MUSHL 201– Introduction to Music Research
Course Objectives: This course is an introduction to the materials and techniques of music
writing and research. We will cover five essential aspects of writing about music: discovering the
music through close listening and score study; asking questions about its form, style, and cultural
implications; finding and understanding resources for research; writing style; and source
documentation. Materials will include reference books and online sources, music history surveys,
essay collections, monographs, periodicals, musical scores, and recordings. Weekly assignments
will serve as progressive stages in the preparation of the final paper.
Co-requisite: MUSHL 205
Required Text: Herbert, Trevor. Music in Words: A Guide to Researching and Writing about
Music. New York: Oxford University Press, 2009. ($19.95) Available in the Hunter College
bookstore, also available from online vendors. ISBN 978-0-19-537373-8
Companion website: www.oup.com/us/musicinwords