Contexts for Performance 1

Preparation Guide for the 2 x 750-word short answer essays, with bibliography
Due: Friday, 05 May 2023, by 17:00

Assignment Brief:
Choose two questions from the list provided, and write a 750-word short answer essay on each.

Points to consider:
• You may choose any combination of questions: it does not matter whether your essays deal
with related issues/music, or are very different. However, you must not reuse material from
one essay in another.
• While each question relates to a specific topic, there will often be a number of approaches you
can take in addressing it. Part of your task may involve narrowing the topic down to a specific
aspect that you can focus on in your essay: for example choosing a composer, or one or two
pieces, or a performance practice, in relation to the topic (the same way your lecturer did in
class).
• In answering your questions, you are not limited to the material and examples used in your
class on that topic. Just because in class you discussed Fanny Mendelssohn, doesn’t mean you
have to write about Mendelssohn if you choose that topic/question.
• While the questions may not restrict you to a particular composer or repertoire, you must focus
your discussion within the time period of the module: music from 1600 to 1850.

Writing a Short-Answer Essay:

• A short essay is still an essay: it requires a coherent structure (introduction, body, conclusion);
an argument; supporting evidence; and good referencing practice.
• Begin each essay with a short introduction that outlines your topic and the main ideas, points
or music you will discuss.
• The main body of your essays should be an explanation of your ideas, supported by evidence
from your reading and research of the topic.
• You should also support your discussion with reference to the music. You do not necessarily
have to include musical examples, but you should direct the reader to compositions, specific
passages, and/or performances where relevant.
• End each essay with a conclusion that summarises your main points and ideas. It may be helpful
to refer back to the original question in the conclusion.
• You should seek to demonstrate some engagement with written sources (books, journal articles
etc.) in your essays. For example, you might refer to or quote from a source as support for your
ideas, or demonstration of your research on the topic. References and quotes should be cited in
footnotes in your essay.

Presentation and Submission:

The essay should be submitted as either a Word or PDF file. The instructions for submitting essays to
Blackboard are available on Blackboard.

In addition to the essay, you must also include:

 2

• Footnotes, including page numbers, for all references to sources you use in the essay.
• Two separate bibliographies, each ordered alphabetically, listing the books, articles, scores, and
other sources of information that you consulted in completing each part of the assignment.
Each bibliography should list at least three scholarly sources (e.g. books, book chapters, journal
articles) that you consulted in completing the project.
• We strongly encourage you to access the physical resources available in the library (books,
journals, scores): the librarians are always available to help you find the resources you need.
• There are also many online sources that you can and should use, including the articles in Grove
Music Online, chapters from the Cambridge Companion books, journal articles in JSTOR, as well
as many e-books available through the library’s catalogue. Please follow the link to Online
Resources on the library’s catalogue website for more guidance on using scholarly sources
online. Note that generalist websites, blogs, wikipedia, youtube videos, britannica.com, online
program notes etc. are NOT scholarly sources and will not count towards your bibliography.
• List any scores that you consulted for your project in a separate section following the
bibliography under the section heading ‘Scores’.
• If you also discussed audio or video recordings of music in completing your essays, then you
should also include those at the end of the bibliography under the section heading
‘Discography’.
• Be sure to reference your sources accurately and style them correctly by using the format
described in the Chicago Style Manual (available as an online resource through the library).

Word Limit: 1500 words (+/- 10%)

• The word limit does include footnotes but does not include the bibliography.

Aims and Learning Outcomes for the Assessment:

Your essay should aim to satisfy the learning outcomes for the module:
• to demonstrate knowledge on the topic and understanding of the music;
• to demonstrate an ability to structure and organize ideas and arguments;
• to use preparatory reading and research of scholarly sources thoughtfully and critically;
• to employ musical terminology and examples effectively to communicate your ideas.

Updated 01.2023