Methods in Music Research

Undergraduate | 2026

Course page banner
area/catalogue icon
Area/Catalogue
MUSI 3001
Course ID icon
Course ID
204347
Level of study
Level of study
Undergraduate
Unit value icon
Unit value
6
Course level icon
Course level
3
Study abroad and student exchange icon
Inbound study abroad and exchange
Inbound study abroad and exchange
The fee you pay will depend on the number and type of courses you study.
Yes
University-wide elective icon
University-wide elective course
Yes
Single course enrollment
Single course enrolment
Yes
alt
Note:
Course data is interim and subject to change

Course overview

This course covers a broad range of methods used in research by musicologists today. These include (1) ethnographic methods such as field observation (including participant-observation), field documentation and interviewing techniques; (2) music transcription and analytical methods as applied to a wide range of notated musical forms and oral performance practices; computer aided methods for data collection and analyses of music and musical instruments; and (3) historical methods and approaches to collect and interpret musical past.

Course learning outcomes

  • To demonstrate critical evaluation of music scholarship as relevant to both the theoretical and practical aspects of music and music-making both in any cultural context
  • To be able to conceptualise a problem in music or arising from music-making and identify appropriate methodologies to investigate it
  • To have confidence in the communication of research outcomes, whether delivered through oral, written, performance, composition or other media, employing appropriate professional standards
  • To understand the key theoretical and practical issues in music and apply them more broadly in professional life

Prerequisite(s)

N/A

Corequisite(s)

N/A

Antirequisite(s)

N/A