University Library
Dissertation and Thesis Research and Writing Guide for Music Students
Getting started.
- Conducting Your Research
- Writing Your Thesis or Dissertation
- Citation Resources
- Copyright Permissions
- Depositing Your Thesis or Dissertation
Music & Performing Arts Library
This is a guide to library resources for graduate students in the School of Music working on a thesis or dissertation.
Use the tabs to the left to navigate the guide and see what resources we have available.
If you have questions about the Library or accessing resources related to your thesis or dissertation work that we didn't cover in this guide, please let us know! You can contact the librarians at [email protected] or by clicking the "Email Me" button on the left.
***Please note: the information included in this guide regarding graduation and dissertation requirements is intended as a guideline only. Always check with the School of Music or the Graduate College Thesis Office if you have questions about these requirements as they will be best able to provide up to date information.
Getting Help
Need research help.
If you need help with your research or are having trouble tracking down the sources you need, you can make an appointment with a librarian to discuss your research one-on-one. Don't hesitate to reach out or schedule an appointment if you need help! You are also always welcome to ask for assistance at the service desk at MPAL.
Questions About Graduate Requirements?
If you have questions about graduate requirements, you can reach out to the School of Music Graduate Academic Affairs for clarification. They can be reached via email at [email protected]
We are also including links to the Graduate College Handbook and the Thesis Office below in case you want to consult policies or requirements yourself.
- Graduate College Handbook of Policy and Requirements
- Thesis Office
- School of Music's Student Resources
Guides to Researching & Writing About Music
- Research Guides
- Writing Guides
As you conduct your research, you may find it helpful to consult some of the handbooks below to help guide you through the research process. For help with writing about music - including selecting the right terminology as well as general style tips - be sure to check out the next tab of this box!
- Next: Conducting Your Research >>
- Last Updated: Jun 5, 2024 3:41 PM
- URL: https://guides.library.illinois.edu/musicdissthesis
Doctoral Dissertations in Musicology
Doctoral Dissertations in Musicology (DDM) is an international database of bibliographic records for completed dissertations and new dissertation topics in the fields of musicology, music theory, and ethnomusicology, as well as in related musical, scientific, and humanistic disciplines.
- Report a new dissertation
- Update an existing dissertation record
What is included
The fully searchable database containing over 16,400 records, including the corrected and updated contents of all earlier printed editions of Doctoral Dissertations in Musicology and supplements contributed from musicological centers throughout the world. Records include normal bibliographic information as well as publication details and internet availability (if available).
References to the following tools are also included when available:
- Dissertation Express
What is not included
DDM does not include the dissertations themselves.
Additional information and background
A number of dissertations awarded by UK institutions and included here are also listed in the British Library’s EThOS E-Theses database . Over 100,000 are available for immediate, free download. For many others, you can order a scanned copy (charges may apply)
This implementation of DDM was prepared by Durrell Bowman in 2010. Click here for further information about DDM and a short history of the project.
The AMS is grateful to people and institutions who have worked hard to make DDM a useful research tool: Durrell Bowman, Peter Slemon, Thomas Mathiesen, Alis Dickinson, Cecil Adkins, Helen Hewitt, Indiana University, and the University of North Texas.
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