant articles published in the period under study with 28.96% of the articles. There is a worldwide interest among scientists in terms of music research in business studies. Even though empirical articles are the most common in the selected dataset, theoretical articles and literature reviews are present in each of the five years considered. Excluding the year 2022, in which theoretical articles represent less than 8% of the contributions, one fifth of the dataset from 2017 to 2021 consists of theoretical articles and literature reviews. Therefore, there is considerable interest in debating conceptual issues in this field. Qualitative research—particularly case studies (26.42% of the dataset)—is the most common methodology used for performing research in the field. Interviews were also commonly used in the extracted contributions (18.87%). Therefore, it is possible that qualitative frameworks of analysis are the best way to gather and evaluate data in this market (Figs.  4 and 5 ).

Papers’ typology per year

Methods employed in the selected articles

4 Content analysis

This section presents the results obtained from the grounded analysis of the selected papers. Given the amount of data and the complexity of the concepts, two graphic representations have been created. Figure  6 shows a summary of codes, sub-themes, and themes that emerged from the analysis. Figure  7 shows a conceptual map of the field.

Codes, themes and subthemes emerged from selected literature

Conceptual map

4.1 The digital revolution and the music industry: Have things actually changed?

4.1.1 the effects of the digital revolution on the music industry.

The digital revolution profoundly and directly impacted the economy through direct effects such as an increase in aggregate productivity and competitiveness and through more unobserved effects relating to the development of open-access platforms, new business models, and the need of managers to always achieve a better understanding of consumers’ expectations. These unobserved effects of the digital revolution have been described as digital dark matter (Vendrell-Herrero et al. 2017 ). Moreover, the inevitability of technology-related industry disruption seems not to be totally caught by professionals and firms, which are not reacting appropriately to this phenomenon (Riemer and Johnston 2019 ). For this reason, new business models are theorized in the literature. For example, Morrow ( 2018 ) introduced the concept of distributed agility as a model consisting of a reactive approach through which multiple self-organized teams combine their abilities to respond quickly to the rapid changes in the new digital market.

During the period 2011–2018, digital music and streaming contributed dramatically to the renaissance of the market (Nakano 2019 ). According to Nag ( 2017 ), the dramatic increase in the amount of accessible music contents and the decreasing barriers to consumer access is producing a contradictory effect on the philosophy of consumption. On one side is the benefit of freedom of choice and on the other side is an indirect call for more scarcity.

The literature has recognized three waves of disruptive innovations—digital music distribution, permanent digital downloads, and music streaming (Urbinati et al. 2019 ). Reactions to these things were similar; after an initial majors’ tendency to protect their own competitive position against opponents, there was adaptation to the new paradigms of music distribution. In particular, after the digital music distribution revolution, incumbents concentrated on building online shops and selling music from their catalogues. After the digital download revolution, incumbents verified the weaknesses in their previous strategic reactions and started to build relationships and partnerships with newcomers to fight the increased competition of important innovations such as Apple’s iTunes Music Store. Finally, with the music streaming revolution, entities such as the iTunes Music Store started to consider acquisitions as strategic choices to limit the damage caused by the rapid development of services like Spotify (Urbinati et al. 2019 ).

The music supply network evolved in a similar way. Nakano and Fleury ( 2017 ) identified three stages in this evolution. The first stage in the 1980s was a physical supply chain in which the hierarchical model with a vertical integration structure fostered the power of major labels that controlled technical and market access. The second stage in the 1990s was a transitional supply network in which the captive governance model fostered an open hierarchy. In this phase, the power was in the form of control over market access. Finally, in the last 20 years, the supply network evolved to a digital ecosystem in which individual producers and small and large providers can (at least theoretically) compete with major labels, which are exploiting their accumulated power to control mass market access through collaboration, partnerships, and new business models based on digital outlets and aggregators.

Sinclair and Tinson ( 2017 ) highlighted the problem of the decreasing value of psychological ownership of music guided by the dematerialization of music and the advent of access-based streaming platforms. Nevertheless, the antecedents of psychological ownership—investment of the self, profound knowledge and control of the target, and pride—demonstrated that consumers are modifying their experimentation with psychological ownership, achieving loyalty, empowerment, citizenship, and social rewards as consequences of this phenomenon. Therefore, through the new conceptualization of the psychological ownership of music, consumers are able to control the target of ownership and to develop and protect their music identity.

The other side of the coin of the digital revolution in music is that collaboration between major labels and other actors has allowed them to keep their power and to maintain the oligopoly in the market. In this context, while technological and digital innovation is stimulated, innovation in music is discouraged (Sun 2019 ).

The music industry has reacted to this tendency and has been able to assimilate the technological and digital innovations (Naveed et al. 2017 ). In particular, there are types of innovations that have assumed an increasing level of importance after the digital revolution. For example, co-innovation, a construct comprising co-discovery, co-creation, and co-capture, is widely recognized as a fundamental element in promoting correct governance, leadership, and resource integration (Saragih et al. 2019a , b ).

4.1.2 The persisting oligopoly in the music market

The digital revolution and the digitalization of music produced an unexpected result in the music industry. Visionaries believed that the ability to achieve unlimited access to every kind of music—referred to as the celestial jukebox—would have led the music industry to overcome the oligopolist control of major labels and stimulate cultural diversity (Sun 2019 ). Nevertheless, the huge number of opportunities provided by the new digital market demonstrated that consumers need to be guided in their choices. The opportunities for musicians’ self-release apparently increased the degree of democratization of the music market. In fact, they consolidated the commodification and centralization of music whereby major labels still dominate the industry by promoting the conservative management of copyright ownership. This condition isolated self-released musicians, who have a marginal position in the industry. This is a worldwide condition, as verified in several articles, such as that by Qu et al. ( 2021 ). There is broad consensus regarding this condition and very few dissenters (e.g., Arbatani et al. 2018 ).

The digital revolution changed the pop-rock market, and streaming is now dominating the music industry, although there is still an important physical sector. Major labels have recently started a growth path after 15 years of crisis via the development of dynamic capabilities. In particular, technology allowed the emergence of non-hits and niches, increasing their opportunity to gain a long tail effect. Nevertheless, there is evidence of the persistence of the “superstar effect” (Coelho and Mendes 2019 ).

According to Prey et al. ( 2020 ), Spotify shows a bias towards major label content. Musicians’ success is dependent on services like Spotify. Therefore, Spotify’s preferences for major labels has caused discontent among minor labels and minor musicians.

Currently, the logic with which incumbents develop their strategy is correlated to the need for more timely approaches (Guichardaz et al. 2019 ). It is necessary to accept the competition of new technological innovations (e.g., iTunes and Spotify) and to develop suitable strategies to exploit the dynamic changes in the market (Trabucchi et al. 2017 ).

This evidence is confirmed in several studies. For example, Dellyana et al. ( 2017 ) state that the composition of actors in the music market has been changing over time. Conditions have become more dynamic, which stimulates the opportunity to increase the number of partnerships. Increasing the number of actors will change the general business model, allowing more opportunities for collaboration, including 360-degree, tailor-made partnerships; vertical integration; subscription services; pay per download; ad funded; bundles; and sponsorships. As a consequence, the many opportunities to exploit different sources of income leads actors in the industry market to develop new abilities and qualities. This modularity complicates the management of strategies and encourages the implementation of inter-firm alliances (Guichardaz et al. 2019 ). Through these collaborations, major labels are still dominating the music industry, even if independent labels and musicians can produce and distribute their music more easily and less expensively than before (Dellyana et al. 2017 ; Sun 2019 ). Major players like Spotify, Pandora, and Apple directly negotiate with the platforms to distribute artists’ music, while small labels must depend on intermediaries.

Some collaborations are, in fact, not official but extremely favorable. For example, the viral activity of fans on social media, such as YouTube, is a critical part of music stars’ strategy. Gamble et al. ( 2018 ) found that fans have an active role in the relationship between social media and the music industry. In particular, senior managers and music industry experts involved in the research argued that consumer-driven marketing campaigns can provide the best ideas regarding the execution, marketing, and managing of strategies. At the beginning of their careers, artists gain considerable advantages from social media and crowdfunding, even if fame comes as a result of their collaboration with major labels. Therefore, at the initial stage of their music success, the innovative nature of artists can be supported by fans’ activities, while at the advanced stage of their careers, artists tend to homogenize due to their involvement in the business logic of major labels business logics.

Nevertheless, evidence in the literature shows that collaborations and new business models are not the only way through which major labels react to the technological and digital changes in the market. Trabucchi et al. ( 2017 ) have shown that labels are able to re-invent old music solutions, such as CDs and vinyl, through innovations in their organizational structure and dynamic capabilities (e.g., changing their objective to entertainment enterprises), changing the meaning of their products from instruments for listening to music to collectors’ objects, and transforming the purchase process into an in-store experience. Therefore, developing dynamic capabilities seems to be the main response of major labels to the technological revolution in the music market. Changing the value proposition, capturing the new value of products, and customer orientation allow the major players to exploit the intersection between meaning and technology, thus modifying the competition among the incumbents.

4.1.3 Social networks and streaming services

Social networks have critical effects on artists’ success on online social network platforms. Communication with fun experimented a tremendous change after the digital revolution and the advent of social media. In the past, musicians used the press, television, and radio to attract fans’ interest. With social media and social networks, however, communication between artists and fans is direct. Communication with fans together with strategies that include the active sending of friend requests to fans or commenting on their posts can allow artists to control and influence their network (Ansari et al. 2018 ). Moreover, outside affiliations of artists can have a positive impact on the degree and density of networks (Ansari et al. 2018 ).

Social networks can have a dramatic effect on the consumption of music. For example, Spotify bundles music content in the form of playlists. This behavior allows Spotify to take over the market demand, reducing its dependency on major labels (Prey et al. 2020 ). Choi and Burnes ( 2017 ) studied the impact of using social media in the music industry and confirmed that social media have a considerable impact on fans’ engagement. Therefore, building solid and durable relationships and vitalizing participation should be considered a strategic focus for these firms. In the modern music market, firms cannot control value creation; therefore, they should use social media to enhance co-creation with fans, thus vitalizing their community and becoming the driving force in changing markets.

Business models in music benefit considerably from reward-based crowdfunding (Gamble et al. 2017 ), even though there is evidence suggesting that problems can arise due to young fans’ apprehension. Nevertheless, opportunities allowed by crowdfunding can help overcome limitations due to the need for constant consumer confidence. In fact, the development of partnerships with crowdfunding platforms has been increasing the opportunity for major labels to challenge the user-centric tendency of digital innovations (Gamble et al. 2017 ).

According to Arditi ( 2017 ), streaming services represent the most relevant revenue in the music industry since 2015. Streaming services are one of the most important reasons why the music industry recovered from the disaster of Napster and similar platforms for free music sharing. Indeed, streaming services are considered the (partial) solution to the decrease in music CD sales and to the increase in piracy. Moreover, there are similarities and differences between cultures about the future of streaming services. For example, Kim et al. ( 2017 ) show that US and Korean consumers prefer subscription-based on-demand streaming services and pay a higher price compared to the value of current streaming services. Nakano ( 2019 ) analyzed major US and UK outlets, recognizing that the preference of customers is for streaming services; however, there is still space for niches for which downloading is still preferred. Moreover, the existence of two major ecosystems, Android and iOS, has impeded the emergence of a dominant player to date.

Behavioral intentions connected to streaming service utilization depend on specific factors such as performance expectancy (i.e., the benefits for customers obtained by using streaming services), the degree of user-friendliness, social influence, the accessibility of resources and support, hedonic motivation, habit, and price (Barata and Coelho 2021 ). Suppliers of music services, such as streaming, should consider in-depth pricing strategies. Li et al. ( 2020 ) found that pricing strategies include advertising intensity, subscription fees, and song prices. Moreover, they considered subscription and ownership models and found that the first dominates the second only if advertisement revenues are limited. Therefore, an eventual mixed model turns to a subscription model when there are advertisement revenues, while it turns to an ownership model when revenues are higher.

The problem is to understand if the broad use of streaming services is a good thing for musicians as well. Musicians are losing control of the revenues that come from their music (Towse 2020 ). In fact, the opportunity to pursue a career based only on record sales is restricted to superstars. For example, in Norway, revenues originating from music copyrights represent only a small proportion of musicians’ earnings (about 20%). Therefore, the solution should be designed around live performance revenues. Nevertheless, the sustainability of streaming services in the long run is still debated in the literature and in professional practice.

4.1.4 Effects of background music

In-store background music produces positive and negative effects. The contradiction of scientific literature is illusory. In fact, such effects depend on the design of background music, which should adapt to the context and the service, which in turn is a critical moderator of the relationship between music and purchase intentions and customers’ in-store experience. For example, loud music has positive effects in retail settings but reduces customers’ experience in a bar. Classical, familiar, and highly recognizable music generally leads to positive effects. Nevertheless, in contexts in which they are inappropriate, the literature shows adverse consequences in terms of purchase intentions (Michel et al 2017 ).

Background music and creative support systems and their effects on consumers’ purchase intentions are fundamental to music literature (Michel et al. 2017 ). A great number of empirical studies have been undertaken to obtain improved understanding of such effects in every field. Music has positive and negative influences on consumers’ emotions within the environment in which they complete their purchases. Moreover, it is able to extend consumers’ in-store visits, promoting a name, brand, and experience that customers experiment with during their purchase process (e.g., Sassenberg et al. 2022 ). This is not limited to products but includes issues related to perceived images and positive or negative reactions to what consumers see. Klein et al. ( 2021 ) highlighted the existence of an inverse U-shaped relationship between the complexity of images and the level of appreciation that music is able to modify, promoting a better reaction to simple images. In other words, music can move consumers’ attention from complex to simple stimuli. For this reason, music can be used with simple images to stimulate and improve consumers’ purchasing experience.

Background music can be seen as a functional instrument for social control because it can change people’s behaviors and workers’ productivity, although its collateral effects are still unpredictable (Karakayali and Alpertan 2020 ). Indeed, music is a mediator of emotions and attitudes; it can modify performance and generate a significant effect in the workplace, although further in-depth analyses are needed to clarify its effects (Landay and Harms 2019 ). An important review by Landay and Harms ( 2019 ) highlighted that the relationship between the music heard and mood and negative and positive emotions is moderated by extraversion (i.e., the tendency to concentrate on gratification from outside individuals), task complexity, and listening autonomy. Moreover, they found that the link between listening to music and task performance is highly contextual and depends on “the availability of cognitive resources and the type of task” (Landay and Harms 2019 , p 379). The evidence shows that workers with more experience in selecting music for personal listening can show greater improvement in their task performance.

4.2 Live music events and performance: a renovated and segmentate phenomenon

4.2.1 the renovated interest of consumers in live performance.

The co-evolution of streaming and live music has had positive consequences for the music industry (Naveed et al. 2017 ). It allowed the recovery of the music industry and the more active participation of all stakeholders. Moreover, consumers have a more active position in the music market, demonstrating more propensity to acquire digital property, for co-creation, and for participative creativity (Naveed et al. 2017 ). In particular, consumers contribute to the creation of value even during the phases of product development and commercialization (Saragih 2019 ). In the new digitalized era in which musicians’ control of their records sales is weaker, live performance is assuming increasing importance.

In general, the analyzed literature seems to agree on consumers’ renovated interest in live performance. For example, Papies and Van Heerde ( 2017 ) confirm the positive relationship between artists’ success in records sales and their success in live performance. Nevertheless, the authors verified that the opposite relationship is weaker, as it is moderated by piracy and unbundling, even if piracy seems to be a decreasing trend in some important markets (e.g., Germany). Moreover, they found a weak correlation between quality of music and artists’ fame. Nevertheless, the evidence shows that this condition of renaissance is not common to all music genres. Pompe et al. ( 2017 ) found that classical music is experiencing a crisis, mainly because consumers say they do not have enough time to enjoy classical concerts. Therefore, the problem of how to add value to some niches is still being debated in the literature.

During the period analyzed in this literature review, Covid-19 impacted the world. In this context, quarantines obliged musicians to be part of lockdowns. Concerts and live music events were cancelled, and musicians had to face a new and challenging reality. However, some positive consequences emerged. In fact, the research showed how during the pandemic musicians started to efficiently exploit online platforms to share their music and to organize 100% online music events (e.g., Areiza-Padilla and Galindo-Becerra 2022 ). Therefore, in the future, digital platforms should be used simultaneously with physical places to share the experience of live events, capturing a wider audience and the attention of a greater number of potential consumers.

4.2.2 Experience and segmentation in festival management

Aşan et al. ( 2020 ) found that experience in music festivals depends on four specific dimensions—aesthetics, which refers to tourists’ evaluation of festivals’ physical environment; entertainment, that is, the active or passive participation of tourists in watching shows; the opportunity to escape daily life, become immersed in a different context, and live a separate experience; and education, that is, gaining new skills and knowledge from the experience of participation. The four dimensions contribute to the formation of participants’ perceived value of the festival, which is a significant mediator between experience and satisfaction. The general conditions in which festivals are organized are often complex, spontaneous, and sometimes unexpected (Laberschek et al. 2020 ). Therefore, going beyond these general dimensions is critical. Other factors should be considered to increase the value promoted by a specific music festival. Because festivals are often devoted to a particular music or art genre, segmentation is one of the most critical elements of managerial strategies.

The segmentation of music festival attendees is considered to be extremely dependent on context (Kim and Kang 2022 ). For example, Kinnunen et al. ( 2018 ) studied Finnish rhythm music festival audiences and identified three segments—omnivores and the loyal heavy tribe, which represent the oldest attendees, and the hedonistic dance crowd, which represents the youngest attendees. Mallette et al. ( 2018 ) discussed the niche example of military music festivals. The authors found two main dimensions of audience segmentation—the appeal of the event and the degree of affinity—that produce different levels of motivation to participate. Roll et al. ( 2014 ) showed the importance of place and the medium of live operas, as they are meaningful for attendees. In particular, consumers consider opera from a holistic viewpoint. Therefore, brand communication should include the fact that the meaning of results differ depending on the samples. There are examples of specific techniques of segmentation. For example, Kruger and Viljoen ( 2021 ) use psychographic segmentation to identify three distinct segments of attendees. They considered motives for attending, behavioral intentions, and global causes aimed at eradicating poverty. The research shows the relevance of segmentation in valorizing the nature, objects, and goals of music festivals.

Modern music festivals have a more general background. Therefore, attendees are of various natures and have different music preferences. Consequently, to avoid problems related to the redundancy of festivals’ organization and commercial proposals, implementing innovation is critical. Li et al. ( 2017 ) identified a strategic factor for success in implementing innovation. In particular, they distinguished between stakeholders’ satisfaction, achieved through harmonious relationships, and process efficiency, achieved through functional relationships. The greater the extent of both relational characteristics (i.e., harmony and functionality), the greater the opportunity to achieve successful innovation implementation.

4.2.3 Sustainability in music festival management

Sustainability in festival and event management is closely related to the three traditional dimensions—economic, social, and environmental. Some studies have been devoted to sustainability management to achieve a better understanding of the actual interest of managers in the best practices for fostering the sustainable management of events. For example, Wickham et al. ( 2021 ) performed a qualitative analysis of 10 international music events and identified 14 best practices connected to sustainability. Economic sustainability was associated with attracting financial capital, artists, and performers; maintaining permanent management; and the reporting of event-related benefits. Social sustainability was associated with attracting experts and influential educators; the supply chain; and the reporting of event-related social benefits. Finally, environmental sustainability was associated with attendees and the behavior of supply chain partners.

At the same time, the research has clarified that the benefits connected to music festivals (e.g., financial and social benefits) are overestimated by participants and urban communities. Nevertheless, eventual negative effects, such as pollution, parking difficulties, and traffic congestion, are often anticipated and resolved by festival promoters (Han et al. 2017 ).

However, sustainability seems not to be a priority of music festivals. Dodds et al. ( 2020 ) found that 64% of Canadian music festivals included in their sample did not communicate about their sustainability practices. Moreover, only 6% of them concentrated their sustainability campaign on social media, even though the literature shows that active communication is critical for developing and maintaining good relationships with participants (Luonila and Kinnunen 2019 ). Contemporary music festivals have critical socio-spatial consequences and meanings; consumers try to co-create authentic experiences from their participation, even though the nature of such experiences can be considered a commercial imperative (Szmigin et al. 2017 ). Co-creation was connected to the sustainability of festivals in the work of Werner et al. ( 2019 ), who identified three categories of festivals attendees—the sustainable co-creation type, focused on the creation of an altruistic environment; the experience co-creation type, focused on the contradiction between real life and the experience of festivals; and the calculating co-creation type, who weight the processes of giving and acquiring value from the experience of festivals. In this sense, the benefits associated with music festivals are co-created by both attendees and organizers. Therefore, identifying the most relevant stakeholders is critical for the diffusion of the idea of festival sustainability.

Relationships and collaboration between festival managers and stakeholders, including the attendees’ perspectives, can foster the incorporation of sustainability practices. According to Hazel and Mason ( 2020 ), if sustainability is defined as a core value of music festivals, forms of collaboration such as sponsorship contracts can encourage the development of relationships among stakeholders who share the same sustainable values. Therefore, identifying the right stakeholders can bolster festivals’ financial and cultural components, as well help integrate the original value of festivals and sustainability needs (Hazel and Mason 2020 ; Richardson 2018 ).

4.3 Musicians: identity and business models in the digital era

4.3.1 the complex nature of musicians’ identity.

The identity of musicians in the modern competitive music industry has been widely discussed in the literature. Schediwy et al. ( 2018 ) identified the dualistic nature of the scientific debate. On one hand, there is a considerable number of contributions that glorify the bohemian nature of the music profession. On the other hand, other papers recognize that assuming an entrepreneurial attitude is an unavoidable need for musicians. Moreover, keeping a stable identity is challenging for musicians, due to the instability of income, uncertainty, and exploitative tendencies in the market.

Schediwy et al. ( 2018 ) found that the separation between the bohemian and the entrepreneurial identity of musicians is less evident in young musicians. In particular, two factors contribute to the formation of musicians’ identity, open-mindedness and career-mindedness, which combine the bohemian nature of the music profession with the necessary market orientation.

The relationship between musicians’ artistic and entrepreneurial identity has been recently studied by Pizzolitto ( 2021 ). His research revealed the profound dilemma between musicians’ traditional view of the art and the necessity to change and adapt their business models depending on the economic conditions. Everts and Haynes ( 2021 ) studied the contexts of the British and Dutch music markets and found that musicians’ entrepreneurial identity is based on the rapid change of musical contexts and local contexts. The Netherlands has been building an institutionalized pathway to let musicians’ artistic needs meet their entrepreneurial sensibility. Nevertheless, according to their research, the conditions that musicians have to face in pursuing their music careers are extremely complex. For example, opportunities are inversely proportional to the number of young aspiring musicians; only a small proportion of musicians achieve a successful career; and digitalization, which seemed to be a possible way to increase the number of successful independent musicians, will probably reduce their opportunities over time.

This tendency is quite common in the world. Güven ( 2020 ) considered the music environment in Turkey and found that musicians there are experiencing increasing difficulties in their creative work. In fact, they do not talk about solidarity in the music world. Instead, they talk of the increasing commodification of music where solid experience and career building seem to be an illusion. Therefore, we have to ask why there are always more young people trying to establish a career in music (Everts and Haynes 2021 ).

4.3.2 The changing and multifaced business models of musicians

Musicians need to diversify their business models by composing, producing, and distributing their music. Given the degree of technological evolution, understanding the future of independent musicians’ business models is complicated. A considerable number of musicians have experienced a decline after the digital revolution in terms of professional studio performance and recording (Herbst and Albrecht 2018 ). Nevertheless, in this framework, music is the principal service in a portfolio of services entirely managed by musicians (Eiriz and Leite 2017 ). Therefore, even if a musician’s self-image and career goals remained the same before and after the digital revolution, there is a general consensus in the music market regarding the fact that the way to achieve career objectives has changed (Schwetter 2016 ).

In new business models, collaboration and cooperation between governmental and non-governmental organizations, among different kinds of art and culture, and among artists seems to guarantee partial independence from record contracts (Ibrahimova 2019 ). For example, in the hip hop environment, Carter and Welsh ( 2018 ) found that collaboration among rappers increases their visibility. Among hip hop artists, there is a tendency to abandon record contracts to pursue a solitary career. A specific example is Alessandro Aleotti (alias J Ax) in Italy who in 2013 decided to quit his contract with New Sound and start his own record label called Newtopia with another famous Italian hip hop artist, Federico Leonard Lucia (alias Fedez).

The choices of independent musicians and labels about where and what to record are extremely contextual and related to the need for non-traditional recording locations (Walzer 2016 ). The role of musicians, producers, and labels are often linked and therefore confused. Consequently, the quantification of their contribution to the production of independent music is complex. Nevertheless, the evidence shows that producers’, musicians’, and sound engineers’ contributions are critical for communication during the decision-making process (Walzer 2016 ).

In summary, the evidence in the literature underlines the complexity of the music market for musicians. This precondition could lead to the reasonable conclusion that musicians should dedicate much more time to the commercial side of their work. Nevertheless, and counterintuitively, publications show that musicians still devote most of their time to creative work. Everts et al. ( 2021 ) studied the early career experiences of Dutch musicians and found that the strong dynamicity of the music industry does not change the perceived high value of being musicians. In fact, musicians do not spend their time trying to boost their position on social networks because they perceive that the funds needed to flourish in that environment are becoming prohibitive. Therefore, they devote their time to creation and to the development of their fan base outside the internet. Finally, they show to enjoy the entrepreneurial part of their activity.

Consequently, the digital revolution, together with the persisting situation of oligopoly in the market, allowed musicians to abandon the idea of record contracts and to embrace self-promotion through self-publishing and self-management (Schwetter 2016 ). The instability of direct revenue experienced by independent musicians and labels resulted in a substantial change after the digital revolution. The digitalization of music had a dramatic impact on musicians’ activity, particularly for independent musicians who are becoming more than composers and who are developing entrepreneurial skills that were traditionally the purview of labels and agencies (Eiriz and Leite 2017 ). Moreover, laws and regulation for the management of copyright have been designed to improve consumers’ interests and rights and show weakness in the connection between copyright and the collective needs of management organizations, thus resulting in an unfair advantage for major labels (Schroff and Street 2017 ).

5 Future research opportunities

Based on the content analysis in the previous section, multiple future research opportunities can be identified. These opportunities emerge with the same distribution as the themes and subthemes from the grounded theory analysis. Table 1 presents a summary of the most relevant research questions that have been deduced from the articles’ contents.

Concerning the role of digitalization in the revolution of the music market, the analysis showed that it contributed to recovering from the previous period of stagnation (e.g., Dellyana et al. 2017 ). Therefore, future research can examine the contribution of specific factors that may or may not be connected with the technological revolution in more depth. In particular, it can concentrate more on the new forms of financing (e.g., crowdfunding) and their influence on the growth of the music industry. Moreover, researchers can perform in-depth analysis of the determinants of the major labels’ ability to maintain their leadership position after the digital revolution (Guichardaz et al. 2019 ). In particular, researchers can concentrate on the effect of a set of variables that exclude financial logic. Furthermore, as this market condition allows two different levels of competition, researchers could focus on the commonalities and differences that can emerge from the study of this dualism.

Trabucchi et al. ( 2017 ) reflected on the opportunity for artists and labels to base their competition strategies on the concept of “meaning.” More conceptual papers on this topic should be published to allow music actors to embrace new strategies connected to this concept. In particular, theoretical articles could help artists and labels better connect their visions, missions, and brands in a practical execution of “meaning” for their products.

Concerning the position of major labels and their permanent leadership position in the market, research on this is based on consumers’ expectations about hedonic performances (Chen et al. 2018 ). In particular, the logic of differentiation could reduce the distance between the two levels of competition that emerged in the music market. Therefore, more research on single case studies is needed to understand what elements allow minor artists to emerge without having access to major artists’ financial and power-related assets. Specifically, research should concentrate on the conditions that allow the reduction or elimination of barriers that traditionally impede the emergence of minor artists and labels (e.g., Pillai et al. 2021 ; Walzer 2016 ). Finally, researchers should help minor labels and artists find better applications of existing technologies characterized by low costs.

One of the positive effects of the digital revolution is that the available technology allows artists and producers to be more creative in their work. Therefore, new variables have started to affect the basis of consumers’ access to music listening. Even if research has found some interesting connections between critical variables (e.g., advertising and reservation; Li et al. 2020 ) and the new forms of consumer access to music listening, more empirical research and case studies are needed to fully understand this phenomenon. Moreover, technology has made consumer research related to music easier and more efficient. Nevertheless, it seems that this condition has not changed the general competition in the music market. Therefore, more empirical research is needed to understand the mediators and moderators of consumers’ opportunities to satisfy their music needs via alternative music and independent artists. In other words, research should study new methods for improving the opportunities for minor artists and independent labels using the existing technological instruments.

Concerning the negative effects of the digital revolution on the music markets, research has focused on the complex conditions of local record and music stores. In this regard, more conceptual papers are needed to evaluate new forms of experiential content through which local record stores can overcome the current crisis. Moreover, empirical analyses should be performed to obtain a deeper understanding of the cultural elements that increase consumers’ tendency to avoid traditional purchasing methods.

Multiple papers have debated the role of music festivals in business and management studies. Music festivals are widely recognized as complex phenomena in which the management instruments needed to achieve results should be organized and planned using holistic and innovative logic (Laberschek et al. 2020 ). Empirical research in this field has been sufficiently developed, and the literature indirectly calls for more conceptual studies. Specifically, it seems that in this field, practice is more advanced and faster compared with theory. Therefore, theoretical research should concentrate on multidisciplinary issues to ensure that festival managers have opportunities to build their style while drawing on solid and consolidated theoretical foundations; this will limit the chaotic and unpredictable events occurring in festivals at present.

First, the theoretical papers concentrate on the connection between chaos theory and management, applying these connections to music festival management. It is necessary to theorize new advancements in chaos management before they are applied in practice. Music festival management needs to refer to innovative and challenging management theory to develop new methods of obtaining economic, financial, social, and sustainable results from the event organization.

Second, conceptual research should be performed to increase the understanding of elements that improve consumers’ experience during festivals. Theorizing about management methods for niche festivals in which a specific kind of music is considered can help organizations stimulate consumers’ experience. In particular, theoretical studies of the foundation of the internationalization of festivals referring specifically to niche festivals can be critical for finding solutions to management issues (da Cunha Brandão and Oliveira 2019 ).

Third, the literature firmly calls for a better understanding of the conceptual foundations of the concept of value in music festivals. Holism, post-co-creativism, and the control of socioeconomic turbulence and chaotic issues related to the management of festivals are widely recognized as powerful instruments for value creation (e.g., Gozini and Tseane-Gumbi 2017 ; Robertson et al. 2018 ). Moreover, co-creation and co-innovation seem to play a critical role in the panorama of actors involved in these events. Similar practical consideration represents a strong call for pushing conceptual analyses to a higher level; in this way, management theory can overcome the limitations of being directly connected to managerial practices and can achieve a superior stage of abstraction.

In addition to the need for theoretical research, more empirical research is needed on the role of the music market in sustainability issues. There is still a distance between the sincere interest in sustainability management and its realization (e.g., Richardson 2019 ; Raffay-Danyi and Formadi 2022 ). Therefore, empirical research should consider single and multiple case studies concerning the positive effect on consumers’ experience and the benefits resulting from the application of sustainability management practices. A case study should be performed using longitudinal logic to highlight differences in terms of praxis and results and to guide future management when it comes to investing time and resources in implementing such logic efficiently.

Finally, the literature revealed considerable interest in the dualism between music and profits. The problem of musicians being reluctant to be considered entrepreneurs has been studied in a number of empirical publications. A possible promising lens for analysis could come from the psychological theory of professional identity (e.g., Marcia 1966 ). In particular, the literature could benefit from more qualitative research based on in-depth interviews and surveys analyzing the status of musicians’ identities in depth. The final aim of this research is to understand what identity status can lead musicians to overcome the obstacle of their reluctance to consider music in the same manner as all other fields. In this sense, more historical research could be beneficial to overcome the dualism between art and entrepreneurship. Harbor ( 2020 ) demonstrated that a considerable number of marketing interventions were used during the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries to promote music concerts and the arts. More historical references to the connection between entrepreneurship and the arts could be helpful in overcoming this problematic dualism.

6 Discussion and managerial implications

In the last decade, the music market has been greatly affected by the digital revolution, and technology has caused profound internal changes. This revolution has increased the opportunity for the diffusion of music through several services, means, and platforms, even though the oligopoly of major labels has continued to dominate the market. Nevertheless, the exploitation of these new opportunities is limited by the high level of financial and technical resources needed to access innovative technologies. Therefore, although the digital revolution has increased opportunities for minor artists and labels, the competition is still divided into two levels—the oligopoly of major labels and artists and the super competition of minor labels and artists. To overcome this limitation, futuristic strategies need to be conceptualized and operationalized, and most probably they will be based on the concept of “meaning” (Trabucchi et al. 2017 ).

Papies and van Heerde ( 2017 ) identified concerts as one of the most powerful instruments through which minor artists can improve their opportunities to flourish. The empirical literature concentrates on understanding the effects of specific management styles on the organization of events and festivals. Therefore, there is evidence of the fundamental role that concerts and live events will play in the future. Events are seen as chaotic and complex phenomena in which managerial styles cannot be centered on the organization but have to be based on co-creation and co-innovation, promoting revolutionary organization initiatives to enhance opportunities for minor artists and labels to emerge and succeed. Co-creation and co-innovation should be achieved through the involvement of musicians, record labels, and consumers, resulting in a mutually useful network in which access to high levels of financial resources is not an issue. In this sense, the philosophy through which musicians should interpret their role in society has to change in order to promote their role as self-entrepreneurs and to develop their business identity.

This review led to the identification of numerous managerial implications, mainly concentrated on event and store management, sustainable management logic, and the condition of musicians in the market. In terms of improving consumer engagement, managers should place more emphasis on consumers’ preferences than on the cost of performance (Kim et al. 2022 ). The literature highlights that consumers are still interested in the principal product of the music market— music (Papies and van Heerde 2017 ). In this sense, particular attention has to be paid to music festivals and events. During festivals, the aesthetic of the offering has been recognized as a fundamental factor in achieving the events’ objectives. Furthermore, surprising consumers with unique stimuli is critical to increase their engagement (Loureiro et al. 2021 ). In fact, organizations should challenge the status quo by collecting as much information as possible on the changing nature of their audiences. Hiring a community manager who conducts research on social media and promotes events depending on the participants’ preferences can be a strategic factor in improving the quality of integrated communication between organizations and consumers and in increasing loyalty among attendees (Llopis-Amorós et al. 2018 ). Moreover, managers should go beyond adapting their organizations to the changes related to social media platforms and should build solid relationships with their customers, thus increasing the opportunity to achieve greater loyalty and improving their opportunity to involve consumers in the process of co-creation (Choi and Burnes 2017 ).

The literature discusses sustainable management logic. In general, overcoming the traditional barriers and roles in management logic seems to be fundamental for the future of marketing strategies in this field (Vendrell-Herrero 2018 ). In particular, Kullak et al. ( 2021 ) suggested that managers of minor organizations should develop and coordinate a network in which actors have access to relevant resources. Moreover, as there is evidence about the difficult conditions of advertisement-related returns, music suppliers should differentiate their policies depending on this variable. Li et al. ( 2020 ) recommended that managers should choose an ownership, subscription, or mixed-pricing model according to their level of advertisement returns.

Sustainable management in music should be achieved through improving communication between suppliers and customers. In particular, it is perceived as critical to develop technological tools to allow for the establishment and maintenance of a relationship between distributors and consumers (Tran et al. 2018 ). In this sense, the literature recognizes that the technological revolution is one of the most important opportunities for music managers to change their organizational logic. Technology “favour[s] smaller, more flexible companies that are more conducive to innovation” (Renard and Hallam 2018 , p 182). Firms should put their traditional models and decision-making procedures under review, concentrating on changing definition of “meaning” that music consumers adopt over time (Trabucchi et al. 2017 ).

The problem of sustainability has also been analyzed in light of the difficulties that small music enterprises face when it comes to accessing high levels of financial support. For example, Andersén et al. ( 2019 ) showed that to improve their growth opportunities, small firms can exploit their relationships with environmental-oriented suppliers and their ability to develop green purchasing capabilities. The sustainable management logic also relates to an improvement in the congruency between in-store background music and the purchase experience that sellers want their customers to have. The literature highlights the importance of the correlation between advertising, music, and all other stimuli and environments in which purchasing takes place (Michel et al. 2017 ). In fact, the correct combination of music and advertising can be useful for changing brand perceptions. For example, an intense sound and low pitch can communicate masculinity, whereas high-pitched sounds can communicate femininity (Zoghaib 2019 ). Moreover, empirical evidence has shown that major tones and faster tempos improve the purchase experience (Liu et al. 2022 ). Music associated with different levels of arousal can be used to manipulate consumers’ feelings; for instance, uncomfortable situations can be smoothed out through background music characterized by low levels of arousal (Roy and Das 2022 ). Stable tonal structures can induce cheerfulness, whereas unstable tonal structures communicate sadness (Zoghaib 2019 ). Therefore, if sellers want to prolong consumers’ purchasing experiences and in-store visits, they should choose music of a low tempo and volume (Michel et al. 2017 ).

The literature discusses the position of musicians in the music business. In particular, various articles debate the opportunities that music allows professionals depending on their level of popularity. For example, Papies and van Heerde ( 2017 ) observed that concerts are critical for both famous musicians and musicians who are not famous. For famous musicians, concerts represent an opportunity to consolidate their position in the market. For less famous artists, concerts should be considered marketing strategies to increase their popularity, that is, as launching pads for their future careers.

7 Conclusions

Music comprises a dynamic, complex, and chaotic environment in which futuristic management styles and co-creation, co-innovation, and post co-creation logics should be considered in planning and operationalizing strategies at every level of competition. Although the digital revolution has transformed many aspects of the music business and management, several issues continue to limit its evolution. This SLR clarified that in the future, a considerably relevant role will be played by events, festivals, and concerts whereby innovative managerial styles can overcome the complex conditions of minor artists and labels and allow them to flourish. Nevertheless, the picture of music generated from the literature is still evolving. The future of the field seems to demand higher levels of philosophy around business issues and management styles through which obstacles relating to the position of musicians as entrepreneurs will be overcome, and products will be considered for their meaning rather than for their cost.

Data availability

The datasets generated during and/or analysed during the current study are available from the corresponding author on reasonable request.

Andersén J, Jansson C, Ljungkvist T (2019) Can environmentally oriented CEOs and environmentally friendly suppliers boost the growth of small firms? Bus Strategy Environ 29:325–334. https://doi.org/10.1002/bse.2366

Article   Google Scholar  

Ansari A, Stahl F, Heitmann M, Bremer L (2018) Building a social network for success. J Mark Res 55:321–338. https://doi.org/10.1509/jmr.12.0417

Arbatani TR, Asadi H, Omidi A (2018) Media innovations in digital music distribution: the case of beeptunes.com. In: Khajeheian D, Friedrichsen M, Mödinger W (eds) Competitiveness in emerging markets market dynamics in the age of disruptive technologies, pp 93–108. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-71722-7_6

Arditi D (2017) Digital subscriptions: the unending consumption of music in the digital era. Pop Music Soc 41(3):302–318. https://doi.org/10.1080/03007766.2016.1264101

Areiza-Padilla JA, Galindo-Becerra T (2022) The importance of e-service quality in the livestreaming music concert business. Cogent Soc Sci 8(1):1–17. https://doi.org/10.1080/23311886.2022.2051791

Aşan K, Kaptangil K, Gargacı Kınay A (2020) Mediating role of perceived festival value in the relationship between experiences and satisfaction. Int J Event Festiv Manag 11(2):255–271. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijefm-11-2019-0058

Azzellini D, Greer I, Umney C (2021) Why isn’t there an Uber for live music? The digitalisation of intermediaries and the limits of the platform economy. New Technol Work Employ 37(1):1–23. https://doi.org/10.1111/ntwe.12213

Barata ML, Coelho PS (2021) Music streaming services: understanding the drivers of customer purchase and intention to recommend. Heliyon 7(8):e07783. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2021.e07783

Boyakova EV (2018) Quality management of music education in modern kindergarten: educational expectations of families. Qual Manag 19(143):60–64

Google Scholar  

Brandão AMPDC, de Oliveira RF (2019) Internationalization strategies in music festivals. Sci Ann Econ 66:91–112. https://doi.org/10.47743/saeb-2019-0018

Bridson K, Evans J, Varman R, Volkov M, McDonald S (2017) Questioning worth: selling out in the music industry. Eur J Mark 51:1650–1668. https://doi.org/10.1108/ejm-06-2015-0391

Carter D, Welsh T (2018) “Everybody wants to work with me”: collaborative labor in hip hop. Pop Music Soc 42(3):267–283. https://doi.org/10.1080/03007766.2018.1441639

Chen CC, Leon S, Nakayama M (2018) Converting music streaming free users to paid subscribers: social influence or hedonic performance. Int J Electron Bus 14(2):128. https://doi.org/10.1504/ijeb.2018.094870

Choi H, Burnes B (2017) Bonding and Spreading. Manag Decis 55:1905–1923. https://doi.org/10.1108/md-10-2016-0691

Coelho MP, Mendes JZ (2019) Digital music and the “death of the long tail.” J Bus Res 101:454–460. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2019.01.015

Cooke D (1990) The language of music. Clarendon Press, Oxford

Corbin JM, Strauss A (1990) Grounded theory research: procedures, canons, and evaluative criteria. Qual Sociol 13:3–21. https://doi.org/10.1007/bf00988593

Dellyana D, Simatupang TM, Dhewanto W (2017) Business model types associated with network structure changes in the music industry. Int J Bus Innov Res 13:112. https://doi.org/10.1504/ijbir.2017.083258

Denyer D, Tranfield D (2009) Producing a systematic review. In: Buchanan DA, Bryman A (eds) Sage handbook of organizational research methods. Sage Publications Ltd, Thousand Oaks, pp 671–689

Dodds R, Novotny M, Harper S (2020) Shaping our perception of reality: sustainability communication by Canadian festivals. Int J Event Festiv Manag 11(4):473–492. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijefm-03-2020-0012

Eiriz V, Leite FP (2017) The digital distribution of music and its impact on the business models of independent musicians. Serv Ind J 37(13–14):875–895. https://doi.org/10.1080/02642069.2017.1361935

Everts R, Haynes J (2021) Taking care of business: the routines and rationales of early-career musicians in the Dutch and British music industries. Int J Cult Stud 24(5):731–748. https://doi.org/10.1177/13678779211004610

Everts R, Hitters E, Berkers P (2021) The working life of musicians: mapping the work activities and values of early-career pop musicians in the Dutch music industry. Creat Ind J 15:97–117. https://doi.org/10.1080/17510694.2021.1899499

Frederickson J, Rooney JF (1990) How the music occupation failed to become a profession. Int Rev Aesthet Sociol Music 21:189. https://doi.org/10.2307/837023

Gamble JR, McAdam R, Brennan M (2018) How user-centric innovation is affecting stakeholder marketing strategies: exploratory findings from the music industry. Eur Manag Rev 16:1175–1193. https://doi.org/10.1111/emre.12326

Gamble JR, Brennan M, McAdam R (2017) A rewarding experience? Exploring how crowdfunding is affecting music industry business models. J Bus Res 70:25–36. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2016.07.009

Global Times (2020) German musicians hold silent protest over renewed lockdowns. https://www.globaltimes.cn/content/1205544.shtml

Gozini N, Tseane-Gumbi LA (2017) Economic impacts of Buyel’Ekhaya Pan-African cultural music festival on East London residents, Eastern Cape Province, South Africa. Afr J Hosp Tour Leis 6:1–12

Gruhn W (2004) Mapping music education research in Germany. Psychol Music 32:311–321. https://doi.org/10.1177/0305735604043259

Guichardaz R, Bach L, Penin J (2019) Music industry intermediation in the digital era and the resilience of the Majors’ oligopoly: the role of transactional capability. Ind Innov 26:843–869. https://doi.org/10.1080/13662716.2018.1561357

Güven UZ (2020) Hoping for the best, preparing for the worst: a sociological study on being a musician in Turkey. J Econ Cult Soc. https://doi.org/10.26650/jecs2019-0105

Han J, Wang W, Zheng C, Zhang J (2017) Host perceptions of music festival impacts: time and space matter? Asia Pac J Tour Res 22(11):1156–1168. https://doi.org/10.1080/10941665.2017.1374986

Harbor C (2020) The marketing of concerts in London 1672–1749. J Hist Res Mark 12:449–471. https://doi.org/10.1108/jhrm-08-2019-0027

Haynes J, Marshall L (2017) Reluctant entrepreneurs: musicians and entrepreneurship in the ‘new’ music industry. Br J Sociol 69:459–482. https://doi.org/10.1111/1468-4446.12286

Hazel D, Mason C (2020) The role of stakeholders in shifting environmental practices of music festivals in British Columbia, Canada. Int J Event Festiv Manag 11(2):181–202. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijefm-07-2019-0037

Henry ML (2013) The musical experiences, career aspirations, and attitudes toward the music education profession of all-state musicians. J Music Teach Educ 24:40–53. https://doi.org/10.1177/1057083713506998

Herbst JP, Albrecht T (2018) The work realities of professional studio musicians in the German popular music recording industry: Careers, practices and economic situations. IASPM Journal 8:18–37. https://doi.org/10.5429/2079-3871(2018)v8i2.3en

Hunter PG, Schellenberg EG (2010) Music and emotion. In: Riess Jones M, Fay R, Popper A (eds) Music percept. Springer handbook of auditory research, vol 36, pp 129–164. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4419-6114-3_5

Huron D (2001) Is music an evolutionary adaptation? Ann NY Acad Sci 930:43–61. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1749-6632.2001.tb05724.x

Ibrahimova SG (2019) Features of music management in Azerbaijan. Revista Inclusiones 7:220–234

IFPI (2022) Global music report. In IFPI. Retrieved March 22, 2 C.E., Access: November 22nd 2022. from  https://www.ifpi.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/IFPI_Global_Music_Report_2022-State_of_the_Industry.pdf

Inkhong N, Amatyakul P, Pidokrajt N (2020) Neumatic singing in thai popular singing, 1925–1967. Soc Sci Hum 28:647–659

Karakayali N, Alpertan B (2020) Mood playlists, biopower, and the “functional turn” in online media: what happens when a pre-digital social control technology is transferred to the internet? Inf Soc 37:20–34. https://doi.org/10.1080/01972243.2020.1826616

Kim J, Kang MY (2022) Sustainable success in the music industry: empirical analysis of music preferences. J Bus Res 142:1068–1076. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2022.01.021

Kim J, Nam C, Ryu MH (2017) What do consumers prefer for music streaming services? A comparative study between Korea and US. Telecommun Policy 41(4):263–272. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.telpol.2017.01.008

Kinnunen M, Luonila M, Honkanen A (2018) Segmentation of music festival attendees. Scand J Hosp Tour 19(3):278–299. https://doi.org/10.1080/15022250.2018.1519459

Klein K, Melnyk V, Völckner F (2021) Effects of background music on evaluations of visual images. Psychol Mark 38:2240–2246. https://doi.org/10.1002/mar.21588

Koh B, Hann IH, Raghunathan S (2019) Digitization of music: consumer adoption amidst piracy, unbundling, and rebundling. MIS Q 43:25–45. https://doi.org/10.25300/misq/2019/14812

Kruger M, Viljoen A (2021) A cause for celebration! A psychographic typology of attendees at a benefit concert. Int J Cult Tour Hosp Res 15:580–597. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijcthr-07-2020-0135

Kullak FS, Baker JJ, Woratschek H (2021) Enhancing value creation in social purpose organizations: business models that leverage networks. J Bus Res 125:630–642. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2020.01.069

Laberschek M, Piotrowska M, Kantor A, Reczka K, Ciemiera K, Stopa A (2020) “Figuring the chaos out”: organization of the Krakow Film Music Festival from the perspective of project manager and stage manager. Cult Stud Sci Educ 4:85–104. https://doi.org/10.30819/cmse.4-1.05

Landay K, Harms P (2019) Whistle while you work? A review of the effects of music in the workplace. Hum Resour Manag Rev 29(3):371–385. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.hrmr.2018.06.003

Li Y, Wood E, Thomas R (2017) Innovation implementation: harmony and conflict in Chinese modern music festivals. Tour Manag 63:87–99. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tourman.2017.06.009

Li S, Luo Q, Qiu L, Bandyopadhyay S (2020) Optimal Pricing Model of Digital Music: Subscription, Ownership or Mixed? Prod Oper Manag 29:688–704. https://doi.org/10.1111/poms.13131

Liu G, Abolhasani M, Hang H (2022) Disentangling effects of subjective and objective characteristics of advertising music. Eur J Mark 56:1153–1183. https://doi.org/10.1108/ejm-01-2021-0017

Llopis-Amorós MP, Gil-Saura I, Molina MER (2018) The role of marketing communications in generating brand equity for an event. Event Manag 22:825–848. https://doi.org/10.3727/152599518x15241431917142

Loureiro SM, Silva S, Sarmento E (2021) Exploring emotional states and surprise consumption as factors of involvement in music festivals. Revista Turismo & Desenvolvimento 36(2):81–89. https://doi.org/10.34624/rtd.v36i2.4478

Luonila M, Kinnunen M (2019) Future of the arts festivals: do the views of managers and attendees match? Int J Event Festiv Manag 11(1):105–126. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijefm-04-2019-0028

Mallette HM, George W, Blum I (2018) Segmenting the audience attending a military music festival. Int J Event Festiv Manag 9(1):67–85. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijefm-04-2017-0026

Marcia JE (1966) Development and validation of ego-identity status. J Pers Soc Psychol 3(5):551–558. https://doi.org/10.1037/h0023281

Michel A, Baumann C, Gayer L (2017) Thank you for the music—or not? The effects of in-store music in service settings. J Retail Consum Serv 36:21–32. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jretconser.2016.12.008

Mithen S (2009) The music instinct. Ann NY Acad Sci 1169:3–12. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1749-6632.2009.04590.x

Morrow G (2018) Distributed agility: artist co-management in the music attention economy. Int J Arts Manag 20:38–48

Nag W (2017) Music streams, smartphones, and the self. Mob Media Commun 6(1):19–36. https://doi.org/10.1177/2050157917719922

Nakano D (2019) Digital music, online outlets and their business models. Braz J Oper Prod Manag 16(4):581–591. https://doi.org/10.14488/bjopm.2019.v16.n4.a4

Nakano D, Fleury A (2017) Recorded music supply network reconfiguration: the dual effect of digital technology. Int J Manuf Technol Manag 31(1/2/3):153. https://doi.org/10.1504/ijmtm.2017.082009

Naveed K, Watanabe C, Neittaanmäki P (2017) Co-evolution between streaming and live music leads a way to the sustainable growth of music industry—lessons from the US experiences. Technol Soc 50:1–19. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techsoc.2017.03.005

Papies D, van Heerde HJ (2017) The dynamic interplay between recorded music and live concerts: the role of piracy, unbundling, and artist characteristics. J Mark 81:67–87. https://doi.org/10.1509/jm.14.0473

Pillai A, Namadev K, Kumar P, Suresh K (2021) Community, creativity and piracy: a triadic approach towards understanding music streaming adoption among Indian audiences. Int J Technol Mark 15:1. https://doi.org/10.1504/ijtmkt.2021.116896

Pizzolitto E (2021) Are musicians entrepreneurs? A preliminary analysis. In: 7th International scientific-business conference—LIMEN 2021—leadership, innovation, management and economics: integrated politics of research, Graz, Austria. https://doi.org/10.31410/LIMEN.2021

Pompe J, Tamburri L, Munn J (2017) Subscription ticket sales for symphony orchestras: are flexible subscription tickets sustainable? Manag Decis Econ 39(1):71–78. https://doi.org/10.1002/mde.2869

Post C, Sarala R, Gatrell C, Prescott JE (2020) Advancing theory with review articles. J Manag Stud 57:351–376. https://doi.org/10.1111/joms.12549

Prey R, Esteve Del Valle M, Zwerwer L (2020) Platform pop: disentangling Spotify’s intermediary role in the music industry. Inf Commun Soc 25(1):74–92. https://doi.org/10.1080/1369118x.2020.1761859

Qu S, Hesmondhalgh D, Xiao J (2021) Music streaming platforms and self-releasing musicians: the case of China. Inf Commun Soc. https://doi.org/10.1080/1369118x.2021.1971280

Raffay-Danyi G, Formadi K (2022) Are we there yet? An analysis of visitor attitudes towards sustainability awareness raising initiatives. Soc Econ 44:102–118. https://doi.org/10.1556/204.2022.00003

Renard S, Hallam C (2018) Technology shocks and the restructuring of an industry: a social network analysis application for the music business. Int J Technol Intell Plan 12:173. https://doi.org/10.1504/ijtip.2018.096106

Richardson N (2018) Entrepreneurial insights into sustainable marketing: a case study of U.K. music festivals. Strateg Chang 27(6):559–570. https://doi.org/10.1002/jsc.2239

Richardson N (2019) Corporate social responsibility or sustainability in music festivals. Int J Organ Anal 27:1257–1273. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijoa-03-2018-1368

Riemer K, Johnston RB (2019) Disruption as worldview change: a Kuhnian analysis of the digital music revolution. J Inf Technol 34(4):350–370. https://doi.org/10.1177/0268396219835101

Robertson M, Hutton A, Brown S (2018) Event design in outdoor music festival audience behavior (a critical transformative research note). Event Manag 22:1073–1081. https://doi.org/10.3727/152599518x15346132863157

Roll J, Emes J, Horst S-O (2014) Cultural marketing in the digital age: the influence of place and media on the brand image of live-operas. J Mark Trends 4(2):31–37

Roy R, Das G (2022) The role of contextual factors in increasing pay-what-you-want payments: evidence from field experiments. J Bus Res 139:1540–1552. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2021.10.073

Saragih H (2019) Co-creation experiences in the music business: a systematic literature review. J Manag Dev 38(6):464–483. https://doi.org/10.1108/jmd-11-2018-0339

Saragih HS, Simatupang TM, Sunitiyoso Y (2019a) Co-innovation processes in the music business. Heliyon 5(4):e01540. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e01540

Saragih HS, Simatupang T, Sunitiyoso Y (2019b) From co-discovery to co-capture: co-innovation in the music business. Int J Innov Sci 11(4):600–617. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijis-07-2019-0068

Sassenberg AM, Sassenberg C, Sassenberg C, Heneghan M (2022) Effects of atmosphere on emotions and consumer behaviour at wineries. Int J Wine Bus Res 34(4):523–541. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijwbr-05-2021-0028

Savage N (2020) Hundreds of musicians protest outside Parliament. British Broadcasting Corporation. https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-54437872

Schediwy L, Bhansing PV, Loots E (2018) Young musicians’ career identities: do bohemian and entrepreneurial career identities compete or cohere? Creat Ind J 11:174–196. https://doi.org/10.1080/17510694.2018.1489197

Schroff S, Street J (2017) The politics of the digital single market: culture vs. competition vs. copyright. Inf Commun Soc 21(10):1305–1321. https://doi.org/10.1080/1369118x.2017.1309445

Shen X, Williams R, Zheng S, Liu Y, Li Y, Gerst M (2019) Digital online music in China—a “laboratory” for business experiment. Technol Forecast Soc Chang 139:235–249. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.techfore.2018.10.022

Sinclair G, Tinson J (2017) Psychological ownership and music streaming consumption. J Bus Res 71:1–9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2016.10.002

Sky Tg24 (2020, October 31) Covid, da Torino a Napoli: le proteste dei lavoratori del mondo dello spettacolo in Italia. https://tg24.sky.it/cronaca/2020/10/30/covid-italia-proteste-spettacolo . Accessed 22 Nov 2022

Strauss A, Corbin J (1997) Grounded theory in practice, 1st edn. SAGE Publications, Thousand Oaks

Sun H (2019) Paradox of celestial jukebox: resurgence of market control. Creat Ind J 12:105–124. https://doi.org/10.1080/17510694.2018.1554944

Schwetter H (2016) From record contract to artrepreneur? Musicians’ self-management and the changing illusio in the music market. Kritika Kultura 32:183–207

Szmigin I, Bengry-Howell A, Morey Y, Griffin C, Riley S (2017) Socio-spatial authenticity at co-created music festivals. Ann Tour Res 63:1–11. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.annals.2016.12.007

Thomson K (2013) Roles, revenue, and responsibilities: the changing nature of being a working musician. Work Occup 40(4):514–525. https://doi.org/10.1177/0730888413504208

Towse R (2020) Dealing with digital: the economic organisation of streamed music. Media Cult Soc 42(7–8):1461–1478. https://doi.org/10.1177/0163443720919376

Trabucchi D, Pellizzoni E, Buganza T, Verganti R (2017) Interplay between technology and meaning: how music majors reacted? Creat Innov Manag 26:327–338. https://doi.org/10.1111/caim.12234

Tran MK, Goulding C, Shiu E (2018) The orchestra of ideas: using music to enhance the ‘fuzzy front end’ phase of product innovation. J Bus Res 85:504–513. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2017.10.029

Urbinati A, Chiaroni D, Chiesa V, Franzò S, Frattini F (2019) How incumbents manage waves of disruptive innovations: an exploratory analysis of the global music industry. Int J Innov Manag 16:1950006. https://doi.org/10.1142/s0219877019500068

Vendrell-Herrero F, Myrthianos V, Parry G, Bustinza OF (2017) Digital dark matter within product service systems. Competitiveness Rev Int Bus J 27(1):62–79. https://doi.org/10.1108/cr-11-2014-0037

Vendrell-Herrero F, Parry G, Opazo-Basáez M, Sanchez-Montesinos FJ (2018) Does business model experimentation in dynamic contexts enhance value capture? Int J of Bus Env 10:14–34. https://doi.org/10.1504/IJBE.2018.093301

Vrontis D, Christofi M (2019) R&D internationalization and innovation: a systematic review, integrative framework and future research directions. J Bus Res 128:812–823. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbusres.2019.03.031

Waldfogel J (2017) How digitization has created a golden age of music, movies, books, and television. J Econ Perspect 31:195–214. https://doi.org/10.1257/jep.31.3.195

Walzer DA (2016) Independent music production: how individuality, technology and creative entrepreneurship influence contemporary music industry practices. Creat Ind J 10(1):21–39. https://doi.org/10.1080/17510694.2016.1247626

Welch G, Hallam S, Lamont A, Swanwick K, Green L, Hennessy S, Cox G, O’Neill S, Farrell G (2004) Mapping music education research in the UK. Psychol Music 32:239–290. https://doi.org/10.1177/0305735604043257

Werner K, Griese KM, Faatz A (2019) Value co-creation processes at sustainable music festivals: a grounded theory approach. Int J Event Festiv Manag 11(1):127–144. https://doi.org/10.1108/ijefm-06-2019-0031

Wickham M, Donnelly T, French L (2021) Strategic sustainability management in the event sector. Event Manag 25(3):279–296. https://doi.org/10.3727/152599519x15506259856318

Wolfswinkel JF, Furtmueller E, Wilderom CPM (2013) Using grounded theory as a method for rigorously reviewing literature. Eur J Inf Syst 22:45–55. https://doi.org/10.1057/ejis.2011.51

Zhang L (2018) Intellectual property strategy and the long tail: evidence from the recorded music industry. Manag Sci 64(1):24–42. https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2016.2562

Zoghaib A (2019) Typology of advertising music components and consumers’ responses to the brand. Rech Et Appl En Mark (engl Edn) 34:47–82. https://doi.org/10.1177/2051570718828893

Download references

Open access funding provided by Università degli Studi G. D'Annunzio Chieti Pescara within the CRUI-CARE Agreement. The authors declare that no funds, grants, or other support were received during the preparation of this manuscript.

Author information

Authors and affiliations.

Department of Business Economics, University G. D’Annunzio – Chieti-Pescara, Viale Pindaro, 42, 65127, Pescara, PE, Italy

Elia Pizzolitto

You can also search for this author in PubMed   Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Elia Pizzolitto .

Ethics declarations

Conflict of interest.

The author has no competing interests to declare.

Additional information

Publisher's note.

Springer Nature remains neutral with regard to jurisdictional claims in published maps and institutional affiliations.

Rights and permissions

Open Access This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, which permits use, sharing, adaptation, distribution and reproduction in any medium or format, as long as you give appropriate credit to the original author(s) and the source, provide a link to the Creative Commons licence, and indicate if changes were made. The images or other third party material in this article are included in the article's Creative Commons licence, unless indicated otherwise in a credit line to the material. If material is not included in the article's Creative Commons licence and your intended use is not permitted by statutory regulation or exceeds the permitted use, you will need to obtain permission directly from the copyright holder. To view a copy of this licence, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ .

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Pizzolitto, E. Music in business and management studies: a systematic literature review and research agenda. Manag Rev Q 74 , 1439–1472 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11301-023-00339-3

Download citation

Received : 16 March 2022

Accepted : 13 March 2023

Published : 27 March 2023

Issue Date : September 2024

DOI : https://doi.org/10.1007/s11301-023-00339-3

Share this article

Anyone you share the following link with will be able to read this content:

Sorry, a shareable link is not currently available for this article.

Provided by the Springer Nature SharedIt content-sharing initiative

• Digital revolution
• Systematic literature review
• Grounded analysis

JEL Classification

• Find a journal
• Publish with us
• Track your research

• Write my thesis
• Thesis writers
• Buy thesis papers
• Bachelor thesis
• Master's thesis
• Thesis editing services
• Thesis proofreading services
• Buy a thesis online
• Write my dissertation
• Dissertation proposal help
• Pay for dissertation
• Custom dissertation
• Dissertation help online
• Buy dissertation online
• Cheap dissertation
• Dissertation editing services
• Write my research paper
• Buy research paper online
• Pay for research paper
• Research paper help
• Order research paper
• Custom research paper
• Cheap research paper
• Research papers for sale
• Thesis subjects
• How It Works

160 Hot Music Research Paper Topics For You

Music has been part of human beings since time immemorial. As it evolves, everyone has a specific taste for a specific song, genre, or musical instrument. Some of the top genres include roots, reggae, hip-hop, jazz, and rock music. The evolution and popularity of music have made it become one of the important subjects taught in schools worldwide.

If you are in college, pursuing music as a career, one of the important tasks when writing every research paper is picking the right topic. However, selecting an exciting music topic has always been a challenge for most students. To help you with the problem, we have listed the top 160 music research topics. Go ahead and select any of them or tweak them to reflect your preference.

How To Select The Best Music Topics For Research Paper

• Special Tips to use when Selecting Research Topics about Music

Top Music Research Paper Topics

Music argument topics, music history topics, hip hop research paper topics, jazz research paper topics, music appreciation research paper topics, music education research topics, pop culture research paper topics, rap topics ideas, fun music topics.

The ability to come up with the right topic for your music research paper is an important skill that every student should develop. Here are some steps to follow when looking for the most appropriate music research paper topics.

• Go for the research topic about music that is interesting to you.
• Only pick the music topics to write about if they have ample resources.
• Ensure only to pick interesting music topics that meet your college requirements.
• Go for the topic that you can comprehensively write on.

Special Tips to Use When Selecting Research Topics About Music

If you want to enjoy every moment working on your research papers, it is advisable to cast eyes beyond what is easy and popular. This means trying to check interesting topics that will allow you to answer tough research questions about music. Here are additional tips to help you:

• Brainstorm the current music topics.
• Comprehensively research the subject of interest before starting to develop the topics.
• Consider starting with music thesis topics and finally narrow to the one you consider the best.
• Follow current affairs in the music industry.
• A closer look at the evolution of music over the years.
• Analyzing the most influential musicians of the 20th century.
• Analyzing the relationship between music and dance.
• A closer look at the most lucrative careers for musicians.
• Music and health: What is the relationship?
• How does music impact fashion?
• Which music genre has impacted music more?
• A closer look at music marketing for different genres.
• Does music help learners concentrate when doing assignments?
• How does music affect clothing style?
• Evaluating the influence of music on culture in a country of choice.
• Analyzing the use of music for advancing political propaganda.
• How has production in music changed in the recent past?
• Drawing the connections between popular and contemporary music.
• Comparing music in the US with that of Latin America?
• In what ways are music and poetry related?
• Classical music: Does it still play a major role in music production today?
• Evaluating the main processes used in music production today.
• Analyzing the importance of music theory in music production.
• Music production: Why do some musicians ask others to write their songs?
• Pirating is one of the biggest threats to the growth of the music industry.
• Music can be a great rehabilitation procedure for inmates.
• The cost of music production is a major obstacle to the faster growth of the industry.
• Exploring the factors that have made Chinese music develop slower compared to western music.
• Evaluating the most important skills that an artist needs to produce a song.
• How does music compare to other types of media today?
• How does music impact the way people think?
• What are the most notable challenges in music production?
• How does creating music impact how people think?
• Comparing the roles of women in contemporary and modern music.
• What challenges do minority groups have in music production?
• What are the legal implications of downloading music?
• Music production: How does contemporary and modern music production differ?
• What role do social media platforms play in music distribution?
• Evaluating common traits of people who like listening to classical music.
• How does music affect teen behavior?
• Is music helpful in your daily activities?
• Analyzing music as a tool of advertisement.
• The future of music.
• Exploring the significance of music in education.
• Assessing the contribution of music to the US economy.
• What is the contribution of music to the US economy today?
• A closer look at the impact of pop music on people’s culture.
• What are the key differences between 21 st and 20 th -century pop music?
• How is music production affected by different laws in the US?
• Analyzing the ethical impacts of downloading music.
• Analyzing the evolution of symphonic music.
• A closer look at the use of classical music in the video production industry.
• Women who played significant roles in classical music.
• What differentiates Mozart music from other types of classical music?
• A comparative analysis of two top classical musical producers.
• The economic impacts of free music downloading.
• How does revenue from music and film production compare?
• Analyzing the main characteristics of country music.
• Exploring the relationship between drugs and psychedelic rock.
• A closer look at the merits and demerits of capitalistic perception of the music industry.
• Analyzing the modern approaches to songwriting.
• How has jazz impacted the American culture?
• Exploring the roots of African-American melodies.
• A historical comparison of hip-hop and jazz.
• What does it take for a musician to succeed today?
• Should the government fund upcoming artists?
• Which classical artist has had the biggest impact on you?
• The impact of the British music invasion of the US market.
• How is music used in war?
• Comparing high and low culture in the current music.
• Exploring the difference between music and poetry.
• Comparing the most lucrative careers in the music industry.
• What impact does music has on children’s cognitive development?
• Analyzing the history of American music education.

Different forms of music exist that we learn in various genres. In many institutions, music argument topics are assigned to know a student’s response regarding their opinions towards a genre. These music types range from classical to country, pop, jazz, blues, afro beats, and rock music. Understanding each one and knowing examples will help students choose the right argument. Some topics include;

• Evolution of rock music in comparison with rap music.
• What is behind the various instruments and their history in creating a particular genre of music?
• How the merging of societies and cultures influence native music.
• Reasons why rock music was used in the cinemas for long periods instead of another genre.
• The effect of globalization on pop and jazz music.
• The prominence of jazz music in the US over a short time.
• How black women fought and argued over social injustice through jazz music.
• Does jazz music celebrate black culture or glorify oppression?
• Women or men – who have played more roles in the development of classical music?
• The prominence of rap music in the present generation. Result of depreciated quality of music or evolution?

Music contains a broad history, with studies on performance, composition, reception, and quality over time. The history of music is usually intertwined with the composer’s life and development of the particular genre they create. Some music history topics include;

• History of pop music in America in the 20th century.
• Musical styles of England in the 21st century.
• The history of afro-beat and their development across West Africa and the rest of the world.
• Historical performance of music: the study of Beethoven’s works.
• History of Jazz and its development in the United States.
• Music in Ancient cultures: Native music
• The role of women in music development
• History of classical music
• Different types of music in the 19th century
• Important of renaissance music in history.

Present-day hip-hop music developed its culture and lyrical pattern. The style has evolved and gotten more refined and flexible over the years. Going into its history, many facets inspired it to what it has become today. Some hip hop research paper topics include;

• The history and structure of hip hop music
• Hip hop and its ties with poetry
• Hip hop culture and fashion today
• Old school vs. new school hip hop
• Rap and hip hop culture
• Violence in rap and hip hop
• The evolution of hip hop and rap music
• The positives and negatives of hip hop and its culture
• Bland misogyny in hip hop music lyrics
• The role of hip hop in white and black cultures

Jazz has a rich history in black culture and black liberation and its development led to major cultural shifts across the world. This music genre is refined and is deep-rooted in black history. It is music for the soul. Here are some jazz research paper topics;

• What is jazz music? An explanatory approach to its culture and relevance.
• History of jazz music.
• Jazz music and pop culture
• Jazz music and its listeners: Who listens to modern jazz?
• Why 1959 was a turning point in the history of jazz?
• The significance of jazz on the civil rights movement
• The history of jazz dances in America
• Some of the best jazz musicians of the 20th century
• Development of jazz music into the post-modern era.
• A study and review of the different dimensions of jazz.

Research topics on music appreciation mainly look into the reception and criticism of a given piece of music. This is achieved while examining vital music facets such as rhythm, performance, melody, and instrumentation. Here are some good examples of music appreciation research paper topics.

• The best generations of music
• The greatest musical icon: the life and times of Michael Jackson
• Music appreciation in the 21st century
• Music philosophy and its value
• Notable mentions in music evolution
• The theory of music and its importance
• The unique and different eras of music
• Music and its welcomed effect on the brain
• Music in different continents
• The love for opera

Music education is integral and important to enlightening younger generations about musical history, culture, evolution, and present significance to society. Without music to decorate our lives, time is just a dull passage of raw emotions and existence. Music knowledge and understanding is vital, and it affects our culture and way of life. Here are some music education research topics;

• Scope of music therapy
• The role of music in political movements
• Music and society
• Music business and management
• Functions of music therapy relating to intellectual improvement
• Significance of music education
• Contemporary music and its controversies
• Music and human emotion
• Technology and the evolution of music production
• The birth and prominence of music videos

Pop culture comprises numerous categories, including music, fashion, social media, television, language, and many more. It has gradually become an integral facet of our society. It has its perks and criticisms, but it is here to stay and makes our lives a lot more interesting. Some noteworthy pop culture research paper topics are;

• What makes pop culture popular?
• Is pop culture bad or good for the present society?
• Does pop culture disrupt moral values?
• Modern technology and its effects on pop culture
• How does American pop culture affect the global economy?
• Technology and ethical issues in pop culture
• Pop culture and its educational benefits
• How is humanity’s development expressed in pop culture?
• Is it necessary to study pop culture?
• Pop culture and its demerits to the society

Rap has become a mainstay in our music genre today. After its rocky start, it has fully become integrated into our music culture and lifestyle. Rap is an expression of life situations, love, religion, family, and who we are. Some rap topics ideas include;

• Rhythm and melody
• The art of flow and rhyme in rap
• Rap dimensions: tone and delivery
• Evolution and history of rap music
• The negatives and positives of rap music
• Contemporary rap music
• The role of rap music in black communities
• Does rap incite and encourage black violence?
• The history and origin of rap
• Rap as a means of expression

Music will always be an exemplary form of self-expression and art. Over the years, it has progressed and transformed through various dynamics. Today, at least a hundred music genres out there are fun and beautiful in their diversity. There are many fun music topics, and some of them include:

• How music helps fight stress and psychological problems
• The most iconic musical instruments for creating music
• Which music inspires you and why?
• Music in the 21st century
• The most common and popular type of music
• Reflection of social issues in music
• A couple of reasons to listen to music
• What differentiates good music from bad music?
• Different dimensions of music
• Imagining a non-music world.

After selecting the best research topic about music, the next step is writing your paper. This task is even more monumental than selecting the topic. Here, you need to craft an outline, have impeccable writing skills, and complete your task within the stipulated timelines. Is this too much? If you find it a challenge to write your paper, the best option is seeking writing help. The assistance is provided by affordable writing experts who understand how to create a good music thesis statement and have an impressive experience to craft winning papers. Do you want assurance of high grades? If “yes,” it is time to work with experts!

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Music in business and management studies: a systematic literature review and research agenda

• Management Review Quarterly 74(3)

• Università degli Studi G. d'Annunzio Chieti e Pescara

Abstract and Figures

Discover the world's research

• 25+ million members
• 160+ million publication pages
• 2.3+ billion citations
• Trihadi Pudiawan Erhan
• Cendera Rizky Anugrah Bangun
• Bohdan Kysliak
• Anthony Odek

• Oleksandr Zlotnyk
• Tetiana Humeniuk
• Olena Martsenkivska
• Nataliia Demeshko

• Siis Suhasto
• Tomoliyus Tomoliyus

• Fitrizka Acha Fimbriata

• EUR J MARKETING

• Tatiana Galindo-Becerra

• Cindy Sassenberg
• Claudia Sassenberg
• Marie Heneghan
• PSYCHOL MARKET

• Franziska Völckner
• Inform Comm Soc

• NEW TECH WORK EMPLOY

• Jaehwan Kim
• Moon Young Kang

• Recruit researchers
• Join for free
• Login Email Tip: Most researchers use their institutional email address as their ResearchGate login Password Forgot password? Keep me logged in Log in or Continue with Google Welcome back! Please log in. Email · Hint Tip: Most researchers use their institutional email address as their ResearchGate login Password Forgot password? Keep me logged in Log in or Continue with Google No account? Sign up

• Browse All Articles
• Newsletter Sign-Up

• 08 Aug 2022

Building an 'ARMY' of Fans: Marketing Lessons from K-Pop Sensation BTS

Few companies can boast a customer base as loyal and engaged as BTS fans. In a case study, Doug Chung shares what marketers can learn from the boyband's savvy use of social media and authentic connection with listeners.

• 23 Nov 2021
• Research & Ideas

The Vinyl Renaissance: Take Those Old Records Off the Shelf

If listeners today can stream just about any song they want, why are so many music aficionados still buying records? Ryan Raffaelli and Gold Rush Vinyl CEO Caren Kelleher discuss the resurgence of vinyl. Open for comment; 0 Comments.

• 19 Jan 2017
• Cold Call Podcast

Can Wynton Marsalis and Lincoln Center Save Jazz Music?

With its listenership in steep decline, jazz legend Wynton Marsalis is looking to rebrand the genre and engineer its comeback. Rohit Deshpande discusses his recent case study on the effort. Open for comment; 0 Comments.

• 19 Oct 2016

Three Critical Mistakes Digital Businesses Make With Content

Do companies really understand the nature of today's digital transformation? Bharat Anand's book The Content Trap offers a new view of digital strategy that shifts the focus from "produce the best content" to "create the best connections." Open for comment; 0 Comments.

• 02 Apr 2015

Digital Initiative Summit: Who Has the Power in the Music Industry?

With inexpensive recording technology and distribution, today's musicians can push their work in front of many new audiences. But to make money, they must learn the instruments of business. Open for comment; 0 Comments.

• 26 Sep 2011

HBS Cases: Lady Gaga

What goes into creating the world's largest pop star? Before her fame hit, Lady Gaga's manager faced decisions that could have derailed the performer's career. A new case by Associate Professor Anita Elberse examines the strategic marketing choices that instead created a global brand. Closed for comment; 0 Comments.

• 30 Nov 2009

Tracks of My Tears: Reconstructing Digital Music

Record labels have depended on album sales to boost profits. But in the digital music era, consumers prefer single songs over music "bundles." The result? Harvard Business School professor Anita Elberse says it is time for the industry to rethink its products and prices. Key concepts include: The unbundling of albums into a series of separately sold songs on digital music stores is hurting record label profits. Labels are less likely to get away with selling a bundle based on the strength of one or two tracks if the other songs are far less appealing. A strong artist reputation helps to curb the negative impact of unbundling. Labels might consider pushing for higher prices online and generally more flexibility in setting prices. Giving preference to quality over quantity and designing smaller, more consistent bundles may be beneficial. Closed for comment; 0 Comments.

• 13 Apr 2009

Kind of Blue: Pushing Boundaries with Miles Davis

Since it hit the airwaves half a century ago, Kind of Blue by Miles Davis has influenced the hearts and minds of jazz fans everywhere. Its songs became instant classics, and it has also converted many a nonfan to appreciate the music's subtlety and complexity. In a new business case, HBS professor Robert D. Austin and Carl Størmer highlight the takeaways for thoughtful managers and executives from this story of creation and innovation. Closed for comment; 0 Comments.

• 10 Sep 2007

High Note: Managing the Medici String Quartet

As one of the top ensembles in classical music, the Medici String Quartet has enjoyed a long and creative collaboration. But it hasn't always been harmonious. HBS professor Robert Austin explains what innovative businesses can learn about managing creative people. Key concepts include: Businesses emphasize technical mastery and the creation of predictable patterns. The Medici String Quartet aimed for more. The goal of each performance was never to render a piece exactly as the composer intended, but to interpret it in fresh and new ways. Financial pressures for the quartet could be intense. Among musicians, it's an old (but good) joke: How do you become a millionaire as a classical musician? Start as a billionaire. Businesses enjoy the notion that innovation happens when everyone is happy and satisfied. As the quartet proved, harmony comes in unexpected ways. Closed for comment; 0 Comments.

• 16 Apr 2007

Delivering the Digital Goods: iTunes vs. Peer-to-Peer

Apple's iTunes music download service and illegal peer-to-peer music downloads offer two contrasting approaches to delivering digital content to users. Can Apple and the recording industry seriously compete against free? Do iTunes and p2p help each other in some ways? Professor Ramon Casadesus-Masanell and collaborator Andres Hervas-Drane discuss their recent research on competition in digital distribution. Key concepts include: ITunes demonstrates that to compete effectively against free p2p networks, online digital distribution must deliver experiences to consumers that cannot be easily matched by decentralized, self-sustained peer-to-peer networks. In designing new models, managers must consider how robust a given design is to models of other industry participants with which they interact. Managers must also ponder how aggressive their business models are toward those of other players and ask whether or not complementarities are exploited. The "scarce" resource in digital goods distribution through p2p networks is not content, but bandwidth. As a consequence, ISPs will have a more visible role in shaping industry structure. Closed for comment; 0 Comments.

• 21 Jun 2004

Music Downloads: Pirates—or Customers?

Professor Felix Oberholzer-Gee and co-author Koleman Strumpf floored the disbelieving music industry with their findings that illegal music downloads don’t hurt CD sales. Oberholzer discusses what the industry should do next. Closed for comment; 0 Comments.

Custom Essay, Term Paper & Research paper writing services

• testimonials

Toll Free: +1 (888) 354-4744

Email: [email protected]

Writing custom essays & research papers since 2008

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!

Book series

Music Business Research

About this book series.

Music business research is a new multidisciplinary field that puts a number of different analytical approaches into mutual dialogue. It is located at the intersection of economic, artistic, musical, cultural, social, legal, and technological understandings of this cultural industry and it aims to generate a better understanding of the creation, distribution and consumption of music as a cultural good. As a field it is therefore characterised by methodological diversity and involves linking academic research with music business practices. The book series welcomes monographs and edited volumes that feature groundbreaking research into this dynamic and exciting field. 

• Peter Tschmuck,
• Dennis Collopy,
• Beate Flath,
• Guy Morrow,
• Sarita Stewart,
• Carsten Winter

Book titles in this series

Classical music and opera during and after the covid-19 pandemic.

Empirical Research on the Digital Transformation of Socio-cultural Institutions and Aesthetic Forms

• Steffen Lepa
• Ruth Müller-Lindenberg
• Hauke Egermann
• Copyright: 2023

Available Renditions

Rethinking the Music Business

Music Contexts, Rights, Data, and COVID-19

• Daniel Nordgård
• Peter Tschmuck
• Copyright: 2022

Designing the Music Business

Design Culture, Music Video and Virtual Reality

• Copyright: 2020

The New Age of Electronic Dance Music and Club Culture

• Martin Lücke

Music, Management, Marketing, and Law

Interviews Across the Music Business Value Chain

• Phil Graham
• Copyright: 2019

Publish with us

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

216 Awesome Music Topics That Will Inspire Your Thesis

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

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

Writing A Research Paper About Music

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

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

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

Easy Research Topics About Music

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

Opinion Essay Music Topics

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

Interesting Music Research Topics

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

Research Paper Topics On Music

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

Argumentative Essay Topics About Music

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

Current Music Topics To Write About In 2023

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

Musical Topics About Famous Musicians

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

Music Research Paper Topics For College

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

Our Controversial Music Topics

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

Captivating Music Thesis Topics

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

Classical Music Topic Ideas

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

Interesting Music Topics For High School

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

Awesome Music Research Questions For 2023

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

Fantastic Music Topics For Research

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

Catchy Music Related Research Topics

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

Informative Speech Topics About Music

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

Get Quick Research Paper And Thesis Help

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

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

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

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

Comment * Error message

Name * Error message

Email * Error message

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

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

Ukraine Live Updates

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

Readers also enjoyed

WHY WAIT? PLACE AN ORDER RIGHT NOW!

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

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

• Have your assignments done by seasoned writers. We work 24/7. Just email us at:
• [email protected]

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.

Related posts

essay writing problems

10 Essay Writing Problems and their Easy Solutions

writing essay on your phone

How to Write an Essay or paper on your Phone: 3 Easy Ways

essay writing is important

7 reasons why Writing is Important in College & in Life

Music Industry and Business: A Guide to Research and Resources

• Introduction & Contents
• Search Strategies

Guides to the Music Business & Industry

Music periodical databases, advertising & publicity, music trade journals, popular music resources.

• Music Copyright and Law
• Economics Resources
• Statistics & Charts
• News & Blogs

Use these resources primarily to find print and online articles, reports, notices,  reviews, and other writings on the music industry published in music journals, trade publications, and magazines.

• Music Index with Full Text This link opens in a new window Indexes (without abstracts but with links to online full-text) over 875 international music periodicals covering every aspect of the classical and popular world of music. Covers articles on all styles and genres of music, plus book and recording reviews, first performances, obituaries, and news about music, musicians, and the music industry. 1973 to current. more... less... Print volumes covering 1949-1972 are available in Mendel Music Library: Reference (SV) ML 118 M84.
• Music Periodicals Database This link opens in a new window Indexes (with abstracts and links to online full-text) scholarly and popular music journals and magazines across a broad range of topics, including the music industry.
• RILM Abstracts of Music Literature with Full Text This link opens in a new window Indexes (with abstracts and links to online full-text) primarily academic periodicals, essay collections, and books covering all aspects of music. Includes scholarly articles and research on the music industry and popular music. Coverage is international: use the language filter to focus on materials in English. 1967-current.

Listed here are some key music trade and related journals. Follow the title links to full descriptions, which include links to issues available online (fully reproduced in pdf or only available in html full-text). Princeton's holdings vary: some issues may be print only; or the library may have neither print or online for others.

• Billboard Color pdfs of complete issues 1963 to current available via ProQuest Central and the Entertainment Industry Magazine Archive from the above link.
• Music Week The British perspective, published in London since 1983. The leading trade media brand for the UK music industry.
• MEIEA Journal of the Music & Entertainment Industry Educators Association
• Bloomsbury Music and Sound (formerly Bloomsbury Popular Music) This link opens in a new window Provides scholarly coverage of modern popular music worldwide, from the early 20th century to the present day, by cross-searching the 14-volume Bloomsbury Encyclopedia of Popular Music of the World; all 120+ volumes of the 33 1/3 book series (providing in-depth analysis of influential albums); an expanding range of scholarly books from Bloomsbury Popular Music Studies; and titles in the new 33 1/3 Global book series. This resource explores the historical origins and cultural impact of popular music, influential artists and albums, local music scenes and subcultures, musical form, instruments, the workings of the music industry, and the social, political, and economic context of different musical genres.
• << Previous: Search Strategies
• Next: Music Copyright and Law >>
• Last Updated: Sep 9, 2024 4:10 PM
• URL: https://libguides.princeton.edu/music-industry

Getting Details...

There's still time to apply for degree programs for September semester start! Choose Your Degree

Non-degree students: last day save up to $200 on select courses and certificates until 5:00 pm et today. view eligible courses & certificates, 1-866-berklee, int'l +1-617-747-2146, [email protected], searching..., or check out these faqs:.

• CHANGE CERTIFICATE: When a student wants to change their lower-level certificate to a higher-level certificate (or vice versa) prior to the completion of the program. There are no additional fees for this option other than the cost of additional courses, and you will only earn one certificate upon completion.
• STARTING A NEW CERTIFICATE: When a student wants to earn more than one certificate by having the courses from their lower-level certificate waived into a higher-level certificate. In this case, an additional $175 registration fee is required.

Financial Aid

• Attained at least a 2.70 cumulative GPA in concentrate courses
• Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00
• Fulfilled all program requirements AND completed a minimum of 120 credits for a single major or 165 for a dual major
• Completed a minimum of 60 institutional credits for a single major or 105 institutional credits for a dual major
• Fulfilled all financial obligations to the college

Transfer Credits

Online master's degree course, music business research methods.

Authored by Robert Lagueux

Course Code: OMBUS-690

starts September 23--> Next semester starts September 23

All Master of Arts in Music Business students complete a culminating experience or thesis project. This experience is meant to be exactly as named: the culmination of your work in the program, the experience through which you synthesize all you have learned. The culminating experience helps to shape your next steps in the music industry and in your career. In short, the culminating experience provides an opportunity for you to complete unique and original professional work. Through the culminating experience, you make a creative contribution to and/or define and solve a problem that exists in the profession. This contribution may take the form of a research project, a creative project, a practical project, and/or another project of your devising. Regardless of the form that the culminating experience takes—whether creative, research-focused, or practical in nature—the culminating experience represents the highest expression of students’ learning at the graduate level.

• Write your culminating experience proposal in the format and style appropriate for your project and submit the proposal for approval by the course faculty member and faculty advisor
• Determine the scope of work you will master in your culminating experience
• Develop a plan of action and timeline for the culminating experience, as well as identify and develop a plan to attain resources needed
• Evaluate statistical approaches and results
• Evaluate the credibility and ethics of research conclusions 

Interested in this course?

Need guidance?

Call ,  Text ,  or  Email us

Lesson 1: Preparing for the Culminating Experience

• Requirements and Components of the Culminating Experience
• What Is a Culminating Experience?
• Types of Culminating Experience Projects
• Matching Goals with Culminating Experience Topics and Formats
• The Importance of Independent Learning
• Assignment 1: Identify Two Interesting Culminating Experiences from the Berklee Archives

Lesson 2: Devising a Topic for the Culminating Experience

• The Culminating Experience Proposal, Piece By Piece
• What Is Research?
• Devising Possible Topics
• Turning Topics into Questions
• Assignment 2: Identify Three Possible Topics for Your Project, and Create Pitches

Lesson 3: Choosing Your Topic/Formulating Your Thesis Abstract

• Assessing Project Feasibility with Two Essential Questions
• Evaluating Your Research Questions
• Narrowing Down Your Topic: Summaries and Pitches
• Crafting and Refining a Thesis Statement
• Crafting an Abstract
• Assignment 3: Write a Thesis Abstract

Lesson 4: The Literature Review

• Defining a Literature Review
• Finding and Evaluating Sources
• Strategies for Reading and Summarizing
• Bibliographic Control
• The Basics of Formatting
• Assignment 4: Begin the Literature Review for Culminating Experience

Lesson 5: Using Sources and Planning Your Project

• Acknowledging Your Sources
• Strategies for Your Research Process
• Using Citation Management Software
• Project Management: An Interview with Jonathan Feist
• Planning a Project and Managing Your Time
• Assignment 5: Develop a Timeline, Using Key Milestones

Lesson 6: Overview of Research Methodology

• Ways of Reasoning
• Research Design and Research Paradigms
• An Overview of Research Designs
• Quantitative Research Design
• Qualitative Research Design
• Mixed Methods Research Design
• Assignment 6: Draft the Methods Plan for Culminating Experience

Lesson 7: Qualitative Research Methods

• Choosing a Research Strategy
• Individual Interviews and Focus Groups
• Group Interviews and Focus Groups
• Transcribing and Memoing Interview Data
• Coding Qualitative Data
• Analyzing the Data
• Content Analysis and Archival/Documentary Research
• Case Studies
• Sampling and Non-Probability Sampling
• Assignment 7: Write a Draft of Your Methods Section

Lesson 8: Quantitative Research Methods

• Getting Started with Surveys
• What’s the Question?
• Types of Questions
• Question Wording
• Question Flow and Order
• Respondent Behaviors
• Piloting the Survey
• Validity and Reliability
• Probability Sampling
• Sample Size
• Response Rate
• Assignment 8: Write a Draft of Your Methods Section

Lesson 9: Working with People: Research Ethics and Advisors

• Completing the Literature Review
• Selecting an Advisor/The Advising Process
• Forging and Maintaining Relationships
• Research Ethics
• Institutional Review Board
• Ethical Considerations with Negotiating Access
• Ethical Considerations with Data Collection
• The Berklee Archives
• Assignment 9: Complete your Literature Review and Reference List

Lesson 10: Analyzing, Reporting, and Exploring Data

• Carrying out Research
• Data Analysis
• Interpreting Graphs and Charts 
• Beyond Graphs and Charts
• Improving Data Visualization
• Assignment 10: Outline Your Visualizations

Lesson 11: Writing, Getting Feedback, and Revising

• Review Proposal Format
• The Writing Process
• Receiving and Responding to Feedback
• The Revision Process
• Assignment 11: Complete Proposal Draft

Lesson 12: The Right Kind of Fear: Creativity, Failure, and Innovation

• Leadership Style
• Learning from Fear, Failure, and Recovery
• Reflection 
• Assignment 12: Reflection Essay, and What's Next

Requirements

Prerequisites and course-specific requirements .

Prerequisite Courses, Knowledge, and/or Skills Completion of  Music Business Revenue Streams , The Business of Music Marketing , and Data Analytics in the Music Business  or equivalent knowledge and experience is required.

Textbook(s)

• Researching and Writing Dissertations: A Complete Guide for Business and Management Students 2nd Edition  by Roy Horn (CIPD - Kogan Page, 2012)
• Word processing software, such as Microsoft Word, Google Docs (free), Apple Pages, Apache OpenOffice (free), etc.

Student Deals After enrolling, be sure to check out our Student Deals page for various offers on software, hardware, and more. Please contact [email protected] with any questions.

General Course Requirements

Below are the minimum requirements to access the course environment and participate in Live Classes. Please make sure to also check the Prerequisites and Course-Specific Requirements section above, and ensure your computer meets or exceeds the minimum system requirements for all software needed for your course. 

• macOS Big Sur 11.0 or later
• Windows 10 or later
• Latest version of Google Chrome
• Zoom meeting software
• Speakers or headphones
• External or internal microphone
• Broadband Internet connection

Instructors

Robert Lagueux is Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs, Dean of Graduate Studies, and founding Dean for Faculty Development at Berklee College of Music. He oversees Berklee's graduate-level degree programs as well as the creation of learning and development opportunities for faculty at all of Berklee's campuses, as well as for instructors at Berklee’s international partner schools. He has worked with faculty to enhance teaching and learning at the University of Chicago, Columbia College Chicago, and Northeastern University. As a Fulbright Scholar at City University of Hong Kong, he spent a year developing programs to support general education and leading teaching workshops throughout Southeast Asia.

Alicia Bower is an associate professor of psychology in the Liberal Arts & Sciences department at Berklee where she teaches general, developmental, and positive psychology courses. She has a PhD in psychology, and has conducted research focusing on child and adolescent engagement in physical and relational aggression, with an emphasis on how increasingly digitized peer interactions offer new opportunities for aggression. She has also investigated parental reinforcement responses to children’s positive social interactions, as well as the beneficial outcomes of including contemplative practices within the classroom. Recently, she has focused on the effects of large-scale social movements as these result in cultural and individual change.

Contact our Academic Advisors by phone at 1-866-BERKLEE (U.S.), 1-617-747-2146 (INT'L), or by email at [email protected] .

Get Instant Access to Free Music Resources

Access free music resources, free sample lessons.

Take our online school for a test drive with our free sample course, featuring 12 lessons from our most popular courses.

Degree Handbooks

Download free course materials designed to provide you with marketable skills in music.

Online Course Catalog

Browse more than 200 unique 12-week courses in a wide variety of musical interest areas.

News and Exclusive Content

Receive the latest in music trends, video tutorials, podcasts, and more.

Already have an account? Log in to get access.

Berklee is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

Berklee Online is a University Professional and Continuing Education Association (UPCEA) award-winner eighteen years in a row (2005-2023).

We use cookies to improve your experience on our sites. By use of our site, you agree to our cookie policy .

Proof of Bachelor's Degree to Enroll

Proof of a bachelor's degree is required to enroll in any non-degree, graduate-level certificate or course .

Ready to submit an unofficial copy of your transcript?

International Students

See the Enrolling in a Graduate Certificate or Individual Course page for more information.

Music Research Topics

Published by Boni on October 31, 2022 October 31, 2022

Music is a highly influential aspect of our society today. It has been part of our lives for a long time now. As music evolves, everyone has their specific taste for a given genre, musical instrument or song. Some common genres may include hip-hop, rock, reggae or roots. The evolution of music has led to the subject being incorporated in the school curriculum.

Elevate Your Writing with Our Free Writing Tools!

Did you know that we provide a free essay and speech generator, plagiarism checker, summarizer, paraphraser, and other writing tools for free?

For any student pursuing a career in music, one of the important aspects of the degree is the research paper. Getting the right topic for your research essay is always a challenge to most students however, this article will have relevant examples you can get inspiration from.

Tips on how to Select the Best Music Research Paper Topic?

Choosing a good topic for any research paper is essential, especially if you aim to attain good results in your paper. The following tips will guide you in choosing the most appropriate music research topic. 

1. Be clear on your topic

Be sure of your topic before starting to write your paper; this means that you should have adequate knowledge of what type of research you are planning to conduct. For example, if you plan to include information about the impact of music on criminal behavior, then be sure that you have sufficient knowledge about music in criminal behavior. 

2. Use sources

Make sure that you have sufficient material to use in your paper. You should use sources such as books, journals, and websites containing information on the topic you plan to write about. These sources will help with your research, as they will provide well-written articles to develop your topic.

3. Develop sources

If you do not have any material to use in your paper, there are many places where you can get sources. In this case, you have to develop your sources. For example, if the topic is about the effect of music on plastic surgery, you can use research papers on medical concepts and statistics about plastic surgery performed by newspapers and magazines. You can also conduct interviews with experts in these areas of study; however, make sure that they are reliable.

4. Seek help from a professional

The professional help you should consider getting is that of a reviewer. A music research paper is more challenging than other academic papers; it requires greater attention to detail and a deeper understanding of your research topic. Therefore, you should get a professional from a reputable service to help you review your work before submitting it. Gudwriter has the best research paper essay writing service that gurantees you quality music research papers from our qulified team of experts.

Music Research Topics Examples

Below are some of the most popular music research topics:

Music History Research Topics

History is known for its accurate records, and this is also applicable to music research. For example, if you want to write a paper on the history of Broadway musicals, you should have information about the different shows produced in the past and their influences on performers. This will ensure that you get your paper done properly.

A list of topics relating to music history would include:

1. The history of the synthesizers

2. The history of music in the United States

3. The evolution of classical music

4. The history of pop music styles

5. The evolution of folk music in America

6. How technology has influenced the evolution of music styles

7. The development and influence of hip-hop

8. The history of European classical music

9. The history of African-American music

10. The history of Latin American music

11. The effect of the digital age on the evolution of music styles

Music Therapy Research Topics

These are brilliant essay topics that research on how therapeutic music can be in the society. Examples of these topics could be:

• How does music treat psychological conditions?
• How can you calm an individual using the theme?
• What do people love most about classical music?
• Does listening to music affect your effectiveness?
• What is the impact of music as a subject in schools?
• Can music help reduce stress?
• Can an individual use music to heal eating disorders?
• Why do most psychologists prefer using music when performing their work?
• Can music lyrics help enhance your brain capacity?
• Music and therapy
• How does music help students in education?
• Scientific research and music
• How does music help learn psychology?
• What music genre is written in different countries?
• How music affects student’s productivity

Music Theory Topics

This music category is for the music theory lovers. It may help investigate the theories in music such as characteristics of music in different eras and crucial aspects of music in societies. Great examples may include:

• Brilliant characteristics of Romantic-age songs
• How music evolved in the Baroque Era
• Who were the top compositors during the Romantic era?
• Remarkable features of Baroque-age music
• Uncovering symbols during the Renaissance-period music
• How classical music relates to medical applications
• Major music directions during the 20 th century
• What are the crucial aspects of music?
• History of modern hip-hop
• Why is it that most intellectuals prefer rock music?

Music History Research Paper Topics

This is another field where you can find plenty of research topics to work on. History offers us the chance to examine and understand the origin of a particular music genre or issue related to music. You can pick any of the following topics for your music history research paper:

• Origin of black music
• History of musical instruments
• What is the female impact on the jazz music genre?
• Imperial Japanese and Chinese Music
• Who created the music?
• Music as it was used in the Holy Roman Empire
• Main aspects of modernism music
• How politics influenced music back then?
• Modern music culture
• Why are music studies important?
• Conventional archetypes in music
• How is music connected to important functions and events?
• Genius of Bach
• Folk music and how it impacts the population

Music Psychology Research Topics

Connecting psychology and music is not something new. However, the category has not been researched as it should be. Researchers have barely scratched the ground on the music psychology research topics. That is why this is a good topic to research on. Consider the following suggestions:

• Are sound therapies efficient?
• Does music education impact our abnormal activities in the brain?
• Does music impact our state of mind, mood, and overall mental health?
• How tones affect mental development in teens, children, and toddlers
• How does playing a piano enhance communication skills of individuals with communication issues?
• What are cultural differences in music?
• Changes in music consumption patterns in young people
• How has music changed how students think and act?
• Can music enhance your sleep at night?
• Does a specific genre of music champion for drug abuse that affects our psychology?

Classical Music Research Topics

For the classical sounds’ lovers, this is the category to research on. You can research on how this music works, when it started, its history, and the traits of the listeners. Below are some common example topics to pick from:

• What songs fall under the classical genre?
• What is the history of the classical music category?
• Is classical music impactful today?
• What role does classical sound play in Disney production?
• Most impactful classical projects
• Character traits of classical music listeners
• Role of women in the classical genre
• Are classical sounds and metal the same?
• How modern melodies differ from classical music
• Why is Mozart different from other composers in the classical genre

Music Thesis Topics

Other excellent research topics you can handle include the music thesis topics. These topics typically cover a wide range of areas in the music field from analysis of specific genres to examination of cultural implications. Examples may include:

• A comparative study of traditional music practices in different ethnic communities
• The psychological effects of listening to music on emotional well-being and mood regulation
• What is music’s role in the LGBTQ+ community?
• Examining how music is a catalyst for change in the Hip-Hop culture
• Investigating effects of music training on neural development and cognitive abilities
• The impact of live music performances on audience emotional response and engagement
• Use of music as a mnemonic device
• What role does music play in promoting cognitive development in children?
• A comparative study of traditional and digital distribution models
• Tracing the origin of jazz music and its influences from African Roots to modern interpretations
• Examining female empowerment in pop music lyrics

Music Controversial Topics

Popular music is always being criticized and is often the focus of research discussions. While this is normal and not uncommon, such criticism can also be turned into a paper used in studies. Below are some examples of topics related to popular music research:

1. The use of information technology (IT) in today’s music industry

2. The politics behind the use of the word “pop” in mainstream U.S. pop culture

3. The effect of hip-hop on today’s society

4. The origins of dance music

5. The use of metaphors in today’s music

6. The role of the internet in pop music

7. The effect of lyrics on the music style

8. The impact of sex and drugs in the creation of pop music and its stereotypes

9. The influence of the Beatles on other bands and musicians

10. How racism affected black musicians during the 1960s and has affected them today 

Music Argument Topics

This type of music research focuses on the use of statistical analysis, as well as on other methods such as opinion surveys and field studies. Below are some examples of argumentative research topics:

1. The evolution of music piracy over time

2. The impact of digital piracy on the evolution of music and other elements related to it

3. How access to free, illegally downloaded music has affected the sales of CDs and records

4. The effect of parental guidance on censorship in music lyrics

5. The role that education systems worldwide play in the promotion or censoring of certain genres

6. The importance and effectiveness of copyright laws in preventing illegal downloads

7. The impact of music piracy on the global music market

8. How the evolution of technology has affected the sales of CDs and records

9. The effect of global warming on musical genres

10. The dangers that peer-to-peer networks pose to the online security of users’ computers 

Learn the basic steps to follow in writing your research paper .

Hip-Hop Research Topics

Hip-hop is a music style that originated in the United States. Its popularity has spread globally, and its music is easily recognized nowadays. It is based on African American tradition and culture, and its roots can be traced to the blues music of the 1960s. The strong beat in hip-hop music was influenced by the funk music that was popular then.

Depending on your interest, you can conduct research on a wide range of topics related to hip hop; these include, but are not limited to:

1. The history of hip hop

2. The origins of hip-hop and its influences on the world’s culture

3. The impact of hip-hop on various aspects of society, including politics, music, and language

4. How hip hop has influenced the evolution of music styles around the world

5. The effect that hip hop and other forms of music have had on other aspects of culture around the world

6. The effect that social change, technology, and political powers have had on hip-hop culture 

7. The effect of hip-hop on the body image of women

8. The impact of hip-hop on the culture around the world 

9. How hip hop has affected the media and its portrayal of women

10. The use of sampling in pop music genres 

Debatable Music Topics

Debatable topics are those that people have different feelings about. For example, while some people think rap music is harmful to children, others believe it’s a positive influence in their lives. The same applies to other genres of music.

Below are several examples of debatable music topics:

1. The impact of MP3s and peer-to-peer networks on the sales of CDs and records 

2. The effects of hip-hop on society and its stereotypes 

3. The psychology behind the creation of pop music 

4. The use of sampling in pop music genres 

5. The impact of sex and drugs in the creation of pop music and its stereotypes 

6. The role that education systems worldwide play in the promotion or censoring of certain genres 

7. The effect of media censorship on hip-hop culture 

8. The influence of the law on music genres, such as hip-hop, rap, and rock-and-roll 

Music Appreciation Research Topics

Many people enjoy music and want to learn more about worldwide music styles. If you are interested in pursuing a music appreciation research topic, here are some additional topics that you may explore:

1. The history of music and how it has changed the world

2. How pop music styles differ from one country to another 

3. The effects of global warming on musical genres

4. How hip-hop has shaped modern culture, such as language and fashion

5. The impact of social change on the emergence and development of new music styles and genres 

6. How the internet has influenced the evolution of music styles

7. The use of metaphors in music 

8. How technology has influenced the evolution of music styles

9. The impact of hip-hop on modern society, including politics and language 

10. How African-American music has shaped modern cultures, such as language and fashion 

Music Education Research Topics

If you are a student in a music program, you can research your music skills and improve them. Here are several ideas for topics that you could discuss:

1. The effect of hip-hop on education and its impact on the language spoken by children

2. The history of rap music, from its roots to modern times

3. The composition of rhythm and blues songs and their histories

4. The musical arrangement of rap songs throughout history

5. The role that race plays in the creation of rap music 

6. How sex and drugs affect the creation of pop music and influence its lyrics

7. The influence of rock-and-roll on other genres, such as jazz, blues, and country 

8. The history of sampling and its importance in the creation of hip hop 

9. The history of copyright laws and their impact on musical piracy 

Pop Culture Research Topics

You can research pop culture’s appeal, from films and television shows to music. Below are examples of topics that may interest you:

1. The history of film, including horror and action movies

2. The psychology behind the creation of pop music and its components

3. The impact that different types of music have had on society, such as race and sex 

4. How technology has influenced the evolution of music styles throughout history 

5. The role that education systems worldwide play in the promotion or censoring of certain genres 

6. The creativity involved in the composition and arrangement of pop songs

7. How pop culture has influenced language around the world

8. The history of hip-hop and its impact on modern languages

9. How African-American music has shaped modern cultures, such as language and fashion 

10. The history of sampling and its importance in the creation of hip hop 

Rap Topics Ideas

Many people enjoy listening to rap music. If you are interested in learning more about this genre, here are several topics that you may discuss:

1. How rap music has evolved throughout history

2. The role that sampling has played in the creation of various hip-hop styles 

3. How societal changes have affected rap music and its lyrics

4. How sampling has influenced modern music styles around the world 

5. The evolution of hip-hop, including its impact on popular culture

6. How rap music has influenced the language of African-Americans

7. The political overtones behind rap music and its impact on modern society

8. The effect that sex and drugs have had on the creation of rap music and its content 

If you are interested in pursuing a research topic about music, you now have several ideas to help guide you. Remember that topics should be able to answer your research questions, so make sure to explore those ideas thoroughly.

You should also remember that research is an opportunity for personal growth. If you take the time to conduct thorough research and include quality sources in your project, you will learn more about these topics and yourself.

Fructis Shampoo advert analysis essay sample with outline.

Special offer! Get 20% discount on your first order. Promo code: SAVE20

Related Posts

Essay topics, 300+ best motivational speech topics and ideas.

What is a Motivational Speech? A motivational speech is a public speech made by a speaker to inspire an audience and have an impact on their lives. A motivational speech should have a clear purpose Read more…

Demonstration Speech Ideas and Topics

What is a Demonstration Speech? A demonstration speech is a presentation by a speaker whose main goal is to help the audience learn how to complete a specific task. Students in colleges and universities are Read more…

240+ Informative Speech Topics for College Students

What is an Informative Speech? An informative speech seeks to educate the audience on a specific subject. The speaker’s objective is to inform the audience of new information or to aid in their understanding of Read more…

• Performance Essay Topics Topics: 487
• Organizational Behavior Topics Topics: 201
• Composer Research Topics Topics: 116
• Beethoven Research Topics Topics: 73
• Jazz Essay Topics Topics: 122
• Classical Music Research Topics Topics: 58
• Baroque Essay Topics Topics: 73
• Leonardo da Vinci Topics Topics: 70
• Frida Kahlo Paper Topics Topics: 57
• Photography Topics Topics: 129
• Movies Comparison Research Topics Topics: 105
• Vincent van Gogh Paper Topics Topics: 71
• Artists Research Topics Topics: 80
• Hip Hop Paper Topics Topics: 72
• Dance Essay Topics Topics: 107

440 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.

• Arnold Schoenberg’s Musical Style
• “Music of the Troubadours, Tant M’Abelis” by Lafitte
• Sound Differences in Renaissance and Middle Ages Music
• Musical Elements in “Over the Rainbow” by Art Tatum
• Music Industry: The Impact of Technology
• Idir (A Vava Inouva) Music Video: Background, Lyrics, and Visual Effects
• Elements of The Phantom of the Opera Musical by Hart
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• What Are the Reasons for the Imperfection of Baroque Music? Baroque was one of the most significant and influential styles in arts in the first half of the 17th century. Despite the vague Baroque definition, particular features of pieces.
• 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.
• 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.
• Taylor Swift’s Blank Space Music Video: Analysis Example Taylor Swift’s video for the song “Blank Space” is based on a narrative. It is mainly because the film presents the storyline described in the lyrics of the song.
• 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.
• Art, Music, and Dance Art is a distinctive map of the success of all humankind. It shows how people developed in different eras, how their perception of the world collapsed, changed, and was built again
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Artificial Intelligence and Music The paper discusses use of Artificial Intelligence is rapidly expanding, with several innovative companies adopting it to create music.
• The Psychology of Music Despite the numerous and often contradictory findings regarding the phenomenon of music, there are no doubts about the powerful connection it has with a human mind, emotions, feelings, and actions.
• 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.
• 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.
• Musical Instruments: Chordophones and Idiophones Chordophones and idiophones are two types of instruments that produce sound. These musical instruments came from different cultures.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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 Influence of Rap Music on Moral Character The paper argues rap music misogynistic and promotes violence (especially toward women), crass materialism, and street crime.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Music Therapy: Review Music therapy is the controlled use of music in treatment, rehabilitation, and a means of optimizing creativeness and pedagogical work.
• 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.
• 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 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.
• Protest Music in the 1960s Music is definitely one of the most essential elements of any culture that has a huge influence on people’s perception and understanding of the world.
• 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?
• 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 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 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.
• The Jazz Music Movement: A Listening Journal Charlie Parker, known as Yardbird, is one of the most significant music innovators of the 20th century because he brought bebop and influenced many musicians.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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 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.
• 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.
• Romantic Period: Music The 19th century marked a remarkable era in classical music, which is referred to as the Romantic Era. Music of this era was characterized by Nationalism, Expression, and Exoticism.
• 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.
• Popular and Serious Music This essay summarizes an article about popular music and an analysis of its effectiveness in the modern world.
• The Evolution of Classical Music to Modern Times Classical music has evolved over centuries, starting from the medieval period and reaching its modern form in the 19th and 20th centuries.
• 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 Industry, Its Impact and the Future This work aims to examine the impact of the global music industry on the United States, the future of this sphere of society, and find out who benefits most from it.
• 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.
• Expressionist Music and Its Features Expressionist music is one of the biggest and most significant musical trends of the early 20th century. This direction was radically different from classical music.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Electronic Music in Film: Leitmotifs and Melody Over the past few years, electronic music has been used more flexibly in the movie context, including both its diegetic and non-diegetic forms.
• “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.
• French Popular Music, Barbara (French Singer) Barbara becomes an icon of French culture, music and movie industry. In her lyrics and performance, she speaks about social and cultural problems, love and passion, etc.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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 Video Making Movement as Art Tendency The paper offers a descriptive overview of the video works, which were created by the inspiring MTV directors and gifted filmmakers, Spike Jonze, and Michel Gondry.
• 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.
• 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 “Bad Habits” Music Video by Ed Sheeran One of the most famous music videos on YouTube is Ed Sheeran’s clip for the song “Bad Habits”, which in just one year has collected more than 450 million views.
• 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.
• Schubert’s the Trout as an Excellent Piece of Music Schubert’s The Trout appeals to many due to its tunefulness and compositional concordance. It is an excellent piece of music that does not leave one’s mind.
• 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.
• Music From China Ensemble Organized at the Metropolitan Museum of Art a musical presentation from five Chinese was to perform on the so-awaited Music from China.
• 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.
• Cherokee Music and Culture Different tribes had different kinds of music for different purposes, but they were all brought together by two characteristics; togetherness and drums.
• 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.
• 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 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.
• Music Distribution: Defining Distribution Channels Channels of distribution are characterized by the presence of middlemen who include wholesalers, retailers, and distributers.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Sports, Music, and Arts for Modernization This paper aims at exploring the possibilities of using sports, music, and arts to assist the modernization. It also looks into the challenges that come with such new avenues.
• 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.
• Role of Irish Traditional Music and Culture in Australian Music Irish traditional music has played a significant and crucial role in the development of Australian music, both famous and classical.
• 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.
• 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.
• The Relevance of the World Music Term This paper highlights the relevance of the term world music and compares the thoughts of the two authors by looking at the similarities and differences between their articles.
• 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.
• Why Is Baroque Suite an International Music Genre? A baroque suite is a musical genre or form primarily founded and developed during the Renaissance and Baroque periods.
• 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.
• 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.
• Music Appreciation: A “Great” Composer This paper compares two historical periods in music: The baroque period and the classical era. Discusses influential composers for the periods, their characteristics and styles.
• 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.
• Music Listening Journal Blog: Song Review “Life So Right” is a song written and performed by a talented woman from Holland Mariska Baars. “Leave me Alone” is a popular song of the 1980s, composed and performed by a rock band “New Order”.
• 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.
• The International Music Festival Event Industry as a Business Environment The analysis based on the PESTLE system and Porter’s five forces will enable the business environment and profitability review of the international music festival event industry.
• Josquin Des Prez’s Musical Career and Works Though Josquin des Prez is famous as a contemporary musician and one of the most important Renaissance composers, details about his life and compositions are not well documented.
• 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.
• 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 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.
• “Strange Sounds: Music, Technology and Culture” by Taylor The relationship between globalization and music is at least as promising as other cultural and social manifestations of its impacts.
• Can Music Be an Enhancement to Education? The paper discusses the role of music as an enhancement to education. It is supported by the new data regarding the music effects on brain processes and reactions.
• 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.
• Classical vs. Electronic Music: Analyzing Two Iconic Pieces This paper is an analysis of two musical pieces from the classical and electronic music periods. These analyses will be done systematically.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Parents Music Resource Center in the United States Parents Music Resource Center was a group created by four women in 1985. The aim of this group was to control the music that was released.
• Shrek the Musical by David Lindsay-Abaire The paper analyzes Shrek The Musical’s various visual and musical aspects. It considers the stage design and overall atmosphere.
• Traditional and Contemporary Music in Africa Traditional West African music displays intricate rhythmic and metrical patterns through singing, dance, and instrumental music.
• 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.

🗣️ 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?
• Cover Versions and The Music of the Beatles The rich cultural history of African tribes and challenging life experiences of black Americans served as the foundation of African American music in the United States.
• Huun-Huur-Tu Live Musical Performance in California In 2008, in a live performance in Fantasy Studios, Berkeley, California, “Huun-Huur-Tu” remained committed to their homeland’s centuries-old music style.
• 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.
• 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.
• Filmi: Indian Music Unique Element The lyrics are beautiful, poetic, and contribute to Filmi music’s appeal throughout the Indian Diaspora and the world at large.
• “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.
• 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.
• Elephants in the Music Room: The Future of Quirk Historicism Quirk Historicism’s discusses the recent trend among music scholars to use objects trouvés and historical micronarratives in their interpretations as a reaction to New Historicism.
• The Legal Implications of Rap Music in Court This comprehensive analysis delves into the controversial use of rap lyrics as evidence in court cases, highlighting racial biases, and freedom of expression issues.
• Identity and Music Commercialization in “Song for Ourselves” The paper states that the film “Song for Ourselves” is an important source for studying racial identity and people’s struggle to spread awareness about it.
• Music Companies’ Internal Analysis This paper will compare and analyze the financial performance of both UMG and Spotify for the years 2019-2021.
• Music in Films: The Psychology in Film Music Music plays the role of a mood transmitter of a cinematic picture and sets the tone. “Dexter Opening Theme” throughout the introduction.
• Different Functions of Music: Art and Social Movements Culture plays an important role in the conditions of the modern era because it defines society’s beliefs, values, and behaviors.
• The Future of American Music: Music Industry The history of music between 2025 and 2050 can be described as a shift toward more simplistic song recording and release.
• Korean Popular Music’s Contribution to Nationalism Korean popular music represents a music genre that shows how the cultural practices of the Korean people use music to advance nationalism and national identity.
• 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.
• Jazz Music as Reflection of Social Injustices During the civil rights movement, jazz music took a decidedly political tone to undertake an active role in the fight for civil rights.
• Music and Its Impact on Cognition and Emotions People’s emotions are influenced by music because of the brain. Music actually engages every portion of the brain, having an impact on practically every bodily function.
• The Beautiful Age in Art, Literature, and Music This paper analyzes the Beautiful Age in art, literature, and music based on the painting “Impression Sunrise” by Monet, Chekhov’s dramaturgy, and Arnold Schoenberg’s 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.
• The Influence Music Has Over Various Generations The paper illustrates the influence music has over various generations. Each song is capable of transforming the views of the public and rebelling against issues.
• Philosophizing About Music and Emotions The main abstract question about music and emotions is how music communicates feelings. This question is extended to how and why emotions are experienced in reaction to music.
• 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.
• Cosmopolitanism in Rap Music Due to the racial composition of the ghetto, rap music is known to articulate the struggle of the minority population.
• Baroque and Classical Eras: Music Genre The musical changes between the Baroque and classical eras were the creative thinking used in composing the songs.
• Classical Music Pioneers: Haydn, Mozart, Albrehc Joseph Haydn was born on March 31, 1732, in Austria. Haydn’s father was a wheelwright and His mother worked as a cook before she was married.
• Mozart and Classical Period Music Everyone would agree that music nowadays is one of modern global civilization’s central, attention-grabbing, and brightest cultural and political drivers.
• Swinging Bach: New Interpretation of Music The approach to Bach’s music throughout the Swinging Bach performance is unique in that it has allowed for the mixture of contemporary and classic in one performance.
• 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.
• 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.”
• The Need of Censorship in the Music Industry Children should not be negatively influenced just because musicians have freedom of speech, so some products should be censored and restricted.
• Aspects of Beethoven’s Music The paper states that heroism and individualism are closely intertwined in Beethoven’s music, which can be observed in the use of SHMRG elements.
• “Better Days” Song by OneRepublic: Music Analysis The song “Better Days” by OneRepublic exhibits more of a duple meter, and to some extent, there is some aspect of a triple meter.
• The Discussion of Favorite Music Style Period Though each musical era has its unique and beautiful music, it is possible to discern the art pieces that appeal to a specific listener the most.
• Jazz Music: Historical Background Jazz is a relatively young direction that quickly won its place in music. It started in the 19th and early 20th centuries in the States of Louisiana and New Orleans in the US.
• “Weird” Art: An Invitation to Analytical Perception of Music Creators of “weird” music push the envelope of musical perception, challenging people’s ideas of entertainment and encouraging them to listen analytically.
• Hip-Hop and Violence: Does This Music Genre Promote Crime? It is hard to disagree that various types and directions of art are extremely powerful and can have a severe impact on the world and society.
• Religious Music Analysis: the Rock of Ages The paper looks into the history of hymns, particularly the Rock of Ages, and analyzes its lyrics and importance nowadays.
• 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?
• Musical Style and Cultural Identity
• Haitian Compas Music and Its Crossover Crisis
• The Development of the Music Industry
• John Cage: Composer and Music Philosopher
• Jamaican Music’s Evolution and Forms
• Charles Luckeyth “Luckey” Roberts in Jazz Music
• 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
• “Salome” the Opera: Characters, Meanings, and Musical Essence
• The Musical Composition “Lux Aurumque” by Eric Whitacre
• The Book “Living with Music” by Ralph Ellison
• 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
• Tejano as a Musical Genre of Texas and Mexico
• Developing an Original Musical Instrumental
• The Future of Popular Music and Society
• “Hamilton: An American Musical” by Miranda
• Blake Shelton’s “Home” Music Video Analysis
• Music: The 00s and Modern Latin Alternative Rock
• Relationship Between the Medieval Music and Culture
• A Musical Comparison of Beethoven and West
• Movie Music: Soundtracks That Make the Movie
• “How We Listen” by Aaron Copland: The Art of Listening to Music
• Mutual Influence of Culture and Music on Each Other
• Jennifer Hudson Musical Performance Review
• 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
• Rhythm: The Essential Element of Music
• Western Art Music of the Classical Era
• Electric Guitar in African Music
• Perfect Outdoor Music Venue After Covid-19
• Big Band and Combo Jazz: Musical Groups Comparison
• George Bridgetower: Life and Musical Work
• Hip-Hop and Early African-American Music
• How Wagner’s Preludes Transformed Opera Music
• Black, Indigenous, and People of Color in American Musical Theatre
• 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
• How Does Composer John Williams Unify His Films Through His Music?
• Program Notes on Classical Music
• Preferred Piece of Music
• Classical Opera and Musical Theater Conventions: “Carmen” vs. “Sweeney Todd”
• Takht and Dabke as Part of Musical Heritage
• Art and Music in Culture: Concepts of Beauty
• American Folk Music and American Roots Music
• The Culture of Music Consumption: The Changing Trends and Indie Label Management
• Effects of Music Therapy on the Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia
• 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
• Music Industry: A Revenue Plan for a Release
• 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
• Program Music. Bedrich Smetana and Hector Berlioz
• The Effect of Individually Selected Music
• The Effect of Music Therapy on the Elderly
• Music and the Second Reconstruction Relationship
• Controversies About How to Interpret Music
• Effects of Music Therapy on Depressed Elderly People
• Electroencephalography Waves to Control Musical Instrument Digital Interface
• Music as a Reflection of History Since the 1960s
• Music as an Accelerator of a Learning Process
• Contemporary Russian Folk Music
• Chris Anderson: Digitization of Music
• The Effect of Music Therapy on Depression
• Live Musical Performances and Concerts’ Analysis
• Rapalje Band’s Musical Performance in Castlefield
• Music of a Classical Era: Personal Opinion
• Music Therapy as ASD Individuals Alternative Treatment
• Playing Music and Its Benefits for Health
• 42nd Street Musical by Stewart and Bramble
• Social Stratification in the Music Art
• Classical Symphonic Music Analysis Event
• EMI Music: Company Analysis
• Music and Movie Industry Analysis
• Adolescent Music: Cultural, Moral and Political Messages
• Influence of Technology on Marketing of Music in the 20th Century
• Hip-Hop Musical Impact on the World
• 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
• Jazz Music History and Appreciation
• 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
• Jazz Music: Comparison to Music in Previous Eras
• Teaching Music in the Middle Schools
• Popular Music. “West Side Story” Musical
• David Williams on Outdated Music Education Model
• Klezmer Musical Tradition in Jewish Communities
• Michael Jackson: Essay on His Influence on Music & Pop Culture
• Music Listening: “Say a Little Prayer“ Song by Bacharach & David
• “Memphis” Musical Theatre Production
• Johnny Cash’s Life and Musical Career
• Mozart’s Requiem Mass: Exploring Music History
• Copyright Infringement in US Musical Industry
• The Vietnam War and American Music
• Music Language and History in Western Culture
• The Son as a Mexican Music Genre
• 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
• The 66th International Music Festival in Prague
• Music Reproduction in the Future
• Musical for Kids: “Seussical”
• Music Journalism in the Future Internet Age
• 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
• Latin American Women and Trap Music
• Music’s Importance and Influences
• Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s Musical Arts
• Bachata as a Music Genre and Artists’ Creativity
• The Process of Creating Music CDs
• Bachata Music and Drivers Behind Its Popularity
• Music Therapy and Its Positive Psychological Impact
• 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
• Union High School’s Grease: A Theatrical Production Review
• Masterworks of 20th-Century Music
• Chicago Blues: Cultural Expression and Global Popularity
• Duke Ellington: Jazz Legend and Music Innovator
• Music Therapy in Nurse’s Work
• Mindfulness-Based Music Therapy in Cancer Patients
• Music Festivals and Sustainable Event Management
• Middle Eastern Musical Culture
• Racism in the Music Video: Locked Up and Styles P
• Music as a Part of Life: Personal Impressions
• Title: Bill Monroe: Father of Bluegrass Music – A Biographical Film
• Bill Monroe – Father of Bluegrass Music Film Analysis
• The Role of Music in Patient Therapy
• Alternative Medicine: Musical Therapy
• Apple Computer Inc.: Maintaining the Music Business
• Concert Review: Misha Dacic’s Masterful Piano Recital
• Music Album Right Thoughts, Right Words, Right Action
• Evolution of Pop Music – Hip-Hop Genre
• Robert Johnson’ Life and Music
• Classical and Baroque Music Differences
• Music: Salu International ‘Pedersen’ Band
• Music Artist Tupac Shakur
• Romantic Era’s Music
• Identify World Music Terms
• Sounds of Life: The Role of Music
• Music Therapy and Pain Management
• Attending Music Concerts: Musical, Jazz, Classical and Opera
• Music History: Joseph Haydn
• Music Marketing in a Digital World
• Effects of Music Therapy for Adolescents with Autism
• Psychology: Personality and Music Preferences
• Effect of Music on Education
• Legalizing Free Downloads Of Music And Movies

Cite this post

• Chicago (N-B)
• Chicago (A-D)

StudyCorgi. (2021, September 9). 440 Music Research Topics. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/music-essay-topics/

"440 Music Research Topics." StudyCorgi , 9 Sept. 2021, studycorgi.com/ideas/music-essay-topics/.

StudyCorgi . (2021) '440 Music Research Topics'. 9 September.

1. StudyCorgi . "440 Music Research Topics." September 9, 2021. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/music-essay-topics/.

Bibliography

StudyCorgi . "440 Music Research Topics." September 9, 2021. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/music-essay-topics/.

StudyCorgi . 2021. "440 Music Research Topics." September 9, 2021. https://studycorgi.com/ideas/music-essay-topics/.

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 June 24, 2024 .

Music Research Process

• Process Overview

Getting Started

Identify umbrella topics, and research background and context, form your ideas into research questions, read, read, read and adjust your topic.

• Research Logs & Plans
• Types of Sources
• Search Tools
• Evaluating Sources
• Cite Your Sources
• Avoiding Plagiarism
• Return to Music Research Guides

Ask Your Librarian

Your topic is the foundation of your research, and it guides your choices through the entire process. When choosing a topic, consider the following:

• Are there any guidelines that I need to follow from my instructor?
• What do I know about that I want to know more about?
• Would this topic be interesting to others in my field?
• Does this topic answer a question or make a conclusion about the information available?

Make a list of nouns: geographic locations, time periods, musical styles, musicians, or other concepts that interest you. Refer to your course readings, lecture notes, or draw upon prior knowledge.

• Mozart, women, opera
• Lady Gaga, identity, religion

For ideas, look up your genre, musician, geographic area, or social concept in the library's online music encyclopedias, such as Oxford Music Online. Your research is starting NOW, as you can pull good sources from the bibliographies of each article.

After reading some background information, start grouping the nouns and ideas together to formulate a question.

Ideas: Mozart, women, opera

Question : Many women played important roles in Mozart's life. How did these relationships affect the themes of his operas?

Ideas: Lady Gaga, identity, religion

Question: Lady Gaga's newest album has many songs that relate to her personal identity. What is her religious identity, and how does she express it in her lyrics and videos?

Do more preliminary reading to get a sense of the amount of information available on your topic. You may find that there is too much information (or too little) to thoroughly cover for the time you have to research or for the length of paper to complete. So, consider making your topic more (or less) specific.

Ideas : Mozart, women, opera

Refined Question : How is the theme of forgiveness portrayed in Die Entführung aus dem Serail within the context of Mozart's relationship with his wife Constanze?  

Refined Question: How does Lady Gaga's use of Catholic imagery (both lyric and visual) express her religious identity in the song Judas?

• << Previous: Process Overview
• Next: Research Logs & Plans >>
• Last Updated: May 21, 2024 9:16 AM
• URL: https://researchguides.library.syr.edu/musicresearch
• Print This Page

15 Fun Music Topics to Research Ideas for Your Music Appreciation Class

Finding music topics to research that your music appreciation class will love can be a challenge at times. Fortunately, there are plenty of exciting and interesting music topics to research and explore when it comes to music appreciation. This blog post is jam-packed with fun music topics and ideas that make great projects and assessments for your music class.

Most music topics to research fall under the following broader categories –

• Musician of Composer Biography

Music History

Music theory, music genres, music of a culture, stylistic features of a genre, elements of music analysis.

History of Musical Instruments

Types of Music Ensembles

• Instruments of a Culture

Musical Techniques for Performance

Musical techniques for composing, music festivals, music and technology, music for the stage.

Read on to find out more details for each of these categories for music topics to research, but if you are looking for some more ways to spice up your own music curriculum, then why not grab yourself a FREE copy of the 5 Ways to Makeover Your Music Curriculum. Click here to find out more.

Musician or Composer Biography

One of the easiest and most used music topics to research in the music classroom is the biography of a famous composer throughout history. This type of music research topic can be done on any number of composers throughout history – from Beethoven to Mozart to Bach. Some of the most influential composers in history have left an indelible mark on music as we know it today. Your music students can explore the works of several famous composers from different eras and consider what made them unique and revolutionary for their time period.

If you are looking to use this type of music topic to research with your classes, there are several Bundles available in my TPT store. Use the link here to check them out – all the hard work has been done for you. All you need to do is choose a composer, which pages you want to complete, and you are ready to go! This type of music topics to research make great music research assignments.

Music Composer Bundle

Female Composer Bundle

Although Music Theory is not required knowledge for all musicians out there, exploring musical theory will give your music students a deeper insight into why certain chords sound better than others or what makes a melody memorable! This music research topic could incorporate any type of music theory and some broad music theory research topics include:

• The History of Music Notation
• Different Ways that Rhythm is Notated and Counted around the World
• The Development of Music Scales
• Music Scales from Around the World
• Chord Progressions
• Musical Form of a particular style – Sonata, Symphony, Jazz, Pop, Program Music, etc…

Another commonly used music topic to research is Music History, and typically the History of European Music. Exploring different time periods of music is a great way to introduce students to the vast range of sounds and styles within the world of music. For this type of music assignment try giving each student a different musical era to research its history, development, notable artists, and influence on other time periods. This is also an effective way to get students comfortable with using various sources for research.

The different musical eras that you could use as a music topic to research are:

• Early Music to 1400
• Middle Ages
• Renaissance
• 20 th Century – 1900-2000
• Modern 2000-present

Using Music Genres as a music topic to research can be incredibly broad for students, especially if your study is on contemporary music! For this type of music research topic or assignment try taking a closer look at subgenres within those broader categories such as punk rock or rap/hip hop. You can have your music students research where these subgenres originated from as well as any artists who helped popularize them within their respective scenes.

There are a couple of great websites that can help with this research. Be sure to check them out and try them with your classes. A word of warning – be prepared to go down the rabbit hole and lose a few hours of your time exploring these sites – they’re very interesting!!!!

• This site is a long list of different musical genres
• This site has links to music samples and playlists
• This is another long list of genres, it is a bit easier to navigate, but you do need to create an account
• This is another list site, but has lots of sub-genres and world music
• This one is my personal favorite! It has music samples all linked and mapped. You just click on a style and a music sample plays. This one would be best for comparing different styles of music
• This site has music mapped into a family tree – you can see where a style has it’s origins and influences
• This music map site has parts to click to get reading passages on each music genre. It would be great to use for researching.

Introducing students to different musical cultures from around the globe is one way to show them how versatile and varied music from different regions can sound. Researching individual instruments from each culture allows students to understand how instrumentation contributes to the genre-specific sounds as well as how it has evolved over time due to technological advancements or cultural influences from around the world.

A suggested list of music topics to research for different cultures is below:

• East Asia and Korea
• Eastern Europe
• Native American
• Philippines
• South America
• Southeast Asia
• Southwest and Central Asia
• Western Europe and Scandinavia

If you are wanting to incorporate these world music research topics into your music classes, try the Music in Cultures Around the World Bundle

Writing about music can be an interesting and creative task. With numerous music genres to draw from (see the list of websites above), there are a wealth of music topics to research and music topics for research papers that can provide a substantial focus for your music students. When exploring and researching the stylistic features of music genres, it’s beneficial to go beyond surface level observations. Your students should not only research the history and evolution of their chosen style, but also look at the artists and stylistic features that define the music genre. From the influence of other genres, instruments used, and the performers who have popularized certain sounds, researching the stylistic features of a genre provides an exciting opportunity for exploration.

Music analysis using the Elements of Music is an extremely important skill for music students to cultivate and perfect. This type of music research assignment that focuses on music analysis can give your music students a chance to research music topics and apply their knowledge of music theory and composition in order to write about music.

For this type of music research assignment, your music students can choose any piece of music, musician, composer or music style that they want to study. Once they have chosen their area of focus, they can use the Elements of Music to guide their analysis of the music selected for study. By focusing on how each of the Elements of Music are used, your music students will help to improve their listening skills, performance and composition skills as well as their critical thinking and writing skills.

For more information about the Elements of Music read this Blog Post.

If you would like a set of “done for you” music analysis and music appreciation assignments using the Elements of Music, use the link here to check out this best-selling resource!

Learning about the history of musical instruments can be a fascinating way to explore different cultures and eras. One effective way for music students to learn more about music is to complete an assignment on the history of a musical instrument. This type of music assignment requires students to research music instruments in depth and develop an extended piece of writing on their findings. Through such music topics for research papers, it is possible to gain a better understanding of the methods of sound production by each instrument as well as the many ways that music has shaped society throughout the years. Choosing a unique music instrument such as Japanese drums or stringed instruments from around the world, makes writing about music fun and interesting. When you assign each student a different music research topic, this gives each student the opportunity to explore something specific and meaningful within the larger world of culture and music.

To make it easier for you try these two different Instrument Study resources from my TPT store

Orchestra Instrument Music Worksheets

Music can often be a great topic to research and write about, especially music ensembles from around the world. Everything from traditional Chinese music to Bhangra music from India can be explored. Whether it’s the different instruments utilized in an Argentinean folk music ensemble, or the incredible rhythms found within Turkish music, anyone interested in writing about music will have a wealth of music research topics to explore. Even things that you may never have thought of like Candombe music from Uruguay or Soukous music from Congo can be investigated further and provide excellent context for a music research paper. By researching music ensembles from around the world, your music students can gain exceptional insights into cultural backgrounds as well as appreciate the variety of musical ensembles that exist across the world today.

• Other types of Music Ensembles to Research include:
• Small Ensembles – duets, trios, quartets, quintets
• Rock Ensembles – different genres from the power trio to a rock big band
• Jazz Music Ensembles – Jazz quartets, quintets to big bands
• Vocal Ensembles – duets, trios, barbershop quartet, a capella groups and choirs
• Classical Ensembles – string quartet, chamber orchestra to symphony orchestra
• World Music Ensembles – Taiko drumming, Gamelan, Chinese Orchestra to different Folk Groups

Musical Instruments of a Culture

Music and instruments from cultures around the world are an intriguing and fascinating field of study. From ancient music that has been passed down through generations to music created in today’s modern era, there is no shortage of music topics for research and writing about music. Your music students can explore the instruments used for various music styles and genres ranging from traditional Indian classical music to reggae music in Jamaica. Studying the use of these instruments, how they are made, and the methods of sound production can provide an understanding of how different cultures view music and its importance within their society. It is also an opportunity to discover a range of sounds, techniques, and instrumentation collected from other countries and regions. Delving into music topics like these opens a unique way to appreciate artists from around the world by examining their use of traditional instruments to express their ideas, stories, cultures, beliefs, emotions, and experiences.

Try the World Instrument Music Worksheets to help you study Instruments of a Culture with your music classes.

Different musical instruments require different performance techniques and practice methods to develop a music student’s proficiency on their instrument. Researching music topics about their own instrument is therefore key to developing a well-rounded music knowledge and building a variety of musical performance skills that your music students can draw on to use in their own performances. When researching the performance techniques on an instrument, it is important to consider the various musical elements that factor into music-making for that instrument such as the different ways to make a sound unique. Additionally, looking at different music cultures that have similar instruments can provide perspective on the essential elements of music-making for any instrument. By researching these music topics and exploring music from diverse cultures, music genres and styles, young musicians can broaden their knowledge and refine their performance techniques.

For those interested in exploring music composition techniques for songwriting, there are a plethora of music topics to research. Experimentation with chord progressions, sound selection and structure can all lead to finding creative ways of writing music. From analyzing music theory and learning more about the basics of music notation to creating unique rhythms and melodies, there might be boundless music topics for research papers that require study and practice.

Your students could choose to study the compositional techniques used within a certain style or genre, or even study more closely about a composer. There are plenty of songs to observe in order to further understand how music works, no matter what area of study the student has chosen. Writing about music involves learning these elements as well as charting any personal progress over time to move closer to using these compositional techniques in their own songwriting.

A music topic to research that is a little bit unusual would be to research music festivals. Music festivals have a long and varied history. From ancient music festivals that celebrated a variety of religious and cultural events, such as the Dionysius Festival in Athens, music festivals are still vital to many cultures around the world. Music festivals have grown exponentially since then and even today they continue to fascinate people globally.

Today, music festivals can range from traditional, classical music performances in concert halls all the way to modern music performances with huge stages and pyrotechnics at large outdoor concerts drawing tens of thousands of fans. Those looking to research this topic of music have a wealth of options. From legendary music composers or artists, music industry trends and the economic benefits, to exploring how music is used as a tool for activism, research on music festivals can be incredibly rewarding for any music student to study.

The history of music technology has been a fascinating area of music research throughout the years. By exploring music topics related to music technology, your music students can learn more about the music we love and how it came to be. Writing about music technology can take several approaches; from a technical breakdown of specific instruments to an exploration of its roots in social movements, there are music topics for research on music technology spanning almost any interest. Investigating music technology and its influence on music as an artform and the history can open new perspectives into how music is created, performed, and enjoyed today.

Some music technology research topics include:

• History of Recording
• History of the Microphone
• History of Electronic Instruments
• History of Amplification
• Or even try a music research topic explaining “How does a …. Work”?

Writing about and researching music can be a daunting task, especially when it comes to music for the stage. Depending on the specific topic your student chooses to research, music for theatre plays or musicals could range from orchestral and classical music pieces, to jazz and rock ensembles. In some cases, music for the stage could even be used as accompaniment for spoken words, stories or even dance. Regardless of what type of music is chosen to study, researching music topics about music for the stage allows your music students to further explore genres and understand how music is used in a theatrical context. By studying different types of music from various time periods and regions, your student’s music research paper will become more well-rounded and engaging.

Some Music for the Stage topics include:

• Musical Theatre
• Contemporary Dance

These 15 music research topics provide plenty of ideas for creating engaging lessons, research projects, and assignments that focus on both fundamental aspects of musical theory while still allowing room for creativity within each topic itself! Letting your students explore these music topics independently gives them access to invaluable information regarding various aspects related to making and enjoying great music regardless of its musical origin. So why not try one of these 15 fun music research topics with your music classes this year. By using some of these fun music research topics with your classes, you might find teaching music this way will help to ensure your class stays engaged while expanding their understanding of music appreciation!

Until next time

Happy Teaching

Julia from Jooya

Share this:

4 responses.

• Pingback: 7 Creative Research of Music Assessment Ideas for Your Music Class - Jooya Teaching Resources
• Pingback: 12 Fun Formative Assessment Ideas to Use in the Music Classroom - Jooya Teaching Resources
• Pingback: Middle School Music History Curriculum Planning Made Easy - Jooya Teaching Resources
• Pingback: Famous Musicians in the 1950s that Music Students Should Know - Jooya Teaching Resources

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Copyright 2021 | Jooya Teaching Resources | All Rights Reserved

Discover more from Jooya Teaching Resources

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Type your email…

Continue reading

NIH's SBIR program accepts Phase I, Phase II, Fast Track, and Direct-to-Phase II research proposals.

Each year, NIH solicits research proposals from small businesses through A Solicitation of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) for Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Contract Proposals . The latest version was published on August 2, 2024. The solicitation serves as a vehicle for offerors to propose research projects on a multitude of scientific topics from across NIH.

Proposals are due by October 18, 2024, at 5 p.m. Eastern Time.  

NIH’s Small Business Education and Entrepreneurial Development (SEED) program will host an HHS SBIR Contract RFP Pre-proposal Conference Webinar (PHS-2025-1) to discuss the mechanics of the contract opportunity on September 23, 2024, from 2 to 4 p.m. Eastern Time. The presentation materials will be posted on that same event page following the session. 

Note : This SBIR contract solicitation is distinct from the 2024 SBIR and STTR Omnibus/Parent Grant Solicitations for the NIH, CDC, and FDA released in July, which are notices of funding opportunities for grant awards (despite the word “solicitation” appearing in their titles). Learn about those grant opportunities in our August 7, 2024 article “ Small Business Research: Priority Funding Topics for 2025 .” 

To differentiate among the proposal types: 

• Phase I—research to determine the scientific or technical feasibility and commercial merit of the proposed research or research and development (R&D) efforts. 
• Phase II—continuance of Phase I research efforts, dependent on successful Phase I results as well as scientific and technical merit and commercial potential of further work. 
• Fast Track—simultaneous submission of Phase I and Phase II proposals, to facilitate a streamlined transition from Phase I to Phase II if merited by research outcomes. 
• Direct-to-Phase II—allows a small business concern to commence with Phase II research if Phase I stage-type research funded through other, non-SBIR/STTR sources is already complete. 

The table below summarizes NIAID’s research topics of interest for contract proposals. Refer to the attachment posted within the solicitation linked above for full details, including the number of anticipated awards and descriptions of required activities and deliverables. 

Your contract proposal should address only one topic; if you wish to pursue multiple topics, submit a separate proposal for each topic. Submit your proposal(s) through the electronic Contract Proposal Submission . Direct any technical questions about the solicitation and NIAID’s topics to Jonathan Bryan in NIAID’s Office of Acquisitions at [email protected] or 240-669-5180.  

Find general information and advice on our Small Business Programs page and contact NIAID SBIR/STTR Program Coordinator Natalia Kruchinin, Ph.D., at [email protected] for funding questions specific to small businesses.

Email us at [email protected] for help navigating NIAID’s grant and contract policies and procedures.

Stay Connected

• Subscribe to Funding News email updates
• Twitter: @NIAIDFunding

• Acute Coronary Syndromes
• Cardiac Surgery
• Heart Failure
• Heart Health
• Heart Rhythm
• Hypertension
• Interventional Cardiology
• Mitral Valve
• Pharmaceutics
• Structural Heart Disease
• Tricuspid Valve
• Vascular & Endovascular
• Chest Pain Guidelines
• Compensation
• Education & Training
• Patient Care
• Policy & Regulations
• Professional Associations
• Cardiac Imaging
• Informatics
• Nuclear Cardiology
• Remote Monitoring
• Experience Stories
• Webinars & Videos

Search form

‘an excellent outcome’: tavr safe and effective for patients in their nineties.

Transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR) is a safe and effective treatment option for patients in their nineties, according to new data published in The American Journal of Cardiology .[1]

The study’s authors noted that more and more nonagenarians—individuals between the ages of 90 and 99—are going to require aortic valve replacement due to severe aortic stenosis (AS) as time goes on. However, many prior TAVR trials have excluded patients that old, making the procedure’s safety and effectiveness unclear.

To learn more, the group tracked data from 183 patients who underwent TAVR from August 2009 to September 2021 in Finland. The mean patient age was 91.3 years old, and 62.8% were women. The mean EuroSCORE II was 6.0. Transfemoral access was used for all but two patients, who underwent transaortic or subclavian TAVR instead. While 43.7% of patients presented with a history of atrial fibrillation, the rates of prior percutaneous coronary intervention, myocardial infarction and stroke were 23%, 10.9% and 11.5%, respectively.

Overall, the 30-day mortality rate was 5.5% and 30-day stroke rate was 3.8%. Twelve percent of patients experienced a major or life-threatening bleeding event, and 17.5% had a major vascular complication. The 30-day permanent pacemaker rate was 10.4%.

One-year mortality was 11.6%, the group noted, and a better-than-anticipated survival rate in the months after TAVR suggested “a possible fast recovery after TAVR” 

“The present findings demonstrated that TAVR in carefully selected nonagenarians is safe and effective therapy, which should not be discarded solely by age,” wrote first author Matti Riihiniemi, a specialist with Medical Research Center Oulu in Finland, and colleagues. “In our series, one-year survival of nonagenarians who underwent TAVR was comparable to the year-, age- and sex-matched general Finnish population, which can be held as an excellent outcome when considering the high mortality associated with untreated severe symptomatic AS.”

Riihiniemi et al. also noted the high rates of bleeding and vascular complications within their patient population, pointing to some possible explanations.   

“There have been prior reports about nonagenarians being more prone than their younger counterparts to vascular- and bleeding complications, possibly attributed to higher prevalence of peripheral vascular disease and fragility of tissues common to the elderly,” they wrote. “In addition, a majority of our patients were female, who have higher risk for such complications, assumedly due to their more complex vascular anatomy. However, advances in devices, procedural technique, operator experience and perioperative care have reportedly improved outcomes following TAVR.”

Read the full analysis here .

Related Content:

Baseline tr linked to lower quality of life after tavr, m-teer—are more interventions the answer, pausing oral anticoagulation during tavr reduces bleeding risk, pci before tavr a winning combination for many heart patients, tavr outperforms savr when treating women, historic all-female trial confirms, tavr complication rates keep falling, highlighting considerable progress, ai for tavr, robot-guided echo and more: key research at esc congress 2024, boston scientific’s new tavr valve gains ce mark approval, crf announces late-breaking clinical trials for tct 2024.

• Matti Riihiniemi, BM, Jarkko Piuhola, MD, PhD, Matti Niemelä, MD, PhD, et al. Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement in Nonagenarians - A Finnish Multicentre Study. The American Journal of Cardiology. Sept. 2, 2024. https://www.ajconline.org/article/S0002-9149(24)00632-5/fulltext.

Michael has more than 16 years of experience as a professional writer and editor. He has written at length about cardiology, radiology, artificial intelligence and other key healthcare topics.

Related Content

Around the web.

Eleven medical societies have signed on to a consensus statement aimed at standardizing imaging for suspected cardiovascular infections.

Kate Hanneman, MD, explains why many vendors and hospitals want to lower radiology's impact on the environment. "Taking steps to reduce the carbon footprint in healthcare isn’t just an opportunity," she said. "It’s also a responsibility."

Philips introduced a new CT system at ECR aimed at the rapidly growing cardiac CT market, incorporating numerous AI features to optimize workflow and image quality.