Citation in Music Theory: When and How to Use Academic References

When writing about music theory, understanding when and how to use academic citations is crucial for maintaining scholarly integrity and giving proper credit to original ideas. This article explores the nuances of citation in music theory, providing guidance on when and how to cite musical excerpts and theoretical ideas.

Introduction to Academic Citation in Music

Academic citation is essential in any form of scholarly writing, including music theory. It helps readers understand the origin of ideas, acknowledges the work of previous scholars, and strengthens the credibility of your research. Here, we will discuss the importance of citation, when it's necessary, and the different ways to cite in musical theory.

When to Use Citations in Music Theory

Citations are particularly important in music theory for several reasons:

Excerpts from Musical Scores: Always include the composer's name, the title of the work, the piece number, and the specific measures or movements when citing musical excerpts. For example, Mozart Piano Sonata in B-flat K. 333 iii 1–8 or Beethoven Violin Sonata in D Op. 12 No. 1 iii 1–8. Theoretical Concepts: If you are working on a theoretical project and basing your ideas on the works of other scholars, you must cite them to indicate the origin of your ideas. Unique Perspectives: If you present a new or unique perspective on a concept, ensure that you distinguish it from existing theory and provide adequate citations.

A good practice is to cite concepts that haven't become part of common cultural knowledge, while you may not need to cite widely accepted ideas.

Examples of Citations

Consider the following example:

Example 1: In a book about harmony, explaining the V7 resolution to I in a perfect authentic cadence is considered a known concept and does not require citation.

Example 2: If you're writing about tonality and discuss the notion that a piece of music from the common practice period has one primary tonality with modulations as segments, this idea was formulated by Arnold Schoenberg. You should cite him to acknowledge his contribution, even if it's not a widely accepted notion yet.

Level of Detail in Citations

The level of detail in your citations can vary depending on your audience and the purpose of your writing:

Audience Specificity: If your writing is aimed at an academic audience, formal citations are necessary. Include the author, book title, chapter, and page numbers to provide a detailed reference. General Audience: If your target audience is a broader group, such as self-study students, you can provide less formal citations. For example, referencing an author without providing detailed book and page numbers.

Whichever level you choose, make sure to credit the original authors to avoid plagiarism and to honor their work.

Conclusion

Proper citation in music theory is crucial for maintaining academic integrity and building upon the work of previous scholars. Whether you are citing musical excerpts or theoretical concepts, always ensure that you provide sufficient credit to the original sources. Whether it’s for academic or general readers, citations help establish credibility and contribute to the ongoing discourse in music theory.

Key Takeaways

Always cite musical excerpts with author names, work titles, and specific measures or movements. Use citations for theoretical ideas that are not commonly known and acknowledge the contributions of earlier scholars. The level of detail in your citations can vary based on your audience and the purpose of your writing.

Further Reading

For further exploration into music theory and academic writing, consider the following resources:

JSTOR: A digital library of academic journals, books, and primary sources. WorldCat: A catalog of over 500 million library resources. Cambridge University Press: Offers a range of scholarly books and journals.