LibGuides: Music History: Writing

Or see our full guides on these subjects:

Copyright for Music
by Lisa Read Last Updated Jul 9, 2024 129 views this year
Music Citation and Writing
by Lisa Read Last Updated Apr 8, 2025 160 views this year

Find more books in our full guide:

Music Citation and Writing
by Lisa Read Last Updated Apr 8, 2025 158 views this year

Books in the Library (selections)

How to Write about Music by Marc Woodworth and Ally-Jane Grossan (Eds.)
Call Number: ML3785 H69 2015
Selections from the 33 1/3 series, from a variety of go-to genres such as album reviews, personal essays, blog posts and interviews, along with tips, writing prompts, and advice from the writers themselves.
Writing about Music, 3rd ed. by D. Kern Holoman
Call Number: ML3797 W68 2014 [Allen writing shelves]
Also available online.
Most helpful for citing or referring to musical titles or terminology. Includes information on preparing musical examples, program notes, and more.

Music history most often uses Chicago or Turabian citation style, so those styles are highlighted here. For other styles, see our full guide:

Music Citation and Writing
by Lisa Read Last Updated Apr 8, 2025 160 views this year

Chicago Manual of Style (brief online guide at Purdue)
A guide for quick reference. For more detailed questions, consult the full online version of CMS, or the full print CMS book.
Citing Music Sources (University of Western Ontario)
This useful online guide adapts Turabian style to music resources.
A Guide for Music Citation - Chicago/Turabian Style
A guide to many common music sources cited in Chicago/Turabian style, with footnote and bibliography citation examples. From Indiana University Libraries.

The Chicago Manual of Style, 18th ed. [printed book]
Call Number: Z253 U69 2024 [Allen Library writing shelves]
Also available online.
Style guide most commonly used in the humanities, literature, and arts. Use this to answer advanced citation and style questions.
A Manual for Writers of Research Papers, Theses, and Dissertations, 9th ed. by Kate L. Turabian
Call Number: LB2369 .T8 2018 [Mortensen reference]
Covers the research and writing process, citation practices and examples, and editorial style. Based on the 17th edition of The Chicago Manual of Style.

For more resources, see our full guide:

Copyright in General (from Columbia University)
Explains fundamental principles of copyright law and answers questions about fair use, managing your copyrights, negotiating publication agreements, posting materials online, and more.
Music Copyright Tutorial (YouTube)
Created by students and librarians at the College of William & Mary. A great introduction to copyright issues in music.

The Copyright Handbook by Stephen Fishman
Call Number: KF2995 .F53 2021 [Mortensen reference]
Provides information and forms to protect yourself from being copied by others and from being accused of copying.
The Music Copyright Manual by Jim Jesse
Call Number: KF3035 J47 2020 [Allen shelves]
An overview of music copyright. Covers infringement, case examples, The Music Modernization Act, live streaming, using beats, and more.

Know of a resource you think should be added to this guide? Let us know!

Want to suggest we purchase something new? Contact Tracey Rudnick (rudnick@hartford.edu).