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The Top 10 Most Interesting Music Research Topics

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

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

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What makes a strong music research topic.

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

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

Tips for Choosing a Music Research Topic

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

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

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

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

How to Create Strong Music Research Questions

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

Top 10 Music Research Paper Topics

1. understanding changes in music consumption patterns.

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

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

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

3. The Application of Music as a Therapeutic Tool

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

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

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

5. The Impact of Streaming Apps on Global Music Consumption

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

6. Effective American Music Education Practices

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

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

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

8. Jazz Music and Its Influence on Western Music Genres

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

9. The Effect of Wars on Music

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

10. African Tribal Percussion

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

Other Examples of Music Research Topics & Questions

Music research topics.

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

Music Research Questions

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

Choosing the Right Music Research Topic

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

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

Music Research Topics FAQ

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

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

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

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

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  • A Research Guide
  • Research Paper Topics

120 Music Research Paper Topics

How to choose a topic for music research paper:.

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Music Theory Research Paper Topics:

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

Music Industry Research Paper Topics:

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

Music Therapy Research Paper Topics:

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

Music Psychology Research Paper Topics:

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

Music Education Research Paper Topics:

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

Music History Research Paper Topics:

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

Music Sociology Research Paper Topics:

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

Classical Music Research Paper Topics:

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

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Home » 500+ Music Research Topics

500+ Music Research Topics

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.

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Best 100 music research topics (just updated).

music research topics

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!

Personal Narrative Ideas

25 Most Popular Music Research Paper Topics for Writing

25 Most Popular Music Research Paper Topics for Writing

Research papers aren't just for history class or the social sciences. Research papers can be assigned in any course, and that includes music class. The world's musical traditions are fertile ground for research, but because we have been conditioned from childhood to think of music as entertainment rather than a subject for academic research, it is often difficult to come up with interesting and effective topics for a music research paper. Fortunately, music research papers are often more fun to write than other types of research paper because they have such a wide range of interesting topics to explore. 

Choose from these stellar popular music research paper topics

Are you stuck looking for a music research topic? Well, you're in luck. We have twenty-five music research paper topics that will spark your creativity and get you started with your next paper. You can pick up one from this list, you can combine several of them, or maybe you will get inspired by this list and come with several topics on your own. In any case, make sure that the popular music topic for your research paper is interesting to you personally, and doesn't just sound potentially easy to write about. 

1. How is music marketed by demographic? Explore the different ways music companies target various demographic groups such as age and gender. 2. How does the categorization of music affect consumer purchasing decisions? Examine how the emphasis on genre either enhances sales or limits consumer interest. 3. Does the album have a future in the streaming era? Consider whether the album can survive in an era when singles are streamed in customized playlists. 4. How has music changed over the past half century? Explore some of the major themes and developments that have shaped popular music since the dawn of the rock-n-roll era. 5. Research the most influential musicians of a specific era. By comparing and contrasting the careers of key figures from a particular era, you can pain a picture of a moment in time. 6. What makes music "classical"? How we define "classical" music says a lot about power and privilege. Explore who decides and what criteria get used. 7. Does music have an impact on our bodies? Research medical evidence whether music can impact human health. 8. Does music have an impact on our mental health? Examine research on the use of music for mental health and therapeutic purposes. 9. Music and children: Is the Mozart effect real? How can music education impact children's academic and social development? 10. Can music education aid in memory training and memory development? Consider the current academic research and evaluate the validity of claims for music as a memory aid. 11. How does music impact dance? Music and dance are inextricably linked. Look at some of the ways that music impacts the development of dance. 12. How does a musician become successful? Examine key routes to success and what a music student can do to set themselves up for a career. 13. What other careers does a music degree prepare a student for? Research how music degrees can set the stage for careers beyond the music industry. 14. How does music impact fashion? Look at how rock-n-roll and hip hop have shaped fashion trends. 15. How is music used in advertising? Look into the reasons that artists are licensing hit singles to sell products and how that impacts consumers' views of music. 16. Classical music vs. rock-n-roll: Which has been more influential? Examine the arguments for both sides and take a position. 17. Look into the sociology of tribute bands and consider the reasons that people would dedicate their lives to imitating other musicians. 18. It is often said that "music soothes the savage beast," and farmers often use music to calm livestock. Is there truth to the notion that music has a positive impact on animals?  Explore the research and draw conclusions.

19. Music has been an important part of war throughout history, both martial music meant to rally the troops and anti-war songs. Examine the role of music in supporting and opposing war. 20. Music vs. poetry: Can song lyrics be considered a form of poetry? Why or why not? 21. How does hip-hop support African American culture and heritage? 22. Is there a problem with the close association of country music with political conservatism? 23. Select your favorite piece of music and research the influences that played a role in its creation and development. 24. Research the processes that archaeologists have used to reconstruct the sound of ancient music. 25. How do covers transform songs? Explore how covers are created now meaning.

After choosing the topic you like the most, save this list or this page to bookmarks for further references. It is good to have a library of resources at your fingertips.

Let experts rock when you are stuck

If these topics aren't enough to get you started, there is another trick to help you succeed. You can always find someone to help you with your research paper. You can contact a paper writing service online like WriteMyPaperHub and ask a professional essay writer, "Can I pay you to write my paper like an expert?" Once you do, a writer will determine what you need for your project and will begin writing a high-quality music research paper that will address your essay topic quickly, effectively, and with exceptional research and writing. You should feel free to take advantage of services like this whenever you get stuck so you can be successful with each and every music research paper.

Learning from the best and the brightest is more than beneficial. You have an opportunity to see how professional writers elaborate on a particular topic, which references they use, how they structure the whole thing. One ordered paper can be an example for your further works for months. Also, it is proven that students these days are overwhelmed with the number of assignments, and due to continuous lockdowns and limitations have less access to libraries and other necessary resources. If you feel like the pressure is too high, don't hesitate to delegate this assignment.

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206 Best Music Research Topics That Rock The Stage

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

Table of Contents

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

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

Music History Research Topics

music history research topics

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

Read More:  Psychology Research Paper Topics

Technical Music research topics

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

music argument topics

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

Read More:  Accounting Research Topics

Contemporary Music research topics

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

music controversial topics

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

Read More:  Criminal Justice Research Paper Topics

Music Industry Topics

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 research paper topic

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

Read More:  Medical Research Topics

Music Thesis Topics

music thesis topics

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

Read More:  Biology Research Paper Topics

High School Research Paper Topics on Music

high school research paper topics on music

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

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

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Music Research Topics: 40 Topic Examples for Paper or Essay

Music Research Paper Topic Examples

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.

research topic in music

40 Topic Examples for Paper or Essay

music equipment

  • 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.

music notes

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.

analysis and interpretation

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

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.

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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
  • Harvard Library
  • Research Guides
  • Faculty of Arts & Sciences Libraries

Music Research Guide

  • HOLLIS (Library catalog and more)
  • Dictionaries, Encyclopedias, Bibliographies
  • Recordings and Videos
  • Scores and Sheet Music
  • Concert Reviews
  • Collected Works Editions
  • Dissertations and Theses
  • Music in Special Collections
  • Ethnomusicology Research @ Harvard
  • Jazz Research @ Harvard This link opens in a new window
  • American Indigenous Music
  • Senior Thesis Style Guide: Footnotes
  • Senior Thesis Style Guide: Bibliography
  • Multimedia Production Resources

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Using the Music Library

Welcome! This guide is a curated list of resources related to music for on-campus and remote users. Bookmark this page for easy reference, and access all of Harvard Library’s online collections using your HarvardKey.

Would you like personalized help? Contact a music librarian by emailing us, using the chat button on this guide, or scheduling a research consultation. We're happy to meet virtually, or to set up an appointment to meet in person with current Harvard students, faculty, and staff. 

  • Email  or  schedule an appointment with Kerry

Start Your Research

No matter what your research topic is, here are five good places to start:

  • HOLLIS Harvard's main library catalogue: find books, articles, scores, recordings, and more in one search. Sign in with your Harvard Key to get more results.
  • Oxford Music Online Contains Grove Music Online: includes encyclopedia articles on musical genres, topics, and people.
  • Online Scores: Classical Scores Library Full, study, piano, and vocal scores of music from the Middle Ages to the 21st century, available for use online or printed/saved to PDF.
  • Online Audio: Naxos Music Library Classical, world, jazz, and folk recordings, with biographical information, opera synopses and libretti, glossaries and pronunciation guides.
  • Journal Articles: RILM Abstracts of Music Literature An international bibliography of music articles, collections, and books covering 10,000+ journals from the 1800s to the present. Especially good for finding book chapters and conference proceedings in addition to journal articles.
  • Harvard Library Bookmark Need access to an online article? Use this bookmarklet to get quick access to subscriptions purchased by Harvard Library.
  • Lean Library This browser extension provides quick and simple access to digital content purchased by Harvard Library.
  • Citation and Research Management Tools Organize your research, keep track of your references, and add citations and bibliographies to your papers. The Harvard Library supports Zotero, EndNote, and OverLeaf Pro+.
  • Next: HOLLIS (Library catalog and more) >>

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

Music and Science

17 research topics, 17.1 what is a research topic.

All experiments are situated within some kind of research topic . The research topic defines the body of knowledge to which we want to contribute, and can typically be associated with a collection of publications (e.g. journal articles, book chapters) in the academic literature that span multiple years or decades.

A given research topic will typically be associated with many publications from multiple researchers or research groups around the world. These publications will typically make many references to one another, with these references (‘citations’) being sometimes supportive (‘based on the findings of X, we know already that Y…’; ‘our results support the hypotheses of X, who suggested that…’) and sometimes negative (‘our results contract those of X’; ‘we disagree with the conclusions of X, because…’). Reading recent publications within a research topic is one of the best ways of quickly familiarising oneself with a particular topic; particularly helpful here are review articles , written with the explicit goal of summarising the current state of knowledge in a particular research topic, as well as outlining potential future directions.

The definition of the term ‘research topic’ is necessarily nebulous, and there is a lot of subjectivity involved in grouping the research literature into different research topics, especially as individual papers might often be associated with multiple topics. Nonetheless the notion of research topic remains useful for categorising and describing the academic literature. Here are some examples of research topics within the field of music psychology:

Music and dementia

Entrainment and social bonding

Expectation and musical pleasure

Memory for melodies

Timbre and synaesthesia

17.2 Choosing a research topic

In most cases you will join a research topic that already exists and that has already been studied by previous researchers. In this case you can inherit some of the pre-established legitimacy of that topic, but you will eventually have to establish exactly how your research will contribute beyond what exists already. In some cases, conversely, you will be trying to establish a new research topic in its own right; in such cases, you will have to think carefully about your justifications for why the research topic deserves to be studied in its own right.

Most researchers have several moments in their careers where they have to choose between several possible research topics. This can begin as early as the undergraduate degree, where one might be choosing between different candidate final-year research projects. It is important in these situations to be able to critically evaluate different research topics and decide which possibilities work best for you. Let’s go through a few different dimensions to think about:

17.2.1 Impact

Impact can be defined as the sense in which a piece of research affects the world around it. Research can have impact in many ways, but it’s often helpful to differentiate two kinds of impact:

The sense in which the research improves our understanding of the world ( basic research, also known as fundamental research);

The sense in which the research solves practical problems in the real world ( applied research). This can be achieved for example by developing a new technology that can be applied in non-research contexts, or by generating information that influences public or private policy.

The former category (fundamental research impact) is particularly challenging to quantify. It’s intuitive that some pieces of knowledge are more impactful than others, but it’s very difficult to quantify this differential in an absolute sense. A common heuristic used in academia is to count the number of citations received by a given research article or book; the idea is that the most impactful pieces of research are those that other researchers refer to a lot in their own research. This metric is clearly imperfect, and there is an ongoing drive in academia to find better replacements.

Several factors contribute to determining whether a research project has the capacity to achieve high impact.

Perhaps the topic itself has intrinsically high potential impact . Cancer research would be one such example; successful contributions in cancer research can have immensely high impact on cancer sufferers around the world.

Perhaps the topic is understudied . This most commonly happens early on in the study of a topic, when there has not yet been sufficient time for many researchers to recognise its potential.

Perhaps the topic matches your own skills particularly well. Different skillsets are useful for different research topics; this is particularly relevant in music psychology, where musical researchers will often have deep personal experience with a particular research topic. This personal experience can be useful in all kinds of ways, ranging from identifying good research questions to developing good hypotheses to recruiting suitable participants.

17.2.2 Environment

It is essential to consider whether you have the right environment available for performing your work. There are two particularly important factors to consider:

Academic input . Will you have a supervisor? (If you are an undergraduate or postgraduate student, almost certainly) Does your supervisor have expertise in the planned research topic, and/or in the relevant methodologies for that research topic? Are there other people in the research group/department/faculty/institution who could also give you useful feedback on your work?

Resources . Does your planned research topic require special equipment, or large amounts of money (e.g. for funding travel to remote locations, or for recruiting participants)? If so, will this equipment/money be available from your group/department/faculty/institution? If not, are there relevant grants you can apply to (e.g. from your college/university/national funding body) that could support the work?

17.2.3 Personal interest

Different people find different things interesting. Music psychology is particularly attractive to many people, because it contains so many research topics that music enthusiasts can connect to in a deep and personal sense. One might therefore choose to study film music because of a particular personal interest in listening to film music, or to study music and dementia because of having a relative with dementia.

17.2.4 Personal development

Most research projects offer opportunities for knowledge and skill development. By working in a field, you will necessarily have to learn a lot about the relevant literature, and become something of an expert in the particular topic that you are studying. It’s worth taking some time to consider which research topics you would find most rewarding to learn so much about. Conducting scientific experiments moreover gives an opportunity to develop many practical skills, such as interviewing, survey design, programming, or data analysis; it’s worth considering which of these potential skills would be most valuable to you to learn, either because you think you would enjoy learning them, or because you think they would serve you well in the future.

Learning new skills is good, but it is also time-consuming. Generally you should choose topics that provide some balance between the familiar and unfamiliar; the unfamiliar aspects are useful learning opportunities, but the familiar aspects help you to work efficiently and effectively.

17.2.5 Cost-benefit trade-off

Lastly, it is important to evaluate the potential costs involved in the proposed research direction, and determine how they compare to the potential impact of the work. This becomes particularly relevant in the latter stages of planning process, but we’ll discuss this issue here anyway for completeness.

The most obvious kind of costs are financial costs: some research simply costs a lot of money. There are however several other kinds of costs which are often underappreciated in the project planning stage.

Time. It is important to consider time both in terms of wall-clock hours (i.e. how much time elapses before the start and end of a project) and in terms of person hours (i.e. how many hours the researchers need to spend actively working on the project). Wall-clock hours become increasingly important for research projects with short time windows and strict deadlines, for example undergraduate or masters’ projects.

Ethics. Certain projects bring personal costs, or risks of costs, to the participants. For example, a trial medical drug could harm participants through unknown side effects, or a survey about taboo behaviours could harm its participants if their anonymity were compromised. The research should only be undertaken if the likely benefits of the research outweigh the likely costs, and then only if the participants provide informed consent. All psychological research projects (even undergraduate projects) should generally go to an institutional ethics board for approval before the research is conducted.

17.3 Finding candidate research topics

It is one thing to appraise a given research topic along these different dimensions, but how do we identify candidate research topics in the first place? This is fundamentally a personal process, and so it’s difficult to prescribe a universal strategy here. Nonetheless, there are a couple of useful things worth considering:

Reading broadly. Most fields have a fair few high-level books that lay out the many research topics that make up the field. In music psychology, good examples would be the Psychology of Music (Deutsch, 2013 ) , the Oxford Handbook of Music Psychology (Hallam et al., 2017 ) , or The Science and Psychology of Music (Thompson & Olsen, 2021 ) .

Attending research talks. Listening to other people present their work is a great way to foster your own ideas. Most academic institutions hold regular seminar series concerning various research fields or topics, which typically include a mixture of internal and external speakers. The Centre for Music and Science at Cambridge holds fortnightly seminars during term-time, which you can learn more about here . In addition to this, particular research fields tend to hold regular national or international conferences, where researchers congregate to share and discuss their latest research. Attending one of these conferences (or workshops, which are essentially informal versions of conferences) can be a great way to be exposed to research topics and methodologies you had never really considered before, as well as meeting other interesting people in the field. Conferences can be expensive to attend in person, but many offer special discounts or funding to students. Moreover, if you can’t attend in person, it is nowadays often possible to watch recordings of the talks afterwards on YouTube, or at least to read the conference’s ‘proceedings’ book which compiles summaries of the research projects that were presented. The following conference series are particularly well known in music and science:

ICMCP - International Conference of Music Perception and Cognition

ESCOM - European Society for the Cognitive Sciences of Music

SMPC - Society for Music Perception and Cognition (US-based)

ASA - Acoustical Society of America

SEMPRE - Society for Education, Music and Psychology Research (UK-based)

ISMIR - International Society for Music Information Retrieval

Deutsch, D. (2013). Psychology of music . Elsevier.

Hallam, S., Cross, I., & Thaut, M. (2017). The oxford handbook of music psychology . Oxford University Press.

Thompson, W. F., & Olsen, K. N. (2021). The science and psychology of music: From beethoven at the office to beyoncé at the gym . Greenwood Publishing Group Inc.

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160 Hot Music Research Paper Topics For You

music research topics

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!

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  • Library of Congress: Performing Arts Encyclopedia The Performing Arts Encyclopedia is a collection of performing arts materials located at the Library of Congress.
  • Rock's Backpages 1960-present; Rock's Backpages is a database of rock music writing, sourced from the pages of the music and mainstream press. Thousands of articles (reviews, interviews, features and more) for over 2,000 artists are available.
  • MusicID This link opens in a new window Provides access to perpetually-updated charts information, including Billboard charts, iTunes downloads, Spotify and Apple Music streams, and Shazam searches. Also includes a revenue calculation tool. more... less... Current; Music ID is an academic research tool that utilizes powerful analytics to compile global music industry data. Incorporating 5,452 different charts spanning 74 countries, Music ID Data provides access to perpetually-updated, week-to-week information on iTunes downloads, Spotify and Apple Music streams, and Shazam searches, as well as contemporary and historical data from Billboard, the Official Charts Company, GfK, and more.
  • RISM (Répertoire internationale des sources musicales) RISM's catalog is a finding aid for music manuscripts and prints; the online catalog includes Series A/1 and A/II (Music Manuscripts after 1600) and parts of B/1 as well as a list of library sigla. Other components can be found in print in the Orwig Music Library. more... less... http://www.rism.info/en/publications.html
  • RIdIM: Répertoire International d'Iconograpie Musicale (International Repertoire of Musical Iconography) The RId'IM database contains descriptions of visual objects that depict music-making, musical instruments, and similar related objects. Where possible, there are links to online images of the artwork.
  • Online Resources for Music Scholars (Harvard University) The electronic research guide from Harvard's Loeb Music Library, with many free resources covering musicology, music theory, composition, ethnomusicology, and more.
  • MusRef (Brigham Young University) MusRef, a portal from the music library at Brigham Young University, includes an online bibliography of reference sources for music, both print and online, as well as guides for getting started with music reference sources. This site includes a huge collection of links to the vast world of freely available information about music on the web.
  • Digital Resources for Musicology (DRM) A portal to open-access projects that may be of use to musicians and musicologists.
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Computer algorithms have been shaping the music scene since the 1950s. Artificial intelligence, machine learning and computational methods have left their mark, not only on the way that music is composed and performed but also on the adoption of new musical notations, different music learning approaches, and ...

Keywords : Optical Music Recognition, Computational Expression, Music Information Retrieval, Music Visualisation, Computational Music Composition

Important Note : All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.

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216 Awesome Music Topics That Will Inspire Your Thesis

music topics

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

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

Writing A Research Paper About Music

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

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

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

Easy Research Topics About Music

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

Opinion Essay Music Topics

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

Interesting Music Research Topics

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

Research Paper Topics On Music

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

Argumentative Essay Topics About Music

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

Current Music Topics To Write About In 2023

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

Musical Topics About Famous Musicians

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

Music Research Paper Topics For College

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

Our Controversial Music Topics

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

Captivating Music Thesis Topics

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

Classical Music Topic Ideas

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

Interesting Music Topics For High School

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

Awesome Music Research Questions For 2023

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

Fantastic Music Topics For Research

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

Catchy Music Related Research Topics

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

Informative Speech Topics About Music

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

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Diverse Music Essay Topics for Students and Music Enthusiasts

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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.

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List of Topics about Music for an Essay – 40 words

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

Argumentative Essay Topics about Music

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

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

Topics for College Essays about Music

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

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

Controversial Topics in Music

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

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

Classical Music Essay Topics

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

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

Jazz Music Essay Topics

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

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

Rock and Pop Music Essay Topics

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

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

Persuasive Essay Topics about Music

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

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

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research topic in music

Music Research Topics

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

Music Research Topics

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.

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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.

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Breaking down barriers in music research

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Ethnomusicologist and music analyst Leslie Tilley loves the idea of blurring genres and appreciating the beauty in all music.

“There are engaging things to find in any style of music. I’m constantly surprised by what you can do with music, and that is my favorite thing: to continue being surprised,” says Tilley, an associate professor of music at MIT. “Music is endlessly creative.”

But what about her personal music tastes?

“That’s the hardest question you can ask a musician,” says Tilley, laughing.

“I will listen to anything,” she says. “My alarm clock this morning was Dvorak’s Cello Concerto, and then I went for a walk listening to Bad Bunny. I nerd out listening to flamenco music, and then I talk to people about gamelan.”

Straddling the borders of music research

Tilley’s own musical playlist is as expansive as the scope of her ethnographic research, which examines the inherent processes and unspoken guidelines governing improvisation. Through her research, Tilley is doing her part to break down barriers within the field. Tilley was recently awarded the prestigious Emerging Scholar Award by the Society for Music Theory for her book “ Making It Up Together: The Art of Collective Improvisation in Balinese Music and Beyond .” The honor is of particular note given that Tilley is not a music theorist.

“Because I’m an ethnomusicologist who does music analysis, which is a smaller group of ethnomusicologists, I’ve always felt like I’m straddling the borders,” she says.

That is why she says this particular award is so gratifying — not just for the recognition of her work, but because of what it says about the walls coming down within the world of music research.

“That music theory decided to give an award to an ethnomusicologist who’s studying Balinese music, and using lots of Balinese and Indonesian music and ideas, it says really cool things about what’s happening in the field and how the divisions are fading, or being broken down by lots of scholars, not just me,” she says. “There are lots of people straddling the borders of these different sub-fields.” 

Tilley’s book was published in 2019, and was the culmination of years of research. 

“The book is about creating language so that people who study different improvised traditions can have a unified framework to talk about them, which didn’t exist before,” she adds. 

Tilley says as she was writing the book, it took her in directions she didn’t expect. 

“​What I learned was just where all the intersections are if you zoomed the lens back a little bit more,” she says. “That there are all these amazing scholarly intersections where I know people who are writing about literature or people who are writing about the brain, and patterns. And all of these things can play into how I think about what musicians are doing. And that was really, really exciting for me.”

Teaching ‘music with a capital M’

Since joining the MIT faculty in 2015, Tilley has been sharing her passion for a diversity of musical practices with students. She has led the MIT Balinese gamelan, and teaches courses such as 21M.030 (Introduction to Musics of the World), 21M.051 (Fundamentals of Tonal Music), 21M.500 (Advanced Seminar in Music), and 21M.292 (Musics in Bali). Tilley says she designed her course 21M.053 (Rhythms of the World) as a re-imagined fundamentals of music course that explores musical concepts as cross-cultural and cross-genre phenomena: a chance for students to learn about “music with a capital M.”

Leslie Tilley in a classroom with her students, as she teaches in class. All are sitting cross-legged on the floor.

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“One hundred percent of the people in the world engage with music in some way,” she says. “And so, (students) all come with their own expertise. In a class like Rhythms of the World, where there's not a specific tradition that I'm teaching them about, they can bring their expertise. They can bring their own life experience into that space, and then grow from there. And then engage with other people's life experiences in ways that are very personal within music.”

One of her favorite parts of teaching is when she asks students to analyze a piece of music they’re interested in using the concepts and structures they’ve learned in Rhythms of the World.

“They’re listening across the board to anything and everything you can imagine,” she says. “Every semester I discover some cool new thing I didn’t know before, or an interesting style of music just based on what my students are listening to.” 

Exploring cover songs

Tilley’s current research project is a book examining cover songs. She says that while that may seem like a left turn, it’s actually an extension of the research she’s been doing her entire career.

“What I’m interested in is: How do people take a musical thing and do something with it, and how do we think about the transformation of that thing? How does a musician take something and transform it into something else? And how can we talk about that in useful and multifaceted ways?” she says. “Considering the music itself, considering the musicians who are making it, considering the idiom that it's coming from or going to. Considering who's receiving it and how it’s being received. And how does all that play into what that transformation means?”

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

music-topics-to-research-blog-header-2023

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.

5-simple-ways-to-makeover-your-music-curriculum-blog-image-2022

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

Music Research Topic idea 3- Music Theory

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…

Music Research Topic idea 2- Music History

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.

Music Research Topic idea 5- Music of a Culture

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

Music Research Topic idea 6- Stylistic Features of a Genre

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 Research Topic idea 7- Elements of Music Analysis

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!

Music Research Topic idea 8- History of Musical Instruments

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 Research Topic idea 9- Types of Music Ensembles

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

Music Research Topic idea 10- Instruments of a Culture

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.

Music Research Topic idea 11- Musical Techniques for Performance

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.

Music Research Topic idea 12- Musical Techniques for Composing

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.

Music Research Topic idea 13- Music Festivals

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.

Music Research Topic idea 14- Music and Technology

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”?

Music Research Topic idea 15- Music for the Stage

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

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Key facts about U.S. Latinos for National Hispanic Heritage Month

National Hispanic Heritage Month, which begins in the United States each year on Sept. 15, celebrates U.S. Latinos , their culture and their history. Started in 1968 by Congress as Hispanic Heritage Week, it was expanded to a month in 1988. The celebration begins in the middle of September to coincide with independence days in several Latin American countries: Guatemala, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua and Costa Rica celebrate theirs on Sept. 15, followed by Mexico on Sept. 16, Chile on Sept. 18 and Belize on Sept. 21.

Here are some key facts about the U.S. Latino population by geography and by characteristics such as language use and origin group.

As part of our ongoing research about Hispanics in the United States, we analyzed how this group has changed over time using data from the U.S. Census Bureau. The decennial census ( PL94-171 census data ) provided some historical state and national population counts, and population estimates provided the latest data on total population, births and immigration.

We also examined characteristics of the U.S. Hispanic population using the American Community Survey (ACS), which provides data for states and the U.S. on Hispanic origin, language use, country of birth and educational attainment. Data from the 2022 ACS and some from the 2010 ACS are from tabulations released by U.S. Census Bureau . Some ACS and census data is from Integrated Public Use Microdata Series (IPUMS) of the University of Minnesota.

The U.S. Hispanic population reached 63.6 million in 2022, up from 50.5 million in 2010. The 26% increase in the Hispanic population was faster than the nation’s 8% growth rate but slower than the 34% increase in the Asian population. In 2022, Hispanics made up nearly one-in-five people in the U.S. (19%), up from 16% in 2010 and just 5% in 1970.

A line chart showing that the U.S. Hispanic population reached more than 63 million in 2022.

Hispanics have played a major role in U.S. population growth over the past decade. The U.S. population grew by 24.5 million from 2010 to 2022, and Hispanics accounted for 53% of this increase – a greater share than any other racial or ethnic group. The next closest group is non-Hispanic people who identify with two or more races. Their population grew by 8.4 million during this time, accounting for 34% of the overall increase.

A bar chart showing that Hispanics made up more than half of total U.S. population growth from 2010 to 2022.

The number of Latinos who say they are multiracial has increased dramatically. More than 27 million Latinos identified with more than one race in 2022, up from 3 million in 2010. The increase could be due to several factors, including changes to the census form that make it easier for people to select multiple races and growing racial diversity.

A bar chart showing that the U.S. Hispanic multiracial population has increased sharply since 2010.

Growth in the number of multiracial Latinos comes primarily from those who identify as at least one specific race and “some other race” (i.e., those who write in a response). This population grew from 2.1 million to 24.9 million between 2010 and 2022 and now represents about 91% of multiracial Latinos. The increase was due almost entirely to growth in the number of people who identified as White and some other race, according to the 2020 census.

At the same time, the number of Latinos who identified as White and no other race declined from 26.7 million in 2010 to 10.7 million in 2022.

The roughly 37.4 million people of Mexican origin in the U.S. represented nearly 60% of the nation’s Hispanic population in 2022. Those of Puerto Rican origin are the next largest group, at 5.9 million, which does not include another roughly 3.2 million Puerto Ricans who lived on the island in 2022. The U.S. population of Puerto Rican origin has grown partly due to people moving from Puerto Rico to the 50 states and the District of Columbia.

A line chart showing that Puerto Rico’s population has declined in recent decades.

Six other Hispanic origin groups in the U.S. each have 1 million or more people: Salvadorans, Cubans, Dominicans, Guatemalans, Colombians and Hondurans. In addition, in 2022, Spaniards accounted for nearly 1 million U.S. Latinos.

Puerto Rico’s population has declined by about 500,000 since 2010, from 3.7 million to 3.2 million. Puerto Rico has experienced a net population loss since at least 2005 , driven by low fertility rates and migration to the U.S. mainland. An ongoing economic recession and devastation from hurricanes Maria and Irma in 2017 have also contributed to the decline.

Venezuelans have seen the fastest population growth among U.S. Latinos. From 2010 to 2022, the Venezuelan-origin population in the U.S. increased by 236% to 815,000. Four other groups saw growth rates exceeding 50%: Hondurans increased by 67%, followed by Guatemalans (62%), Dominicans (59%) and Colombians (51%).

By contrast, the number of people of Mexican origin in the U.S. grew by only 14%, by far the slowest rate among the most populous origin groups.

A table showing Hispanic origin groups in the U.S., 2022.

Hispanics are the largest racial or ethnic group in California and Texas. This demographic milestone in California happened in 2014 and was a first for the state with the nation’s largest Hispanic population . Latinos accounted for 40% of California’s population in 2022, among the greatest shares in the country.

Line charts showing that Hispanics became the largest racial or ethnic group in California in 2014, and in Texas in 2021.

That year, there were about 15.7 million Hispanics in California, up from 14.0 million in 2010. The non-Hispanic White population, the next largest group, declined from 15.0 million to 13.2 million during this time, reflecting a broader national trend .

In Texas, the state with the next largest Latino population (12.1 million), Latinos also made up 40% of the population in 2022 and became the largest racial or ethnic group in 2021. In Florida, the state with the third-largest Latino population (6.0 million), Latinos made up 27% of residents.

A map of the U.S. showing that California and Texas had the nation’s largest Hispanic populations in 2022.

Rounding out the top five states with the largest Hispanic populations were New York (3.9 million) and Arizona (2.4 million). Eight more states had 1 million or more Hispanics: Illinois, New Jersey, Colorado, Georgia, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Washington and New Mexico.

Vermont had the nation’s smallest Latino population (15,000) in 2022, followed by Maine (29,000), West Virginia and North Dakota (34,000 each), and South Dakota (42,000).

In New Mexico, Hispanics have been a majority of the population since 2021 and the state’s largest racial or ethnic group since the early 2000s. In 2022, the state was home to 1.1 million Hispanics.

Three states’ Hispanic populations increased by more than 1 million from 2010 to 2022. Texas (2.5 million increase), Florida (1.8 million) and California (1.6 million) accounted for almost half of the growth nationwide since 2010. Arizona (480,000 increase), New Jersey (464,000) and New York (432,000) had the next-biggest increases. All 50 states and the District of Columbia have seen growth in their Hispanic populations since 2010.

A map showing that Texas, California and Florida have seen the biggest Hispanic population growth since 2010.

North and South Dakota’s Hispanic populations have grown the fastest since 2010. The number of Hispanics in North and South Dakota more than doubled (146% and 107% increases, respectively) from 2010 to 2022. But even with that growth, these states each had fewer than 45,000 Hispanics in 2022, among the smallest populations in the country.

The slowest growth was in New Mexico (10% increase), California (12%), and Illinois and New York (13% each), all states with significant Hispanic populations.

A map of the U.S. showing that North Dakota and South Dakota have seen the fastest Hispanic population growth since 2010.

The makeup of the U.S. Hispanic population varies widely across major metropolitan areas.  Most of the metro areas in the Midwest, West and South with the largest Hispanic populations are predominantly Mexican. About three-quarters of Hispanics in the Chicago (77%) and Los Angeles (75%) areas identify as Mexican, as do 67% in the Houston area.

Metro areas in the Northeast tend to have more diverse Hispanic origins. For example, no origin group makes up more than 30% of the New York and Boston metro areas’ Hispanic populations.

Metro areas in Florida and the nation’s capital have distinctive Hispanic enclaves. Puerto Ricans make up 43% of Hispanics in the Orlando area, while Cubans make up 39% of Hispanics in the Miami area. In the Washington, D.C., metro area, Salvadorans account for 30% of Hispanics.

A bar chart showing that the U.S. Latino populations are more diverse in Northeastern metro areas than in others.

Catholics remain the largest religious group among Latinos in the U.S., but they have become a smaller share of the Latino population over the past decade. In 2022, 43% of Latinos adults identify as Catholic, down from 67% in 2010. Meanwhile, 30% of Latinos are religiously unaffiliated (describing themselves as atheist, agnostic or “nothing in particular”), up from 10% in 2010. The share of Latinos who identify as Protestants – including evangelical Protestants – has been relatively stable.

An area chart showing the steady decline in share of U.S. Latinos who identify as Catholic.

Newborns, not immigrants, have driven the recent growth among U.S. Hispanics. During the 2010s, an average of 1 million Hispanic babies were born each year, slightly more than during the 2000s. At the same time, about 350,000 Hispanic immigrants arrived annually, down substantially from the previous two decades.

A bar chart showing that newborns have driven U.S. Hispanic population growth in recent decades, but immigration has slowed.

The recent predominance of new births over immigration as a source of Hispanic population growth is a reversal of historical trends. In the 1980s and 1990s, immigration drove Hispanic population growth.

From 2020 to 2022, average annual births among Hispanics were slightly below the previous decade, but immigration decreased considerably, from 350,000 per year to 270,000. Some of this decline can be attributed to immigration into the U.S. stopping almost entirely during the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic. With the removal of pandemic-related restrictions , the contribution of immigration to Hispanic growth appears to be returning to early 2010s levels.

The share of Latinos in the U.S. who speak English proficiently is growing. In 2022, 72% of Latinos ages 5 and older spoke English proficiently, up from 59% in 2000. U.S.-born Latinos are driving this growth: The share of U.S.-born Latinos who speak English proficiently increased by 9 percentage points in that span, compared with a 5-point increase among Latino immigrants. All told, 42.3 million Latinos in the U.S. spoke English proficiently in 2022.

Line charts showing that, for Latinos, English proficiency has increased and Spanish use at home has decreased, especially among those born in the U.S.

At the same time, the share of Latinos who speak Spanish at home declined from 78% in 2000 to 68% in 2022, and most of that decline was among the U.S. born.

Even though the share of Latinos who speak Spanish at home has declined, the number who do so has grown from 24.6 million in 2000 to 39.7 million in 2022 because of the overall growth in the Latino population.

The share of U.S. Hispanics with college experience has increased since 2010. About 45% of U.S. Hispanic adults ages 25 and older had at least some college experience in 2022, up from 36% in 2010. The share of Hispanics with a bachelor’s degree or more education also increased, from 13% to 20%. The share with a bachelor’s degree or higher increased more among Hispanic women (from 14% to 22%) than Hispanic men (12% to 18%).

The number of Latinos enrolled in college or postgraduate education also increased between 2010 and 2022, from 2.9 million to 4.2 million. Among all U.S. undergraduate and graduate students, the share of Latinos increased from 14% in 2010 to 20% in 2022, slightly higher than the Latino share of the total population.

Four-in-five Latinos are U.S. citizens. As of 2022, 81% of Latinos living in the country are U.S. citizens, up from 74% in 2010. This includes people born in the U.S. and its territories (including Puerto Rico), people born abroad to American parents, and immigrants who have become naturalized citizens. The Center recently published citizenship rates among Hispanic origin groups for 2021; this data is not yet available for 2022.

Note: This post has been regularly updated since it was originally published on Sept. 16, 2014.

  • Hispanic/Latino Demographics
  • Hispanic/Latino Identity
  • Hispanics/Latinos & Language
  • Immigrant Populations
  • Immigration & Migration

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Jens Manuel Krogstad is a senior writer and editor at Pew Research Center

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Jeffrey S. Passel is a senior demographer at Pew Research Center

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Mohamad Moslimani is a research assistant focusing on race and ethnicity at Pew Research Center

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Luis Noe-Bustamante is a research associate who studies race and ethnicity, Hispanic trends and migration/immigration at Pew Research Center

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  1. More Than 169 Cool Music Research Paper Topics For Students

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