Jackson Harmeyer, Music Librarian
Bracken Library
Lower Level, BL 087
Questions? Chat with a Librarian
Welcome to the Music Education Research Guide! Oxford Music Online defines music education as "The teaching and learning of music, with emphasis on formal music education in schools and universities." This guide will help you learn about music education by introducing you to scholarly resources available through University Libraries. Begin your research by accessing reference databases like Oxford Music Online and the Education Resource Information Center (ERIC) on the Reference Sources page. Then develop search strategies to locate books and scholarly articles at the Find Books and Find Articles pages. Also learn about professional organizations in music education and keep appraised of their activities at the Societies and Publications page.
Other pages focus on special topics in music education such as the various Instructional Methods, like Orff and Kodály, commonly practiced today as well as pages specific to piano, band, and vocal pedagogy. There are also pages on music education in different settings such as schools, communities, and special education. Finally prepare yourself for a career in music education by exploring the links at the Career Guidance page. Know of a resource not included in this guide? Feel free to email the Music Librarian and they will add it. Or, suggest a book for purchase, if it is a resource not currently owned by University Libraries.
Did You Know?
The American Orff-Schulwerk Association (AOSA) was founded here in Muncie in 1968 by Ball State University Professor of Music Education Arnold Burkart. This professional organization, dedicated to the creative music and movement approach developed by German composer Carl Orff, is now the largest organization of Orff educators in the entire country! Learn more about Orff-Schulwerk at the Instructional Methods page.
Library Quick Links
- Ask a LibrarianContact a librarian by live chat, email, text, or phone, or schedule a reference appointment.
- Interlibrary LoanRequest a book, article, or another item not available through Ball State University Libraries.
- Libraries Workshops on MusicSee what sessions on music Ball State University Libraries has planned. Email your music librarian to suggest a workshop topic.
- Music DatabasesSpecialty databases and some general databases with significant music content, including Oxford Music Online, RILM Abstracts of Music Literature, and Naxos Music Library.
- Music JournalsBrowse serials focusing on music and see access options, in-print or online.
- OneSearchLaunch a comprehensive search of University Libraries collections, including physical holdings and items with online access. Use filters to narrow results.
- Reading Lists (Course Reserves)Look for library materials reserved for your use by your professors.
- Research Guides on MusicFind a comprehensive list of research guides on musical topics created by Ball State University Libraries.
- Suggest Materials for PurchaseBelieve a book, score, or media item belongs in our collections? Suggest we purchase it here.