How to Write a Music Essay with Examples
Writing an essay about music encourages you to think about how music influences emotions and behavior. Did you know that certain types of music can alter brain activity, influence memory, or even change how we perceive time? This kind of analysis can reveal insights that go unnoticed in everyday listening.
In this article, our custom essay writing service will walk you through the process of crafting an exceptional music essay. We've curated a list of thought-provoking topics to spark your inspiration. And to give you a clearer picture of what a stellar music essay looks like, we'll share a sample music paper.
What is Music Essay
A music essay goes beyond just describing your favorite songs or artists. It can merge analysis with personal reflection, allowing you to connect abstract musical concepts to real-world effects.
What makes an essay on music unique is its ability to dissect not just the sound but the meaning and context behind it. For instance, when analyzing a piece of classical music, you might consider how its composition reflects the political climate of the time or how it challenges traditional structures in music theory. If you're writing about a modern genre like hip-hop, you might explore its roots in social movements and how it has evolved as a voice for marginalized communities.
Related : Check our special guide on what is research essay .
Special Features of Writing About Music
Writing about music doesn't require you to be an expert in this field. The key is to listen attentively, reflect on what you hear, and share your unique insights. Like any effective paper, a strong music essay requires a clear thesis, logical structure, well-supported arguments, and polished writing. What makes essays about music distinct is the blend of specific musical analysis with imaginative language that brings the music to life.
Technical vs. Everyday Language
While technical terms can be useful for describing intricate details, they aren't always necessary. If you're not deeply familiar with musical terminology or if you're writing for a broad audience, focus on describing the music in your own words. The aim is to communicate your ideas clearly and concisely without overwhelming your readers with complex jargon.
For example, in discussing Debussy's Clair de Lune , you might say: "The melody flows gently, like moonlight shimmering on a calm lake. It's serene, yet there's a quiet intensity beneath the surface." Notice how this description uses everyday language to convey the piece's emotional atmosphere.
Metaphors can be especially powerful in illustrating the emotional impact of music. For instance, you might describe a jazz improvisation as "a spontaneous conversation between old friends, full of unexpected turns and familiar comfort." This metaphor helps readers visualize the music and grasp its underlying mood.
Well-chosen metaphors not only enhance your argument but also make your writing more engaging. However, it's important to ensure your metaphors are precise and relevant to the music you're describing. Always connect them to specific musical elements so that your readers can clearly understand your interpretation.
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How to Write a Music Essay in 7 Steps
Now, follow these 7 easy steps to understand how to write an essay about music. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to create an engaging and insightful paper.
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1. Listen and Note Initial Impressions
The first step in writing a music essay is to listen to the piece multiple times. Pay close attention to the music, noting your immediate feelings and reactions. What emotions do you experience? Are there any specific moments that stand out?
Here are some questions to consider:
- How does the music make you feel? Are there moments of joy, sadness, anger, or peace?
- What instruments are being used? How do their sounds contribute to the overall atmosphere?
- Is there a strong melody or rhythm? How do these elements shape the piece?
- Are there any recurring motifs or themes? What do they symbolize?
These observations will help you identify the key elements of the music and develop a deeper understanding of its meaning.
2. Analyze the Musical Elements
Once you've noted your initial impressions, analyze the various musical elements that contribute to its overall effect. Instead of simply listing the elements, try to understand how these elements work together to create a cohesive composition. For example:
- Melody and Harmony: How does the melody interact with the harmony? Does the melody follow the harmonic progression, or does it create tension and resolution?
- Rhythm and Timbre: How does the rhythm influence the timbre of the instruments? Do certain instruments accentuate the rhythmic patterns or create a sense of counterpoint?
- Form and Structure: How is the piece organized? Are there any recurring sections or themes? How does the form contribute to the overall narrative or meaning of the music?
3. Organize Observations Clearly
Afterward, organize your observations in a way that makes your essay easy to follow. Start by grouping similar ideas together. For instance, if you notice patterns in rhythm, melody, or instrumentation, keep those observations together in your essay.
Next, decide on the order in which you want to present these points. A logical progression usually works best—move from broader observations to more specific details. This structure guides your reader smoothly through your analysis, making it easier for them to understand your perspective.
Lastly, make sure each section of your essay transitions well into the next. Use connecting phrases or sentences to link your ideas so the essay reads like a continuous narrative rather than a series of disjointed points.
4. Develop a Strong Thesis
To develop a strong thesis, start by reflecting on your observations and analysis. What is the key insight or argument you want to convey?
Your thesis should be specific and debatable, not just a statement of fact. For example, instead of saying, "The music uses interesting rhythms," try something more pointed like, "The unconventional rhythmic patterns in this composition challenge traditional notions of time signature, creating a unique auditory experience that reflects the artist's innovative approach."
Make sure your thesis is focused and manageable. Throughout your essay, continually refer back to this thesis to ensure your analysis remains relevant and cohesive.
5. Add Historical Context
To add historical context, start by researching the time period and cultural background in which the music was created. Consider factors like the social, political, and musical trends of the time.
For example, if you're writing about a jazz piece from the 1920s, mention the impact of the Jazz Age on the music's style and composition. How did historical events or cultural shifts influence the artist's work?
Incorporate this context into your essay to show how the music fits into a larger narrative. Explain how historical events or cultural movements shaped the music and how it, in turn, reflects or challenges those influences.
6. Link Music to Broader Themes
Connecting the music to broader themes helps to show its relevance and significance beyond its immediate context. To do this, identify the larger ideas or issues that the music touches on. For instance, if the piece reflects themes of rebellion or innovation, explain how these themes relate to broader cultural or societal movements.
Start by examining how the music aligns with or challenges prevailing trends, beliefs, or experiences of its time. For example, if a piece explores themes of personal struggle, link it to universal experiences or social issues, such as mental health or resilience.
Additionally, consider how the music fits into larger artistic or cultural movements. Does it reflect or influence trends in its genre, or does it contribute to a broader dialogue about art and society?
7. Synthesize Into a Cohesive Narrative
To synthesize your analysis into a cohesive narrative, revisit your main points and ensure they align with your thesis.
Structure your essay so that each section flows logically into the next. Begin with an introduction that outlines your thesis and the main points you will cover. Follow this with a body where you present your observations and analysis, organized by theme or aspect of the music. Ensure each paragraph transitions smoothly to the next, maintaining a clear connection to your central argument.
In your conclusion, summarize how your analysis supports your thesis and highlight the broader significance of the music. Reinforce the key themes and insights you've discussed, showing how they come together to form a complete picture.
Music Essay Topics
When choosing a topic for your essay, consider your interests and the specific piece of music you want to analyze. Here are 15 potential music topics to write about:
- What is the relationship between musical form and narrative structure in Beethoven's symphonies?
- Discuss how music contributes to the storytelling and emotional impact of films or television shows.
- How opera reflects socio-political issues of its time.
- The Beatles' Influence on Rock Music: A look at their lasting impact.
- How does the concept of "syncopation" contribute to the rhythmic complexity of jazz music?
- What makes a song a classic?
- Discuss the issues surrounding music copyright and the fair use of copyrighted material.
- How has music been used to represent and challenge national identity in post-colonial contexts?
- What is the role of nostalgia in our appreciation of music, and how does it differ across cultures?
- The use of classical music in 20th-century film scores
- How does Mozart's use of coloratura singing enhance the dramatic impact of his operatic characters?
- Examine the connections between music and literary works, such as novels, poetry, or plays.
- Trace the development of rock over time.
- How does music help us cope with grief and loss, and what are the psychological mechanisms involved?
- Speculate on the future of the music industry and the potential impact of emerging technologies.
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Music Essay Examples
Here are the samples that illustrate writing about music examples and bring our earlier tips to life. Crafted by our thesis writing service , they show you how to explore music, develop your arguments, and spotlight key details effectively.
The Bottom Line
Writing an essay about music can be both fun and rewarding. With so many topics to explore, just follow our guide to create a standout essay every time. Be adventurous with your topic, keep the writing process straightforward, and stick to academic standards. Use our music essay samples as a model to craft your own polished paper.
Remember, if you're feeling stuck or short on time, our expert writers are here to help. Simply visit our website, submit a ' write my research paper' request, and get a custom-written essay with just a click!
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Though music essay writing is not the hardest job on the planet, there are still some questions that often pop up. Now that you have a writing guide and a list of essay topics about music, it's time to address the remaining inquiries. Keep reading to find the answers to the frequently asked questions.
What is Music Essay?
How to start an essay on music, how does music affect your mood essay.
is an expert in nursing and healthcare, with a strong background in history, law, and literature. Holding advanced degrees in nursing and public health, his analytical approach and comprehensive knowledge help students navigate complex topics. On EssayPro blog, Adam provides insightful articles on everything from historical analysis to the intricacies of healthcare policies. In his downtime, he enjoys historical documentaries and volunteering at local clinics.
- Updated writing steps, essay topics and FAQs
- Added new essay samples
Writing about Music: A Guide to Writing in A & I 24 . (n.d.). https://writingproject.fas.harvard.edu/files/hwp/files/ai_24_guide_to_print.pdf
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Good Songs To Analyze For English Class
Good Songs To Analyze For English Class in 2024
Music has always been a powerful form of expression, and analyzing songs in an English class can provide a unique and engaging way for students to explore various themes, literary devices, and cultural contexts. As we enter the year 2024, here are some good songs to consider for analysis in an English class, along with eight interesting facts about each song.
1. “Blinding Lights” by The Weeknd:
– Released in 2019, “Blinding Lights” became a global hit in 2020, making it an excellent choice for analyzing contemporary music.
– The song’s lyrics and music video draw inspiration from the 1980s, making it a great opportunity to explore themes of nostalgia and retro culture.
– “Blinding Lights” features the literary device of repetition, with the chorus being repeated several times throughout the song.
– The Weeknd’s vocal range and emotive delivery make this song a great example for discussing the use of tone and mood in music.
– The song’s popularity and critical acclaim make it a relevant topic for discussing the impact of music in today’s society.
2. “Bad Guy” by Billie Eilish:
– Released in 2019, “Bad Guy” showcases Billie Eilish’s unique style and lyrical prowess, making it an intriguing choice for analysis.
– The song plays with themes of power dynamics and subverting expectations, providing an opportunity to explore gender roles and societal norms.
– “Bad Guy” employs various literary devices, such as irony and sarcasm, to convey its message.
– The song’s minimalist production and Eilish’s whisper-like vocals create a haunting atmosphere, allowing for discussions on the use of sound in music.
– Billie Eilish’s rise to stardom and the cultural impact of her music can be explored in relation to “Bad Guy.”
3. “Formation” by Beyoncé:
– Released in 2016, “Formation” became an anthem for Black empowerment, making it a significant song to analyze in terms of social and political commentary.
– The lyrics of “Formation” address issues of racism, feminism, and cultural identity, providing ample material for discussion.
– The song’s music video is rich in symbolism and references to African-American history, allowing for analysis of visual storytelling in music.
– “Formation” showcases Beyoncé’s powerful vocals and her ability to use her platform to address important issues, making it a relevant topic for exploring the role of artists as activists.
– The controversy surrounding the release of “Formation” and its impact on pop culture can be explored within the context of analyzing this song.
4. “Old Town Road” by Lil Nas X:
– Released in 2019, “Old Town Road” broke records and blended genres, making it an interesting choice for analysis.
– The song’s lyrics play with themes of identity and genre conventions, sparking discussions on artistic authenticity and cultural appropriation.
– “Old Town Road” incorporates elements of both country and hip-hop music, providing an opportunity to explore the evolution of musical genres and their cultural significance.
– The song’s viral success and the debate it sparked within the music industry can be examined in relation to the power of social media and online communities.
– “Old Town Road” also addresses issues of perseverance and self-expression, making it a compelling topic for exploring personal narratives in music.
5. “Imagine” by John Lennon:
– Released in 1971, “Imagine” remains a timeless classic that continues to resonate with listeners, making it a valuable song for analysis in any English class.
– The song’s lyrics promote themes of peace, unity, and the power of imagination, providing ample material for discussing utopian ideals and social activism.
– “Imagine” utilizes vivid imagery and metaphors, allowing for exploration of poetic devices within song lyrics.
– The song’s message and its relevance in today’s world can be discussed in relation to ongoing global conflicts and the pursuit of social justice.
– John Lennon’s role as a cultural icon and his impact on music and activism make “Imagine” a significant song to analyze.
6. “Royals” by Lorde:
– Released in 2013, “Royals” became a breakout hit for Lorde, making it an excellent choice to explore the perspective of a young artist navigating fame and societal expectations.
– The song’s lyrics critique materialism and the excesses of popular culture, providing opportunities for discussions on consumerism and social class.
– “Royals” showcases Lorde’s distinctive vocal style and her ability to craft thought-provoking lyrics, making it a great example for analyzing poetic techniques in music.
– The song’s success at such a young age can be discussed in terms of the pressures faced by young artists in the music industry.
– “Royals” also offers an interesting contrast to other popular songs of its time, making it a valuable topic for exploring musical trends and cultural shifts.
7. “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen:
– Originally released in 1984, “Hallelujah” has been covered by numerous artists and continues to be a beloved song, making it a timeless choice for analysis.
– The song’s complex and poetic lyrics lend themselves to discussions on themes of love, spirituality, and the human experience.
– “Hallelujah” features a variety of literary devices, such as biblical allusions and powerful imagery, providing ample material for analysis.
– The song’s enduring popularity and the different interpretations it has garnered over the years can be examined in relation to the concept of artistic legacy.
– Leonard Cohen’s role as a revered singer-songwriter and the impact of his music can be discussed within the context of analyzing “Hallelujah.”
8. “This Land Is Your Land” by Woody Guthrie:
– Written in 1940, “This Land Is Your Land” has become an American folk classic that addresses themes of inclusivity, equality, and social justice, making it a valuable song for analysis in an English class.
– The song’s lyrics explore the vast landscapes of America and the idea of shared ownership, providing opportunities to discuss environmentalism and the concept of belonging.
– “This Land Is Your Land” showcases Guthrie’s storytelling abilities and his use of vivid imagery, making it a great example for analyzing narrative techniques in music.
– The song’s historical context and its place within the American folk music tradition can be examined in relation to broader discussions on cultural heritage.
– Woody Guthrie’s role as a protest singer and the impact of his music on social movements can be explored within the context of analyzing “This Land Is Your Land.”
In conclusion, analyzing songs in an English class can offer students a valuable opportunity to explore various themes, literary devices, and cultural contexts. The songs mentioned above, such as “Blinding Lights,” “Bad Guy,” “Formation,” “Old Town Road,” “Imagine,” “Royals,” “Hallelujah,” and “This Land Is Your Land,” provide a diverse range of topics for analysis. By delving into the lyrics, musical elements, and societal impact of these songs, students can deepen their understanding of the power of music as a form of artistic expression.
15 Common Questions and Answers:
1. What is the significance of analyzing songs in an English class?
Analyzing songs allows students to explore themes, literary devices, and cultural contexts in a unique and engaging way.
2. Why is “Blinding Lights” by The Weeknd a good choice for analysis?
“Blinding Lights” is a popular contemporary song that incorporates nostalgia and repetition as literary devices.
3. What themes can be explored in “Bad Guy” by Billie Eilish?
“Bad Guy” addresses power dynamics, gender roles, and societal expectations.
4. How does “Formation” by Beyoncé contribute to social and political commentary?
“Formation” addresses racism, feminism, and cultural identity within the African-American community.
5. What makes “Old Town Road” by Lil Nas X an interesting song to analyze?
“Old Town Road” blends genres, explores themes of identity, and sparked debates on cultural appropriation.
6. Why is “Imagine” by John Lennon considered a timeless classic?
“Imagine” promotes themes of peace, unity, and imagination, which remain relevant in today’s world.
7. What societal critique does “Royals” by Lorde offer?
“Royals” criticizes materialism and excesses in popular culture, allowing for discussions on consumerism and social class.
8. How does “Hallelujah” by Leonard Cohen utilize literary devices?
“Hallelujah” features biblical allusions, vivid imagery, and poetic techniques that deepen its meaning.
9. Why is “This Land Is Your Land” by Woody Guthrie a valuable song for analysis?
“This Land Is Your Land” addresses inclusivity, equality, and social justice, making it a significant song in American folk tradition.
10. How can analyzing these songs enhance students’ understanding of the power of music?
Analyzing songs helps students explore the impact of music on society, cultural shifts, and personal narratives.
11. What is the role of repetition in “Blinding Lights” by The Weeknd?
Repetition emphasizes the song’s catchy chorus and contributes to its overall impact on listeners.
12. How does Billie Eilish use irony in “Bad Guy”?
Billie Eilish employs irony to subvert expectations and challenge societal norms.
13. What visual storytelling elements are present in the music video for “Formation” by Beyoncé?
The music video of “Formation” contains rich symbolism and references to African-American history.
14. How does “Old Town Road” by Lil Nas X challenge genre conventions?
“Old Town Road” blends elements of country and hip-hop, challenging traditional genre boundaries.
15. Why has “Imagine” by John Lennon remained relevant over time?
“Imagine” continues to resonate with listeners due to its timeless message of peace and unity.
Final Thoughts:
Analyzing songs in an English class not only allows students to explore various themes, literary devices, and cultural contexts but also deepens their understanding of the power of music as a form of artistic expression. Songs such as “Blinding Lights,” “Bad Guy,” “Formation,” “Old Town Road,” “Imagine,” “Royals,” “Hallelujah,” and “This Land Is Your Land” provide rich material for analysis and discussions on social, political, and personal narratives. By delving into the lyrics, musical elements, and societal impact of these songs, students can develop critical thinking skills and gain a deeper appreciation for the role of music in our lives.
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Last updated March 22, 2024
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Blog > Essay Advice , Personal Statement > How to Write a Great College Essay About Music (with examples)
How to Write a Great College Essay About Music (with examples)
Admissions officer reviewed by Ben Bousquet, M.Ed Former Vanderbilt University
Written by Alex McNeil, MA Admissions Consultant
Key Takeaway
Ask any admissions officer if they’ve read a college essay about music, and they’ll definitely say yes. Between music extracurriculars and academic interests in music, it’s is one of the most common college essay topics.
So does that mean that you shouldn’t write your college essay about music?
Not necessarily. But as with any common college essay topic, some approaches are better than others.
Let’s get into it.
Why you should (and shouldn’t) write your Common App essay about music
As we explained in our Stanford Items exercise , writing your college essay on a common topic isn’t off-limits. In fact, most college essays share common topics and themes. Trying to find a completely unique, never-been-done-before topic is almost impossible. And writing about a quirky topic in hopes of coming across as unique usually backfires.
In other words, it’s likely that you’ll write about the same topic as someone else.
The problem arises, however, when you write about a common topic in a cliche way . Cliches are always a danger in college essays, but in especially college essay topics that tend to surface again and again.
To avoid cliches, your college essay about music needs to be deeply personal, specific, and meaningful. You’ll want to let go of any over-generalizations or truisms and focus on the details of your own story.
Because you’ll need to write meaningfully and vulnerably, you should only write your college essay about music if you have something genuine and significant to say.
The Best Ways to Approach Your College Essay about Music
College essays about music aren’t off the table, but you should be thoughtful in how you write about them. The following two approaches will help you avoid cliches and find an authentic, meaningful story that fulfills all the requirements of a personal statement .
Writing about music as an academic interest
If you’re interested in studying music in college, then you can consider writing your college essay about music as an academic interest. A college essay about your academic interest in music can show fantastic intellectual fit with a school.
Let’s say you want to study music theory or composition. You might write about a topic you find compelling, a problem you’ve solved, or even a recounting of your journey becoming interested in the subject.
Or maybe you’re an aspiring performer planning on studying music performance. As an admissions officer, I read outstanding essays about students performing their favorite pieces, creating emotional music projects, and teaching lessons to young children.
No matter your topic, your goal with this approach is to show an intellectual spark, a curiosity and passion that will demonstrate to your admissions officers that you’ll be a great addition to the music community on their campuses.
Writing poignantly about a deeply meaningful extracurricular
The previous approach is great if you want to study music, but what if music is just an extracurricular passion of yours? Don’t worry—you can still write about it.
In that case, the best way is to focus on meaning. Remember: personal statements should be deeply-meaningful reflections on your personal strengths.
To start, reflect on your music extracurricular. Is it playing guitar in a band? Playing trombone in your school’s symphony? Learning piano from your grandma? How your love of poetry turned into a love of songwriting?
Next, think about what strengths you have to showcase. If you play guitar in a band, maybe you want to highlight your collaborative spirit. If you love poetry and songwriting, perhaps you focus on your creativity.
Writing about your love of music in a way that draws upon your strengths will make sure that your Common App essay avoids the following two approaches and gives admissions officers a reason to admit you.
Approaches to Avoid
While the following two approaches aren’t necessarily bad, they are the most cliche ways of approaching a college essay about music. You might want to consider avoiding them.
An inauthentic tale of triumph
Let me tell you a cliche story.
When I was in fourth grade, I decided to join the school orchestra. I found it exceedingly difficult at first. No matter how hard I tried, I never could seem to place my fingers correctly on the fingerboard. Every sound I made mimicked a screeching cat. But I decided not to give up. I practiced every day after school and on the weekends. By the time I was in ninth grade, I had made it into my high school’s top orchestra.
Is that a lovely story? Yes, absolutely. Is it hearty enough for a college essay? No. While it tells a good narrative of growth and progress, it remains on the surface of the writer’s life. It comes across as a convenient way to brag about your strengths instead of exploring them in a genuine way. In this example, the story also focuses on events that happened way too far in the past.
A song that changed your life
This approach is by far the most common cliche in college essays about music. We’ve all been there: a favorite song that transports you to a moment in your life whenever you hear it. It makes sense that you’d want to write about yours.
But there’s a problem with this approach. Too often, it reads as trite or unoriginal, and the end result usually doesn’t say much about the writer. And when it does, the message an admissions officer gets doesn’t typically give them any more reason to admit you. Since you want your college essay to be meaningful, even vulnerable, and strengths-based, you’re better off choosing another topic that better speaks to who you are.
Key Takeaways + Examples
College essays about music aren’t for everyone. But when you get it right, you can strike the perfect chord with admissions officers (you’re welcome for the pun).
As you go, dig deep, find something genuinely personal, and try to avoid the most common and cliche ways of approaching the topic.
Want to see some examples of college essays about music before you get started? Check out our examples, The Time Machine and The Band .
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