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133 Hip Hop Topics & Essay Examples

Looking for exciting hip hop topics to write about? This music genre is still very popular and definitely worth exploring!

• 🏆 Best Essay Examples & Topic Ideas

🎧 Interesting Rap Topics for Essays & Research Papers

• 📌 Most Interesting Topics to Write about
• 👍 Good Essay Topics

❓ Questions About Hip Hop

In your hip-hop essay, you might want to make an overview of the genre or talk about its history. Another option for your rap essay is to compare the old school and the new school of hip-hop. One more idea is to discuss the consequences of the genre’s commercialization.

Want more title ideas? Continue reading! We’ve prepared for you a collection of rap topics and questions for essays and research papers. Hip hop essay examples are added for your inspiration!

🏆 Best Hip Hop Essay Examples & Topic Ideas

• Hip-Hop Music Other creations of hip-hop are the components of the hip-hop lifestyle. A number of unacceptable behaviors in the society have been encouraged by hip-hop leading to a conflict between the ambassadors of hip-hop and the […]
• Jazz and Hip Hop: Similarities and Differences Both hip hop and jazz are closely linked and for that matter there are a number of similarities they share prompting some individuals to pronounce that hip hop is ‘the jazz of young individuals in […]
• Hip Hop Dance The TV shows such as the Wild style, Soul Train and Breakin, Beat Street also contributed in showcasing hip hop dance styles during the early periods of hip hop hype.
• Similarities between Ballet and Hip Hop Dance is and always shall be a form of expression where the movements performed speak volumes of the emotions and feelings that the dancer is trying to impart to the audience.
• Jeffrey O.G. Ogbar, Hip-Hop Revolution: The Culture and Politics of Rap This will be addressed in this book review as we look at how the author represents his views, interpretations and research about the hip-hop culture2 In this book, Ogbar explores the lyrical world of rap […]
• Hip-Hop and the Japanese Culture The prevalence of soul dancing in Japan in the earlier years also formed the basis for the wide acceptance of the hip-hop culture into the Japanese culture because soul dancing was common in the streets […]
• Hip-Hop and Rap Impact on Social Inequality For instance, Beyonce is one of the most famous artists in the world who have stated her opinion regarding misogyny related to artists and other black women.
• Jay-Z’s Contribution to Hip-Hop and Fight for Social Justice One should admit that the crime rate among black people in some poor areas is really quite high, and that is another problem Jay-Z covers in his music.
• Old School Hip Hop Versus New Hip Hop Music However, although today’s hip hop music does share some similarities with old school hip hop, it is much more superficial and generic, compared to the timeless music of the old school hip hop.
• Can’t Stop Won’t Stop: A History of the Hip-Hop Generation The book Ca not Stop Wo not Stop: A History of the Hip-Hop Generation brings out the history of the United States from the eyes of a person who would have been considered a loser […]
• Hip Hop Infiltrates Asian Music Industry Therefore, if American hip hop music genre infiltrated Asian music industry and an Asian hip hop music variety was invented then hurdles in Asian hip hop can be conquered.
• Hip Hop Influence on Youth: Statistics and Effects Hip hop music is also said to perpetuate the rise in criminal activities among the youth. It is therefore recommendable for the youth to shun away from the vice brought about by hip hop music.
• Hip-Hop: News From a Ghetto’s Point of View Youths living in the ghettos have had Hip Hop as one of the most effectual means to voice the social injustice that they experience.
• The Impact of Hip-Hop Music Education in Elementary School The theoretical justification of the article is the importance of music, in particular the style of hip-hop, in the formation of the system of interests and career goals of schoolchildren.
• 50 Cent: Hip-Hop Violence in Modern Media At first, society might negatively react to this example because it is associated with the disorder and the desire to break something to deliver the message.
• History of Hip-Hop: Identifying the Organizational Learning Issues The samplers of the 1980s were also more technically limited compared to the artist equipment of the 1990s, which produced a richer and more authentic sound.
• The Hip-Hop Phenomenon of Hyper-Masculinity Sociological Research Question: What lies behind the dominant hyper-masculine paradigm in Hip Hop and Black culture and its various manifestations in lyrics and music videos?
• Hip Hop: Common’s Song “Black America Again” His rap is underground and can be said to be street, as many of the poems cover the theme of the streets and what is happening on them.
• Hip-Hop Culture Breaking Down Racial Barriers The hip-hop culture going mainstream was the event reflecting the societal concerns of the ethnic minorities. It presents an example of sports and the arts breaking down racial barriers as their participants efficiently cooperate.
• Relationship of Hip-Hop With Race and Identity The beefing between the two hip-hop artists, Iggy Azalea and Azealia Banks, indicates a misapprehension existing on hip-hop’s history. Due to the competitive nature of the market, artists try to survive by beefing with their […]
• Hip-Hop Music and Its History in the 80s-90s Hip-hop music was on the rise in the late 80s, and influential rap collectives such as Run DMC and the Beastie Boys provided an outlet for the hip-hop culture to acquire national recognition.
• Hip-Hop and Marijuana Use in College Students It has been estimated that over half of the college student population regularly use marijuana, while over 25% used it during past month.
• Hip Hop Evolution and Racial & Political Conditions A significant influence on the emergence of political and conscious hip hop can be attributed to the Civil-Rights Movements and the Black Power Movements of the 60s and 70s in the United States.
• Hip-Hop as a Vehicle for Unification in Beat Street This resistance to the vilification and stigmatization of their neighborhoods as spaces of crime, chaos, and evil is one of the factors that strengthen community bonds and communal identity in the neighborhoods in question. The […]
• Understanding Hip Hop Made by Jay-Z The story of a hustler is a story of the struggle to make a living. I think the “story of a hustler” is like the stories of the Wild West outlaws.
• Seattle Hip-Hop Scene: Michael “The Wanz” Wansley He was born in 1961 and has been a part of the hip-hop and pop scene of Seattle for the most of his life.
• Hip Hop Music and the Protest Tradition of the 1960’s The aim of this essay is to study current forms of Hip Hop music while comparing and contrasting them to the Civil Rights era of the 1960’s/70’s.
• Seattle Hip Hop From an Underground Genre Into Mainstream Music: Songs Examples In the song “Home” by Jake one there is a lot of sentimental waxing which is a recent hip hop feature that was absent in the eighties.
• The History of Hip-Hop Culture in the United States The discography which is represented in the 3rd disc gives a scope of understanding of the main things which worried rappers at the time.
• Analysis of Rap and Hip-Hop Culture: Audience of the Songs and the Purposes of the Singers The same is with the analysis of the songs and music, the critics should be aware of the lived realities of the authors and demographic characteristics of the aimed audience.
• Formation of Non-White Hip-Hop Women Movement Hip-hop culture is one of the music genres which appeared in America in the 1970s. The hip-hop culture increases all the time and the part of women does not reduce, moreover, it increases.
• Hip Hop Culture and Music Scratching is a technique which in hip hop culture is used to gauge the expertise of a DJ, as he is expected to produce new sounds simply by moving a record back and forth while […]
• Gay Culture’s Influence on Hip Hop Fashion Gay men have the influence of female fashion design due to the fact that most of the designers of female clothes are men and most of them are homosexual.
• Poverty and Hip-Hop: Notorious B.I.G.’s “Juicy” Notorious B.I.G.’s music video for the song “Juicy” was chosen for the analysis because the rapper explored the theme of poverty that deeply affected his life.
• Jazz and Hip Hop Concerts in Comparison Two pieces in the second performance, In Germany Before the War and Mysterious Barricades, were well performed during the concert. There was a deejay on the deck and background dancers to back up the performance […]
• Social Inequality: Hip-Hop Culture and Movement When it comes to defining the term ‘social movement’, it is important to understand that the process of a particular group of people striving to have their voice heard in the public sphere, must be […]
• Social Constructions and Hip Hop Music This process involved the description of the things that I saw at the concert. I described the tone, tempo, and style of music that they sang.
• Pan-Ethnic Hip-Hop in Afro-American History 1 In the introduction, the author makes a profound comparison and contrast between the treatment of colored people in different historical periods, which helps the audience to realize the importance of the subject.
• Hip-Hop Theory and Culture in the Discography G explains the changes in day-to-day living within the ghettos between the artist’s childhood and the present. Most of the lines from the song praise the person that the song is dedicated to.
• Literature Study on the Hip-Hop Concept: A Social Movement and Part of the Industry Hip-hop is a genre that does not obey the taboos but creates new stereotypes, allowing itself to use risky language to convey the text of the songs in a much recognizable and provocative manner.
• Hip Hop Culture in “The Otherside” Documentary Regardless numerous discussions about Hip Hop, this culture remains to be a considerable part of human life that helps to understand that such issue as racial profiling is not only something that is required by […]
• Hip Hop Duo: Kung Foo Grip Though the history of this duo is neither too complicated nor full of some unpredictable and fatal decisions events, it can be used to explain how the lives of two fans of Hip Hop can […]
• Planet B-Girl: Community Building and Feminism in Hip-Hop The main idea of the article under analysis is the intentions of female hip-hop artists to prove their choices and demonstrate their abilities by using the same rights male hip-hop artists have already got.
• The Documentary “Hip-Hop: Beyond Beats and Rhymes” Hip-Hop: Beyond Beats and Rhymes is a documentary movie that helps not only to understand the nature of hip hop but to connect a single style of music with the necessity of such crucial issues […]
• Hip Hop Definition In fact, many authors underline the fact that commercialization of hip-hop has changed its essence considerably and deprived modern people of the possibility to understand the essence of hip-hop and true reasons for its appearance. […]
• Hip-Hop and Politics Correlation in the USA The author outlines the life and the creative process of Clive Campbell or otherwise known as DJ Kook Herc, one of the most influential figures in the early history of the hip-hop genre.
• Blacks’ Prison Experiences in Hip Hop Culture Though considering the controversy that has been the “elephant in the room” for quite a time, Dyson clearly takes his argument to an admittedly high level of convincingness, it is not only the consideration of […]
• Hip-Hop Subculture as Answer to Social Inequality One of the most notable aspects of a contemporary living in America is the fact that, as of today, the sub-culture of Hip-Hop had ceased being considered in terms of a largely marginalized socio-cultural phenomenon.
• “Reflections on Hip Hop” by Eric Dyson In the first place, it is necessary to note that prison is seen as the most important factor affecting development of black males’ identity and three types of experiences are singled out.
• Hip Hop Music as Media Influence on the Youth Personally, I love listening to rap music, which many people claim that it has led to the spread of violence among young people.
• Hip-Hop Music and the Role of Women in It: Fight for Women’s Rights in Society While looking at the various roles of women in hip hop and rap, it is also important to note that the way women are presented has various effects on society.
• Women in Hip-Hop Music: A Provocative and Objectified Gender Roles It is one thing that men want women to be in music videos and play a particular role, but women are willing to participate in the videos.
• R&B and Hip-Hop Effect Western Music The music that Michael Jackson released was not based on gender but was based on truth and hope to the people and this gave him a lot of influence in the community reason being that […]
• “Hip Hop“ Subculture: Music, Vocabulary, and Roots Based on an interview with a member of the subculture, the paper will discuss some of the terms used in the subculture, how its members dress and look, as well as how they act.
• Fashion Controversies about Hip Hop Garments The paper will look into controversy that arose over hip hop garment design with the aim of identifying the source of the controversy, key players in the controversy as well as political, social and economic […]
• The Beginnings of Hip-Hop Within the course of three decades, hip-hop has become a part of the mainstream culture. This is one of the details that should be considered.
• The Hip-Hop Genre Origin and Influence Hess, in addition, notes that from 1970s, the development of Hip-hop as a culture has been very complex due to immigrants from different parts of the world, who in one way or another equally contributed […]
• Hip Hop Dancing: The Remarkable Black Beat Because the drum beats was the most danceable segment of the hip hop music, the hip hop musicians increased their focus on the quality of drum beat sequence.
• Socio-Political Foundations of Hip-Hop This presentation is connected to a state of exploitation that continues in the world that has deprived people so much, yet the struggle continues.’The sociology and history of African American’ brings out the theme of […]
• Hip-Hop in Japan However, this was not the case, most of the artists focused on refining their music in the Japanese languages to give it a Japanese flavor.

📌 Most Interesting Hip Hop Topics to Write about

• Copula Variation Across Two Decades Of Hip Hop Nation Language
• How Hip Hop Affect The Way People Think About Politics
• An Overview of the Talk by Tupac Shakur, an American Hip Hop Artist
• Bad Influence Of Hip Hop On Youth
• African American Hip Hop and its Influence
• Hip Hop Music is More Than a Couple of Words
• Codes and Abstraction in Hip Hop Culture
• Black Women’s Role in Popular Culture: An Analysis of The Venus Hip Hop
• Argumentative Essay On Hip Hop Culture
• A Comparison of Classical Ballet and Modern Dance – Hip Hop and Jazz Style
• Should We Accept The Hip Hop Industry Negative Images
• Hip Hop And Politics: Attacking The Political Powers Of Government
• Comparison Of Yorkville Crossing : White Teens, Hip Hop
• Effects Of Hip Hop And Country Music On Society
• A Description of the Image of Hip Hop/Rap Music
• Racial Stereotypes Associated With Rap And Hip Hop Music
• Does Hip Hop Influence Other Parts of the World
• Music Videos Involving Women And The Hip Hop Industry
• Hip Hop : The Commodification Of African American Women
• Hip Hop Culture And Its Impact On The American Society
• The Assault Of Women In The Hip Hop Community

👍 Good Hip Hop Essay Topics

• An Analysis of the Performance of American Hip Hop Group, Travis Porter
• Hip Hop : Beyond Beats And Rhymes By Byron Hurt
• Gender In Black Media Hip Hop Culture
• Positive Women in Hip Hop: Feminism in a Patriarchal Society
• Hip Hop And Rap Has Been The Mainstay For Youth
• Influences of Hip Hop on Today’s Generation: Rising Deviance
• Hip Hop’s Influence on Popular Culture: Expression or Oppression
• An Analysis of Hip Hop and Its Influence on Listeners
• Essay Hip Hop Music and Music Technology
• Existentialism Case – Tupac Shakur: Existentialist Hip Hop Artist
• An Overview of the Rapping and the Hip Hop Culture in the Music of the United States
• Harlem Renaissance & the Hip Hop Movement
• An Analysis of the Elements of Hip Hop Culture
• Contemporary Urban Music: Controversial Messages in Hip Hop and Rap Lyrics
• Compare and Contrast the Subcultures of Hip Hop
• Differing Mentalities In Hip Hop And Rock
• An Analysis of the Music of Talib Kweli, a Hip Hop Artist
• Hip Hop And Its Effects On African Society
• Black Films and Hip Hop Music Videos: Race Representation
• Does Hip Hop Influence Violent Behavior
• Hip Hop And The Birth Of African American Poetry
• American History of Hip Hop Culture
• Does Hip Hop Culture Influence Youth Gangs?
• Who Does Hip Hop Belong?
• Does Hip Hop Harm Black Americans?
• Does Hip Hop Have a Place in the Church?
• What Is the Hip Hop Style of Music?
• Does Hip Hop Influence Other Parts of the World?
• Does Hip Hop Provoke Drug Use and Misogyny?
• How Does Hip Hop Effect Teenagers?
• How Does Hip Hop Affects Society?
• How Does Hip Hop Affect the Way People Think About Politics?
• How Does Hip Hop Connect With Many Different Real-World Problems?
• Is Hip Hop Black Culture?
• How Did Hip Hop Culture Develop During the Seventies?
• How Hip Hop Culture Remains Superfluous With Overspending?
• How Hip Hop Music Is a Culture of Resistance?
• Who Invented Hip Hop?
• How Hip Hop Negatively Affects Society?
• How Hip Hop Negatively Influences Today’s Teen?
• Does Hip Hop Influence Violent Behavior?
• How Does Hip Hop Promotes Violence?
• How Does Hip Hop Start?
• What Has Hip Hop Ever Done?
• How Have Race and Gender Shown Within the Genres of Hip Hop and Rap?
• How Did the Backout 1977 Affect Hip Hop?
• How Are Women Represented in Hip Hop Videos?
• What Are Different Styles of Hip Hop?
• Why Do White Kids Love Hip Hop?
• What Does Hip Hop Stand For?
• How Has Technology Influenced Hip Hop?
• Are Hip Hop and Rap the Same?
• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

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A Content Analysis of Mental Health Discourse in Popular Rap Music

Alex kresovich.

1 Hussman School of Journalism and Media, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

Meredith K. Reffner Collins

Daniel riffe, francesca r. dillman carpentier.

Accepted for Publication: June 1, 2020.

Published Online: December 7, 2020. doi:10.1001/jamapediatrics.2020.5155

Author Contributions: Mr Kresovich and Dr Dillman Carpentier were responsible for the final manuscript. Mr Kresovich had full access to all the data in the study and takes responsibility for the integrity of the data and the accuracy of the data analysis.

Concept and design: Kresovich, Riffe, Dillman Carpentier.

Acquisition, analysis, or interpretation of data: All authors.

Drafting of the manuscript: Kresovich, Reffner Collins, Dillman Carpentier.

Critical revision of the manuscript for important intellectual content: All authors.

Statistical analysis: Kresovich, Riffe, Dillman Carpentier.

Administrative, technical, or material support: Reffner Collins, Dillman Carpentier.

Supervision: Riffe, Dillman Carpentier.

Conflict of Interest Disclosures: None reported.

Additional Contributions: We thank the Billboard Charts & Data Development department for providing access to music data, Travis ‘Yoh’ Phillips (unaffiliated), Janice Kilburn, PhD (unaffiliated), and Stephanie Willen Brown, MA (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill) for contributing to the conceptualization of the study, and Catherine Bulka, PhD (University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill) for consultation with data analysis. No compensation was provided to any contributors.

Associated Data

eTable 2. Unadjusted and Firth-Adjusted Logistic Regressions of Associations Between Presence of Stressors and Presence of Depression References in Songs Expressing Negative Emotion (n = 94)

This qualitative study investigates the prevalence and nature of mental health themes in popular rap music alongside changes in mental health distress and suicide risk among young people in the US and young Black/African American boys and men in particular from 1998 to 2018.

Have references to mental health in popular rap songs increased from 1998 to 2018?

A content analysis of lyrics to 125 popular rap songs sampled from 1998 to 2018 revealed significant increases in the proportion of songs with references to suicidal ideation, depression, and metaphors representing a mental health condition.

Research is needed to explore the potential positive and negative influences these increasingly prevalent mental health references in popular rap songs may have in shaping mental health discourse and behavioral intentions of US youth.

Rap artists are among the most recognizable celebrities in the US, serving as role models to an increasingly diverse audience of listeners. Through their lyrics, these artists have the potential to shape mental health discourse and reduce stigma.

To investigate the prevalence and nature of mental health themes in popular rap music amid a period of documented increases in mental health distress and suicide risk among young people in the US and young Black/African American male individuals in particular.

Design and Setting

Lyric sheets from the 25 most popular rap songs in the US in 1998, 2003, 2008, 2013, and 2018, totaling  125 songs, were analyzed by 2 trained coders from March 1 to April 15, 2019, for references to anxiety, depression, suicide, metaphors suggesting mental health struggles, and stressors associated with mental health risk.

Main Outcomes and Measures

Mental health references were identified and categorized based on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fifth Edition) and Mayo Clinic definitions. Stressors included issues with authorities, environmental conditions, work, and love life. Descriptive language and trend analyses were used to examine changes over time in the proportion of songs with mental health references. Stressors were analyzed for their co-occurrence with mental health references.

Most of the 125 analyzed songs featured lead artists from North America (123 [98%]). Most lead artists were Black/African American male individuals (97 [78%]), and artists’ mean (SD) age was 28.2 (4.5) years. Across the sample, 35 songs (28%) referenced anxiety; 28 (22%) referenced depression; 8 (6%) referenced suicide; and 26 (21%) used a mental health metaphor. Significant increases were found from 1998 to 2018 in the proportion of songs referencing suicide (0% to 12%), depression (16% to 32%), and mental health metaphors (8% to 44%). Stressors related to environmental conditions (adjusted odds ratio, 8.1; 95% CI, 2.1-32.0) and love life (adjusted odds ratio, 4.8; 95% CI, 1.3-18.1) were most likely to co-occur with lyrics referencing mental health.

Conclusions and Relevance

References to mental health struggles have increased significantly in popular rap music from 1998 to 2018. Future research is needed to examine the potential positive and negative effects these increasingly prevalent messages may have in shaping mental health discourse and behavioral intentions for US youth.

Introduction

Psychological stress and suicide risk have significantly increased from 2008 to 2017 among people in the US aged 18 to 25 years. 1 Twelve-month prevalence of major depressive episodes has significantly increased for people aged 12 to 20 years from 2005 to 2014. 2 Anxiety and depression remain underdiagnosed and undertreated among young people. Anxiety affects 30% of adolescents, yet 80% of those affected never seek treatment. 3 Only 50% of adolescents with depression are diagnosed before reaching adulthood. 4 , 5 Mental health risk especially is increasing among young Black/African American male individuals (YBAAM), 6 who are often disproportionately exposed to environmental, economic, and family stressors linked with depression and anxiety. 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 Young Black/African American male individuals, and US adolescents generally, are among the least likely to use mental health services. 12 , 13 , 14 , 15

Corresponding with the lack of mental health treatment among US youths, the suicide rate for people aged 15 to 24 years in the US in 2017 reached its highest point since 1960. 16 Among people aged 10 to 24 years, suicide rates climbed 56% from 2007 to 2017. 17 Suicide rates among Black/African American youths aged 13 to 19 years increased by 60% since 2001, and in 2017, medical treatment for suicide attempts was provided to 68 528 YBAAM aged 13 to 19 years. 18

Young Black/African American male individuals constitute a significant portion of the audience for rap music, which has been suggested by some scholars as a promising intervention for at-risk youth. 19 , 20 Rap music is one of the “most significant influences on the social development” of YBAAM. 21 (p27) However, by 2018, rap music had attracted the youngest US audience demographic and was considered a favorite genre among most US youths aged 16 to 24 years, crossing all socioeconomic strata and ethnicities. 22 This is significant, because US youth spend almost 40 hours per week listening to music, and listening time in the US in general has risen by 36.6% from 2015 to 2017. 23 Rap artists have also been found to serve as role models for their younger audiences, influencing the development of these young people’s identities. 24 , 25

The aim of this study is to investigate the prevalence of mental health themes in popular rap music to test whether mental health references have increased amid a period of increasing mental health distress and suicide risk among US youths, including and extending beyond YBAAM. Prior research on US pop music has found significant increases over time in the presence of anger, disgust, fear, and sadness cues in US pop music lyrics of all genres. 26 We do not know the extent to which mental health has been represented in popular music or rap in particular. However, rap artists have begun disclosing mental health struggles in the press, as evidenced by the 2017 headline “JAY-Z Gives Therapy a Major Co-Sign: ‘I Grew So Much From the Experience.’” 27 Research shows that celebrity mental health disclosures can diminish stigma and encourage help-seeking behavior among fans, 28 , 29 , 30 although positive references, such as therapy benefits, might have a different effect on listeners compared with more negative references of struggle. Herein, we examine lyrics of popular rap music for any reference to anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation, and metaphors representing mental health. We also examine lyrics for co-occurring references to known mental health stressors, 31 , 32 given that music artists will often connect with their audiences by referencing shared experiences. 33

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill institutional review board follows the Common Rule definition of human subjects (HHS Regulation 45 CFR 40.102[f]). Per the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill Human Research Protection Program Standard Operating Procedure 101, Section 3, effective September 9, 2019, this content analysis of publicly available popular music lyrics does not meet the definition of human subjects research. Therefore, this qualitative study did not qualify for institutional review board approval or informed consent.

We analyzed the lyrics of 125 popular rap songs sampled across 2 decades beginning in 1998, the year rap music first outsold the former top-selling genre in the US, country music. 34 The Chart & Data Development department of Billboard provided proprietary data gratis, which identified the 25 highest ranked rap songs for the years 1998, 2003, 2008, 2013, and 2018 on the Billboard hot rap songs year-end chart. High rankings reflect song popularity in the US for a given year. Popularity is estimated based on Nielsen Broadcast Data System radio airplay data from across more than 120 market areas in the US and Nielsen SoundScan sales data from across more than 90% of the US market. 35 The 5-year increments of available data are in line with previous analyses of popular music that documented evolving styles and tastes. 36

All 25 songs from each 5-year increment were analyzed, totaling 125 songs. Of the 125 songs sampled and analyzed, a total of 105 songs (84%) featured a Black/African American male artist either as the lead artist (97 [78%]) or as a guest (8 [6%]). Nearly all songs analyzed (123 [98%]) featured lead artists from North America. The mean (SD) age of the leading artist across the sample was 28.2 (4.5) years. Prominent artists captured in the sample included 50 Cent, Drake, Eminem, Kanye West, Jay-Z, and Lil’ Wayne, among others.

The following categories of mental health references were coded: anxiety and anxious thinking, depression and depressive thinking, and suicide and suicidal ideation. First, lyrics conveying negative emotional sentiment were identified based on 2019 typology by Fokkinga 37 describing negative emotions, including personal provocation, agitation, repulsion, threats, desires, failings, misfortune, being overwhelmed, helplessness, lack of motivation, and general uncertainty. Relevant lyrics were further analyzed for specific reference to anxiety and anxious thinking, depression and depressive thinking, and suicide and suicidal ideation based on definitions developed using the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (Fifth Edition) 38 and Mayo Clinic descriptions of anxiety and depression. 39 , 40 , 41 The negative emotion typology by Fokkinga 37 also informed the identification of anxious and depressive thinking based on references to high-arousal and low-arousal negative affect, respectively.

We added a fourth category, mental health metaphor, to account for lyrics that lacked sufficient information or context to qualify as a specific reference to anxiety, depression, or suicidal ideation. Consistent with prior research of music lyrics, we documented metaphors to provide insight into the latent meaning and semiotic systems (ie, slang) used in popular music lyrics. 35 We also coded all songs for references to stressors known to relate to mental health risk 8 , 9 , 10 : issues with authorities, environmental conditions, faith, family life, financial strain, love life, social ally (friend) issues, social rivals (foe or competitor), and work life. From pilot testing, societal issues were added as a coded stressor to account for references to macrolevel strain, such as the economy, war, or national events. Table 1 provides descriptions and examples of each category of mental health reference and stressor.

From March 1 to April 15, 2019, 2 trained coders (A.K. and M.K.R.C.) independently analyzed lyric sheets for the presence (coded 1) or absence (coded 0) of each mental health reference or stressor ( Table 1 ) across each song. Using lyrics from rap songs outside the sample, coders were trained to identify phrases matching mental health category descriptions and use surrounding lyrics to determine whether the song should be coded as 1 for the presence of the respective coding category. A random 46% of the full sample (57 of 125 songs) was then coded independently by each coder to test interrater reliability in applying the coding categories. 42 Interrater reliability was above acceptable levels for all codes, based on Gwet AC 1 coefficients computed in AgreeStat, version 2015.6. 43 All Gwet AC 1 scores were greater than 0.90 except for coding the presence or absence of environmental conditions, which achieved a Gwet AC 1 score of 0.76.

Statistical Analysis

Analyses were conducted using SPSS, version 25.0 (IBM Corporation). Frequencies were used to describe the prevalence of codes across rap songs within each sampled year. The Cochran-Armitage test for linear trends in proportions was used to examine whether proportions of songs with mental health references in each year increment approximated a relatively linear pattern of increase across time, using year as an ordinal variable. Cross-tabulations were used to describe the co-occurrence of mental health references and stressors associated with mental health risk. Unadjusted and Firth-adjusted logistic regressions were performed to examine which stressors were most likely to co-occur with the presence of mental health references. Regressions were performed only across songs with lyrics indicating negative emotion, excluding songs that mentioned stressors (eg, family, love) without also referencing negative emotion (ie, songs celebrating love). Statistical significance was assessed at a level of 2-sided P  < .05.

Most of the 125 analyzed songs featured lead artists from North America (123 [98%]). Most lead artists were Black/African American male individuals (97 [78%]); artists’ mean (SD) age was 28.2 (4.5) years. Across all sampled years, 94 of the 125 total songs (75%) referenced negative emotion, and 57 of the songs with negative emotion (61%) referenced mental health. Specifically, 35 of the total sample (28%) referenced anxiety, 28 (22%) referenced depression, 8 (6%) referenced suicide, and 26 (21%) used at least 1 mental health metaphor. As shown in Table 2 , the proportion of sampled songs per year with a mental health reference increased significantly in a linear trend from 1998 to 2018 for all categories except anxiety or anxious thinking (eg, depression and depressive thinking, 4 of 25 [16%] in 1998 to 8 of 25 [32%] in 2018; P  = .03). Mental health metaphors had the largest increase, from 2 of 25 (8%) in 1998 to 11 of 25 (44%) in 2018 ( P  < .001). Although the number of songs referencing suicide or suicidal ideation across the total sample was small (8 [6%]), the significant increase from 1998 to 2018 is also noteworthy ( P  = .02). No references to suicide or suicidal ideation existed in 1998 and 2003. In contrast, 6 of the 8 total songs found with this reference came from 2013 and 2018, representing 12% of the 25 songs sampled in each of those 2 years.

The Figure shows the combined percentage of songs within each year that referenced any of the coded mental health categories. In 1998, 32% of the 25 most popular songs referenced mental health, whereas 68% of the 25 most popular songs in 2018 had these references. The pattern shown was found to be a statistically significant linear trend based on the Cochran-Armitage test. However, as evident in the Figure , the consistent pattern of increase began in 2008.

Mental health references include anxiety, depression, or suicide or use of a mental health metaphor per year sampled. Songs are chosen from the top 25 rap songs according to Billboard hot rap songs year-end charts for 1998, 2003, 2008, 2013, and 2018. Increase across years was statistically significant according to the Cochran-Armitage test for linear trend in proportions across the sampled years ( t  = 4.7; P  < .05).

Table 3 shows the co-occurrence of mental health references and coded stressors. Love life (38 co-occurrences), environmental conditions (42 co-occurrences), and social rivalry (59 co-occurrences) were the most common stressors across the sample. Financial strain was mentioned the least in songs referencing mental health (1 co-occurrence).

Regression analyses showed a significant association between the presence of any mental health reference and the presence of references to environmental conditions (adjusted odds ratio [AOR], 8.1; 95% CI, 2.1-32.0) and love life (AOR, 4.8; 95% CI, 1.3-18.1) ( Table 4 ). Social rivalry (AOR, 0.4; 95% CI, 0.1-1.3) was not significantly associated with the presence of any mental health reference. As shown in eTable 1 in the Supplement , no single stressor was associated with the presence of anxiety or anxious thinking references. As shown in eTable 2 in the Supplement , family life (AOR, 5.6; 95% CI, 1.2-26.9), faith (AOR, 15.1; 95% CI, 1.5-150.7), and social rivals (AOR, 0.2; 95% CI, 0.1-0.7) were significantly associated with the presence of depression or depressive thinking references.

Abbreviations: NC, not calculated; OR, odds ratio.

Our analysis of 125 of the most popular rap songs in the United States sampled from 1998 to 2018 revealed a statistically significant increase in the proportion of popular rap songs referencing suicide, depression, and metaphors suggesting mental health struggles. The proportion of rap songs that referenced mental health more than doubled in the 2 decades we examined. All of the references to suicide or suicidal ideation in our sample were found among the popular songs taken from 2013 and 2018.

This increase is important, given that rap artists serve as role models to their audience, which extends beyond YBAAM to include US young people across strata, constituting a large group with increased risk of mental health issues and underuse of mental health services. 13 , 15 , 18 We cannot establish how much the increase is a response by rap artists to the increased mental health struggles experienced by audiences, although the notable increases we found in 2013 and 2018 correspond with increasing rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation. 1 , 2 We also cannot determine with our data whether these lyrical references to mental health are due to rap artists’ desires to self-disclose or to instigate discussions about mental health. The mean age of the leading artists in the sample was 28.2 years. Because rap is an autobiographical art form, the artists and younger adults may have observed and reflected national trends of distress experienced by themselves or people close to them.

One notable event that might explain the increase we observed was the 2008 release of rap album 808s & Heartbreak s by renowned rap artist Kanye West. 808s & Heartbreaks has been credited in the press for initiating a “wave of inward-looking sensitivity” among rappers. 44 Rolling Stone magazine named the album one of the 40 most “groundbreaking albums of all time,” noting that its openly emotional nature “served as a new template” for budding rappers. 45 The songs we analyzed from 2018 with references to mental health were from artists (ie, Drake, Post Malone, and Juice Wrld) who have acknowledged 808s & Heartbreaks as being influential to their musical style. 46

The increase we found also provides insights into how mental health is framed in rap, which can inform future research on how US youth may develop their understanding of mental health risk. Our findings with respect to the mental health metaphor category are particularly informative for understanding the language used to signal mental health. We noted phrases evoking imagery of physical conflict, for example “pushed to the edge” or “fighting my demons,” that were used to suggest mental health struggles. These metaphors were found in addition to phrases such as “I’m going crazy.” The use of different types of metaphors warrants future research, as the connotations of these phrases might affect listeners differently.

The prevalence of metaphors suggests rap artists rely on this type of indirect reference to describe mental health. This reliance on metaphors might be used to discuss this difficult subject less overtly and in a way that might be viewed as more socially accepted by peers and audiences. The increased prevalence of these metaphors might also explain why references to anxiety remained consistent rather than increasing across the decades. Some metaphors suggesting high-arousal negative experiences (eg, “fighting my demons”) might have been used to suggest anxiety without explicitly noting anxiety.

Examining our findings from an ecological framework, 47 rap music can be considered an exosystem, that is, a social system in which the listener does not directly function yet is an active participant. As an exosystem, mental health risk and connections made between mental health and certain stressors within this music are likely to influence mental health discourse at all levels surrounding the listener, from the overall culture to the individual’s peer group to the individual’s own psychology. 48 These influences might include the provision of emotional language that can be used to articulate complex emotions and improve mental health discourse among peers. 49 , 50 Therefore, it is important to investigate the mental health discourse in these lyrics as a first step in researching how rap music might be used to improve mental health outcomes among at-risk youth.

Placed into a larger macrosystem context, the co-occurrence we noted between mental health references and environmental conditions existed in years surrounding a December 2007 economic recession that disproportionately affected Black/African American communities and those of lower socioeconomic status. Stress caused by the recession is argued to have exacerbated already elevated rates of anxiety, depression, and domestic violence 51 found in the most affected communities. Mention of financial strain was not prevalent within our sample, although materialism has traditionally been recognized as a common message within popular rap music. 52 However, references to everyday living conditions and other environmental factors were the most consistent stressors mentioned in lyrics that also referenced mental health struggles, suggesting rap artists were connecting macro-level stress with mental health risk.

Limitations

The present study is limited to the top 25 songs from Billboard’s hot rap songs year-end charts from 1998, 2003, 2008, 2013, and 2018 and does not fully represent the population of rap music between 1998 and 2018. We cannot address whether mental health references have existed in less popular songs or whether mental health references only exist in the most popular songs of the past decade. We also cannot address causation or motivations for the increased presence of mental health references within the sampled songs.

Like other content analyses of popular media, we also face the challenge of interpreting artists’ intended meanings behind their lyrics. 35 Our conservative coding of mental health references might have resulted in an underrepresentation of the prevalence of mental health references in this music. We are also unable to ascertain how US youth interact with this music or are positively or negatively affected by its messages. We did not code for positive or negative valence of mental health references, because inferring valence from lyrics alone would not have provided coders with intentional artistic cues (ie, vocal intonation) needed to accurately interpret sentiment. Future research is therefore needed to provide a qualitative examination of the meanings and connotations of these references to better inform our understanding of how this music can improve the mental health of its listeners or how it might lead to greater risk. For example, positively framed references to mental health awareness, treatment, or support may lead to reduced stigma and increased willingness to seek treatment. 53 However, negatively framed references to mental health struggles might lead to negative outcomes, including copycat behavior in which listeners model harmful behavior, such as suicide attempts, if those behaviors are described in lyrics (ie, the Werther effect). 54

Conclusions

The findings of this qualitative study suggest that mental health discourse has been increasing during the past 2 decades within the most popular rap music in the US. This increase has occurred in the midst of a corresponding increase in national mental health risk, 1 , 2 , 16 , 17 especially with respect to depressive and suicidal thoughts among YBAAM and US young people more generally, who constitute a major portion of the rap music audience. Although this study is limited in its ability to examine the effect of the variety of mental health references observed, this study supports the need for research examining the effects of rap music in efforts to reduce stigma and minimize mental health risk. As noted in a popular press article highlighting the need for more mental health discourse: “Pleas from rappers young and old are louder now than ever… When rappers open up, fans listen.” 55

Supplement.

eTable 1. Unadjusted and Firth-Adjusted Logistic Regressions of Associations Between Presence of Stressors and Presence of Anxiety References in Songs Expressing Negative Emotion (n = 94)

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The Top 10 Most Interesting Music Research Topics

Music is a vast and ever-growing field. Because of this, it can be challenging to find excellent music research topics for your essay or thesis. Although there are many examples of music research topics online, not all are appropriate.

This article covers all you need to know about choosing suitable music research paper topics. It also provides a clear distinction between music research questions and topics to help you get started.

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What makes a strong music research topic.

A strong music research topic must be short, straightforward, and easy to grasp. The primary aim of music research is to apply various research methods to provide valuable insights into a particular subject area. Therefore, your topic must also address issues that are relevant to present-day readers.

Also, for your research topic to be compelling, it should not be overly generic. Try to avoid topics that seem to be too broad. A strong research topic is always narrow enough to draw out a comprehensive and relevant research question.

Tips for Choosing a Music Research Topic

• Check with your supervisor. In some cases, your school or supervisor may have specific requirements for your research. For example, some music programs may favor a comparative instead of a descriptive or correlational study. Knowing what your institution demands is essential in choosing an appropriate research topic.
• Explore scientific papers. Journal articles are a great way to find the critical areas of interest in your field of study. You can choose from a wide range of journals such as The Journal of Musicology and The Journal of the Royal Musical Association . These resources can help determine the direction of your research.
• Determine your areas of interest. Choosing a topic you have a personal interest in will help you stay motivated. Researching music-related subjects is a painstakingly thorough process. A lack of motivation would make it difficult to follow through with your research and achieve optimal results.
• Confirm availability of data sources. Not all music topics are researchable. Before selecting a topic, you must be sure that there are enough primary and secondary data sources for your research. You also need to be sure that you can carry out your research with tested and proven research methods.
• Ask your colleagues: Asking questions is one of the many research skills you need to cultivate. A short discussion or brainstorming session with your colleagues or other music professionals could help you identify a suitable topic for your research paper.

What’s the Difference Between a Research Topic and a Research Question?

A research topic is a particular subject area in a much wider field that a researcher chooses to place his emphasis on. Most subjects are extensive. So, before conducting research, a researcher must first determine a suitable area of interest that will act as the foundation for their investigation.

Research questions are drawn from research topics. However, research questions are usually more streamlined. While research topics can take a more generic viewpoint, research questions further narrow the focus down to specific case studies or seek to draw a correlation between two or more datasets.

How to Create Strong Music Research Questions

Strong music research questions must be relevant and specific. Music is a broad field with many genres and possible research areas. However, your research question must focus on a single subject matter and provide valuable insights. Also, your research question should be based on parameters that can be quantified and studied using available research methods.

Top 10 Music Research Paper Topics

1. understanding changes in music consumption patterns.

Although several known factors affect how people consume music, there is still a significant knowledge gap regarding how these factors influence listening choices. Your music research paper could outline some of these factors that affect music consumer behavior and highlight their mechanism of action.

2. Hip-hop Culture and Its Effect on Teenage Behavior

In 2020, hip-hop and RnB had the highest streaming numbers , according to Statista. Without a doubt, hip-hop music has had a significant influence on the behavior of young adults. There is still the need to conduct extensive research on this subject to determine if there is a correlation between hip-hop music and specific behavioral patterns, especially among teenagers.

3. The Application of Music as a Therapeutic Tool

For a long time, music has been used to manage stress and mental health disorders like anxiety, PTSD, and others. However, the role of music in clinical treatment still remains a controversial topic. Further research is required to separate fact from fiction and provide insight into the potential of music therapy.

4. Contemporary Rock Music and Its Association With Harmful Social Practices

Rock music has had a great influence on American culture since the 1950s. Since its rise to prominence, it has famously been associated with vices such as illicit sex and abuse of recreational drugs. An excellent research idea could be to evaluate if there is a robust causal relationship between contemporary rock music and adverse social behaviors.

5. The Impact of Streaming Apps on Global Music Consumption

Technology has dramatically affected the music industry by modifying individual music consumption habits. Presently, over 487 million people subscribe to a digital streaming service, according to Statista. Your research paper could examine how much of an influence popular music streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music have had on how we listen to music.

6. Effective American Music Education Practices

Teaching practices have always had a considerable impact on students’ academic success. However, not all strategies have an equal effect in enhancing learning experiences for students. You can conduct comparative research on two or more American music education practices and evaluate their impact on learning outcomes.

7. The Evolution of Music Production in the Technology-driven Era

One of the aspects of music that is experiencing a massive change is sound production. More than ever before, skilled, tech-savvy music producers are in high demand. At the moment, music producers earn about $70,326 annually, according to ZipRecruiter. So, your research could focus on the changes in music production techniques since the turn of the 21st century.

8. Jazz Music and Its Influence on Western Music Genres

The rich history of jazz music has established it as one of the most influential genres of music since the 19th century. Over the years, several famous composers and leading voices across many other western music genres have been shaped by jazz music’s sound and culture. You could carry out research on the influence of this genre of music on modern types of music.

9. The Effect of Wars on Music

Wars have always brought about radical changes in several aspects of culture, including music styles. Throughout history, we have witnessed wars result in the death of famous musicians. If you are interested in learning about music history in relation to global events, a study on the impact of wars on music will make an excellent music research paper.

10. African Tribal Percussion

African music is well recognized for its unique application of percussion. Historically, several tribes and cultures had their own percussion instruments and original methods of expression. Unfortunately, this musical style has mainly gone undocumented. An in-depth study into ancient African tribal percussion would make a strong music research paper.

Other Examples of Music Research Topics & Questions

Music research topics.

• Popular musical styles of the 20th century
• The role of musical pieces in political movements
• Biographies of influential musicians during the baroque period
• The influence of classical music on modern-day culture
• The relationship between music and fashion

Music Research Questions

• What is the relationship between country music and conservationist ideologies among middle-aged American voters?
• What is the effect of listening to Chinese folk music on the critical thinking skills of high school students?
• How have electronic music production technologies influenced the sound quality of contemporary music?
• What is the correlation between punk music and substance abuse among Black-American males?
• How does background music affect learning and information retention in children?

Choosing the Right Music Research Topic

Your research topic is the foundation on which every other aspect of your study is built. So, you must select a music research topic that gives you room to adequately explore intriguing hypotheses and, if possible, proffer practically applicable solutions.

Also, if you seek to obtain a Bachelor’s Degree in Music , you must be prepared to conduct research during your study. Choosing the right music research topic is the first step in guaranteeing good grades and delivering relevant, high-quality contributions in this constantly expanding field.

Music Research Topics FAQ

A good music research topic should be between 10 to 12 words long. Long, wordy music essay topics are usually confusing. They can make it difficult for readers to understand the goal of your research. Avoid using lengthy phrases or vague terms that could confuse the reader.

Journal articles are the best place to find helpful resources for your music research. You can explore reputable, high-impact journal articles to see if any research has been done related to your chosen topic. Journal articles also help to provide data for comparison while carrying out your research.

Primary sources carry out their own research and cite their own data. In contrast, secondary sources report data obtained from a primary source. Although primary sources are regarded as more credible, you can include a good mixture of primary and secondary sources in your research.

The most common research methods for music research are qualitative, quantitative, descriptive, and analytical. Your research strategy is arguably the most crucial part of your study. You must learn different research methods to determine which one would be the perfect fit for your particular research question.

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Articles on Rap music

Displaying 1 - 20 of 85 articles.

Illmatic at 30: how Nas invented epistolary rap – and changed the hyper-masculine world of hip hop forever

Paul Stephen Adey , Nottingham Trent University

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Russian rap has long held up a mirror to Russian society – and the current reflection isn’t flattering

John Vandevert , Uppsala University

‘Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)’ turns 30: How the album pays homage to hip-hop ’s mythical and martial arts origins

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Owen Seda , Tshwane University of Technology and Motshidisi Manyeneng , Tshwane University of Technology

50 years of hip-hop : Its social and political power resonates far beyond its New York birthplace

Anna Lippman , York University, Canada

Hip-hop on trial: When can a rapper’s lyrics be used as evidence in a criminal case?

Taifha Natalee Alexander , University of California, Los Angeles

Microphone check − 5 ways that music education is changing

Clint Randles , University of South Florida

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Julia Toppin , University of Westminster

How some Muslim and non-Muslim rappers alike embrace Islam’s greeting of peace

Margarita Guillory , Boston University and Jeta Luboteni , Boston University

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Nick Lehr , The Conversation ; Jamaal Abdul-Alim , The Conversation ; Matt Williams , The Conversation ; Molly Jackson , The Conversation , and Howard Manly , The Conversation

Through space and rhyme: How hip-hop uses Afrofuturism to take listeners on journeys of empowerment

Roy Whitaker , San Diego State University

‘Knowledge of self’: How a key phrase from Islam became a pillar of  hip-hop

Su'ad Abdul Khabeer , University of Michigan

Deaf rappers who lay down rhymes in sign languages are changing what it means for music to be heard

Katelyn Best , West Virginia University

Hip-hop and health – why so many rap artists die young

A.D. Carson , University of Virginia

From Black GIs to Puff Daddy: how African Americans fell in love with cognac

Naa Oyo A. Kwate , Rutgers University

After ‘Rapper’s Delight,’ hip-hop went global – its impact has been massive; so too efforts to keep it real

Eric Charry , Wesleyan University

How the sounds of ‘Succession’ shred the grandeur and respect the characters so desperately try to project

Delia Casadei , University of California, Berkeley

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• African Americans
• Gangsta rap
• hip hop @ 50
• Hip hop lyrics
• Tupac Shakur

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Associate Professor of Hip-Hop, University of Virginia

Research Lead at Rhythm Obscura / Lecturer in the School of Art, Design and Architecture, University of Plymouth

Assistant Professor of Practice, Mills College

Associate Professor of Africana Philosophies of Religions and American Religious Diversity, San Diego State University

Teaching Assistant Professor of Musicology, West Virginia University

Associate Professor of American Culture, University of Michigan

Piano Performance Fellow, The University of Queensland

Assistant Professor of European Studies, University of Florida

Professor of Music, Wesleyan University

Associate Professor in Clinical Psychology, The University of Queensland

Honorary Research Fellow, University of Technology Sydney

Assistant Professor, Hong Kong Baptist University

Professor of History and Founding Director, Center for the Study of Popular Music, University of Connecticut

Professor of Social Work, Texas State University

Associate Professor of Ethnomusicology and Musicology, University of Oregon

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Conflicting Paradigms on Gender and Sexuality in Rap Music: A Systematic Review

• Published: 21 November 2014
• Volume 19 , pages 577–589, ( 2015 )

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• Denise Herd 1  

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Rap music has major social and cultural significance for American and global youth audiences and, along with other media, is believed to play a central role in shaping adolescents’ beliefs, attitudes and intentions related to sexuality. However few studies concerned with health issues have explored the content of lyrics regarding sex and gender, with most research in this area focused on the effects of media portrayals on sexual behavior and problems. Much of the scholarship analyzing sexuality and gender issues in the media comes from disciplines outside of health and the behavioral sciences, such as cultural studies. This paper compares literature related to sexuality and gender in rap music from a variety of perspectives such as feminism, cultural studies, and sociology as well as from health and behavioral research in order to deepen understanding of the lyrical content that may influence sexual attitudes and behavior. The review illustrates that conflicting paradigms, for example of sexual agency or misogyny, emerge in this literature and that few studies are both conceptually rich and empirically strong. Future research should address this challenge as well as explore changes over time in how sexual and gender relationships have been depicted in this musical genre.

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Rap and Hip-Hop Research Resources

• Getting Started
• Finding Background Information
• Recordings, Lyrics & Song Analysis
• Finding Articles
• Selected Library Books & Videos
• Rap & Hip-Hop Around the World

Music & Performing Arts Library

Introduction

This page includes resources for finding popular and scholarly articles about rap and hip-hop. We've included some suggested music databases below as well as recommendations of specific publications to check out in the next box. If you need a refresher on how to find articles through an academic database, check out our library guide.

• Finding Journal Articles for Music Research This guide is an introduction (or a refresher) to searching for, accessing, and evaluating articles for music research.

Suggested Databases

The best place to find scholarly articles is in one of the  library's databases . The University of Illinois subscribes to over a thousand different databases that can help you access the content you need. It can be overwhelming to know how to start searching, so we've pulled out a list of recommendations to get you started.

Music Periodicals Database and Music Index will provide more coverage of commercial journals while RILM will provide a more academic approach.

• Music Periodicals Database This link opens in a new window IIMP Full Text is a music journal resource with more than half a million indexed articles, plus detailed abstracts and full text from 1874 to current, covering the scholarly to the popular.
• Music Index This link opens in a new window Featuring digitized content from 1970 to the present, the Music Index contains cover-to-cover indexing and abstracts of articles about music, musicians and the music industry for more than 480 periodicals. more... less... Alternate Access Link
• RILM Abstracts of Music Literature This link opens in a new window RILM coveres articles in over 11,000 journals, many of which are not specifically devoted to music. more... less... Alternate Access Link

Publications of Rap & Hip-Hop Material

There are four major types of publications to be aware of when researching rap and hip-hop:

1. Commercial journals and magazines such as  VIBE , Billboard, and The Source.

2. General new sources such as the  New York Times  and  The Village Voice .  

3. Scholarly journals such as  Popular Music  and  Popular Music and Society .

4. African American Studies scholarly and popular publications such as  Journal of Black Studies  and  Ebony .

We've included several recommended sources of each type to start with in the box below. If you're just looking for a place to browse, use the tabs to explore the different types of publications available through the Library.

Looking for a specific journal? Check the  library catalog  or our  Journal and Article Locator tool  to see if we have it in print and/or online.

Recommended Publications

• Commercial Journals
• General News Sources
• Scholarly Journals
• African American Studies Publications
• Billboard Publication Date: 1963-
• Blues and Soul Publication Date: 1984-1991 Volumes located at Oak St. and Main Stacks.
• Rolling Stone Publication Date: 1990- MPAL has volumes dated: 1969-1976.
• Spin Publication Date: 2011-2012 MPAL has volumes dated 1994-2011.
• Vibe Magazine Publication Date: 2007-2009 Oak Street has volumes dated: 2001-2009.
• The Village Voice Publication Date: 1997- Newspaper Library has volumes dated: 1955-2004.
• New York Times Publication Date: 1857- See also: www.nytimes.com/pages/arts/music/index.html
• Los Angeles Times Publication Date: 1881-2009 See also: www.latimes.com/entertainment/music/
• Newsweek Publication Date: 1990-2012 Main Stacks has volumes: 1933-1989.
• Ethno-Musicology Publication Date: 1953-2009 MPAL has volumes from 1953-.
• Popular Music Publication Date: 1981- MPAL has volumes dated: 1981-2011.
• Popular Music and Society Publication Date: 1996- MPAL has volumes dated: 1971-2011.
• African American Review Publication Date: 1992- Main States has volumes dated: 1992-2009.
• Black Enterprise Publication Date: 1987- Oak St. has volumes dated: 1970-2012.
• Ebony Publication Date: 1985- Main Stacks as volumes dated: 1953-1974.
• Journal of Black Studies Publication Date: 1970-2010 Main Stacks has volumes dated: 1970-2009.
• << Previous: Recordings, Lyrics & Song Analysis
• Next: Selected Library Books & Videos >>
• Last Updated: Nov 9, 2023 11:23 AM
• URL: https://guides.library.illinois.edu/raphiphop

206 Best Music Research Topics That Rock The Stage

Music is one of the greatest sensations in human life. If you are writing a music research paper, you have to make sure that the topic is eye-catching. Most importantly, it should move and make you dance yourself. The topic that you are not interested in will not only make you weary, but the results would be unsatisfying too. That is why our writers have found music research paper topics for you to save the day. We love music very much, and so  our team  offers an Academic paper writing service , so you can trust word.

Table of Contents

Music Research Topics: History, Technical Music, Contemporary And More

Although our writers mainly offer research paper writing services , they did not hesitate for a bit when we asked them to come up with some music research topics for you. You can use any of these 206 topics for free and modify them to fit your needs and match your taste. Read on!

Music History Research Topics

• Use of songwriting in relation to the political and social situations in Nazi Germany and the French Revolution
• Musical Education between two centuries
• Evolution in the definition of music over the centuries
• Birth of Music in Mesopotamia
• Impact of Arab-Andalusian music on renaissance
• Folklore bands of wind music, a cultural manifestation of the people and for the people
• Harmonic implications studied by Pythagoras
• Music from Ancient Greek
• Importance of Music in Greek Mythology
• Song of the Sirens in the evolution of music
• Greece, music, poetry, and dance
• Athens was a center of musical poets in BC era
• Classical Greek Style Music
• Yanni: A Musician that fuses Modern and Classical Greek Music into one
• Role of Music in Greek Tragedy
• Famous musical-dramatic pieces
• Heroic poets: Arab poets that formed the bases of European music
• Performances in amphitheatres by singers-actors-dancers
• Classical musician considered himself more of a performer than an author
• Ritual dance with kettledrums around the fire: Musical Traditions of Pagan cultures
• Classification of primitive musical instruments
• Music in China
• Music in Mayan Tradition
• Apache and Native American Music
• How Africans and Columbians formed the modern American music
• The musical theory and the instruments used in Japan
• Bagaki for Japanese Emperor ceremonies
• Evolution of Indian Music
• Music in the Mughal Empire
• Anarkali: A musical myth with a royal background
• Christian Music, Hymns and Choirs

Read More:  Psychology Research Paper Topics

Technical Music research topics

• Similarity measures, including rhythmic and melodic similarity.
• Phylogenetic analysis of music.
• National Center for Music Diffusion
• Mathematical measures of rhythmic complexity and syncopation
• Musical transformations of rhythm and melody
• Automatic analysis of traditional music, Afro-Cuban, Brazilian and African music
• The mathematical theory of rhythm
• Musical constructivism
• Model models (MM) and counter models (CM)
• The role of sound design in video games and its application to contemporary independent works
• Mathematical and computational modeling of musical phenomena (grouping, phrasing, tension, etc.)
• A mathematical theory of tuning and temperament systems
• Teaching mathematics through art
• Music visualization
• History of Modern Columbian Music
• Acoustic-instrumental composition, electroacoustic and sound art
• Interpretation and musical investigation
• sound production
• Transcription and music editing
• Recovery of musical heritage
• Studies of music, literature, culture, and colonial anthropology
• Music by European composers of the 16th century (Renaissance)
• Education and technology in educational scenarios of musical training

Read More:  Finance Research Topics

Music Argument Topics

• Visual Media Music Studio
• Music as an important expression in the history of the world
• Conversations about music, culture, and identity
• The architectural space as a link between music and the citizen
• Music Schools for children and young people with limited resources
• Role of practice and need for devotion in learning and acing the musical skills

Read More:  Accounting Research Topics

Contemporary Music research topics

• Impact of Coke Studio: From Pakistan to take over the world
• Effects of Modern Music on Youth
• Musical Martyrs: Freddie Mercury, Amy Winehouse, Elvis Presley
• Music of Hans Zimmer
• Production and exhibition of contemporary music
• Entertainment and music centres
• Non-formal music schools
• Music and education today
• Contemporary Mexican music
• Satanism movement in modern music
• Western musical history and “modern” music
• Journey of Music: From the Medieval Family to the Modern Family
• Importance of Opera in the modern age
• Evolution of music over time: From orchestra to electric
• Self-management and promotion of independent music
• Music of electric musicians: Alan Walker, Serhat Durmus, Chain Smokers
• Modern Music, A Wonderful Expression
• The idiomatic reality of the English language
• Modern Music in the United States
• Current music pedagogy
• Music education in the twentieth century

Read More:  Research Paper Topics

Classic Music Research Topics

• Classic music of South Asia
• Classic music of Africa
• Classic Arab music, the influence of Soad, Um Kalthum
• What makes classic music so important and why do we still have to reserve it?
• Music of Beethoven, Mozart and Brahms
• Use of classic music in the film
• Beethoven: How he lived, composed and died
• Life and music of Mozart
• Classical music by Afro-American women
• Music in classical films
• Greatest compositions of 19-20th centuries
• Style and compositions of Einaudi
• Music during the classical period
• Classical Music Criticism

Read More:  Business Research Topics

African music research topics

• The Effects of Slave Music on American History and African-American Music
• The use of Afro-Caribbean rhythms for the construction of jazz musical moments
• African folk music of Cuba
• History of African-American Popular Music
• African diversity in music
• The study of the oral and musical traditions of the Afro-Mexicans
• Studies of African Musical History and Its relationship with modern society
• South African influences on American music
• African music in Mali
• African music: South Africa
• Music of the Middle East and North Africa

Read More:  Nursing Research Topics

Pop Culture Music Research Topics

• The pedagogical models of popular music
• Music throughout the decades of musicals
• Brad Paisley and Country Music
• The Effects of Music on the popular culture
• Hip-hop/rap music: One of the most popular musical genres
• The influence of rap music on teenagers
• Irish Music: Music and Touch Other Irish Dance Music

Read More:  Qualitative Research Topics

Music Theory Topics

• Genre and music preferences
• The effect of instrumental music on word recall memory
• Sample Music and Wellness
• The music industry
• The Theme of Death in a Musical 
• The Effects of Globalization on MusicMusic psychology research topics
• The potential of music therapy to develop soft skills at the organizational level
• Listening to music as a way to relieve stress for teens
• The impact of theatricality within contemporary popular music concerts of the psychedelic, glam, and progressive rock genre 
• Trying music as therapy
• How music can help students with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyper Disorder)
• How can music help reduce work stress and maintain a healthy work environment
• Musical manifestations of man consist of the externalization

Read More:  US History Research Topics

Music Education Research Topics

• New pragmatism in music education
• Importance and effects of musical education
• Philosophy of Music Education
• Music, a tool to educate
• Competencies in music education
• Music as a strategy to encourage children’s effective learning 
• Interconnection between music and education
• Philosophy of musical education

Read More: High School Research Paper Topics

Persuasive Speech Topics About Music

• The music is a true reflection of the essay of American society
• Music and Its Effects on Society 
• Matter Of Metal Music
• Beethoven’s Twelfth Symphony: the second movement of the symphonic essay
• Messages in music
• The benefits of music trial
• Does music affect blood pressure?
• Music Industry Research: An Epic Battle With Youtube
• Entertainment and education Via music
• Whitman’s music as a means of expression
• Music and its Effect on the World
• Music: Essay on Music and Learning Disabilities

Read More:  Political Science Research Topics

Music Controversial Topics

• Whether or not profanations in music corrupt our youth
• Drugs and rock and roll
• Piracy and the music industry
• Music censorship is a violation of freedom of expression
• Music censorship
• The use and overuse of the music

Read More:  Criminal Justice Research Paper Topics

Music Industry Topics

• Freedom of expression and rap music
• Censorship in the music industry
• Influence of music on culture
• Analysis of Iranian film music
• Analysis of the Turkish Music Industry
• Analysis of the South Asian Music Industry
• Coke Studio Making and Global Impact
• The digital revolution: how technology changed the workflow of music composers for media
• Video music as matter in motion
• Acoustic and interpretive characteristics of the instruments
• The study of musical composition based on pictorial works
• Musical prosody of the interpretation

Read More:  Social Work Research Topics

Arab Music Research Paper Topic

• Arab music industry: Evolution after colonialism
• Music of Middle
• Umm Kulthum: Effects on global music
• How the Arab music still impacts Asian and American Music
• Effects of Arab music in popular French music
• Turkish and Arab Music: A Beautiful cultural fusion
• Arab Heroic Poets of Andalus and how they formed modern European music
• Revival of Arab music through electrical genre

Read More:  Medical Research Topics

Music Thesis Topics

• Film Industry Classical Music
• Finding Meaning in a Musical 
• Music and its effect on my interpretation
• How music can interact with politics
• Musical phrases and the modal centres of interest of the melody 
• Effect of ambient music on sleep trials
• Main characteristics of the musical organization
• Study Of Cadences And Other Harmonic Processes In The Light Of Consonance And Dissonance Theories
• Theoretical-experimental Study Of Percussion, Wind And String Instruments
• Recognition Of The Instruments Of The Orchestra
• Compositive Algorithms Using Unconventional Musical Magnitudes
• Development Of A Microtonal Harmony As A Generalization Of The Common Practice Period
• Mechanism related to the recognition of specific emotions in music
• Musical emotion (emotion induction)

Read More:  Biology Research Paper Topics

High School Research Paper Topics on Music

• Correlation Between Personality and Musical Preferences Essay
• Effects of Rock Music on Teenagers
• Does popular music stay popular?
• The effect of music on the interpretation of a musical
• Musical activities in a spiral of development
• Adolescents in the understanding of contemporary processes of music
• Musical activities in the content system
• Music and the value of responsibility
• Presentation of musical fragments, Performance of live or recorded musical instruments
• Life stories of composers and musical personalities such as Mozart and Beethoven
• Presentation of music related to tastes and socio-educational reality
• Exhibition of musical fragments and execution of instruments
• Presentation of different types of music, the performance of musical instruments live or recorded
• Experience composing music, with lyrics, instrumental or with sounds from the environment, what musical genre or type of sound production does it represent?
• The practice of the studied musical instruments, record the meanings that guide your performance and preparation as a student and for life
• Why is compliance with the vocal techniques of singing a duty that must be assumed consciously?
• Does all music express sound? Does every sound express a genre or type of music?
• Practice sound emission and tuning techniques
• Why is it important to make movements according to the type of music you listen to?

Music is one of the greatest inventions of the human race. All good music makes your heart beat a little faster and soothes your mind into peace. It has been evolving since the dawn of civilization, 5000 years ago in Mesopotamia. Whatever research you make about it, just make sure that it touches your heart. 

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Home — Essay Samples — Entertainment — Music — Rap Music

Essays on Rap Music

Choosing rap music essay topics.

Rap music is a diverse and influential genre that has had a significant impact on popular culture, social issues, and the music industry. When it comes to writing an essay on rap music, there are countless topics to explore that can provide insight into the history, culture, and impact of this genre. In this guide, we will discuss the importance of choosing the right topic, provide advice on selecting a topic, and offer a comprehensive list of recommended essay topics divided into categories.

The Importance of the Topic

Choosing the right topic for your rap music essay is crucial for a few reasons. First and foremost, it will determine the scope and direction of your research and writing. A well-chosen topic will allow you to delve into an area of rap music that interests you and provides ample material for analysis and discussion. Additionally, a compelling topic will engage your readers and allow you to explore the complexities and nuances of rap music.

Advice on Choosing a Topic

When selecting a rap music essay topic, consider your own interests, as well as the potential impact and relevance of the topic. Think about the aspects of rap music that fascinate you, whether it's the history, cultural significance, social commentary, or musical styles. Additionally, consider the current conversations and debates surrounding rap music and choose a topic that offers new insights or challenges conventional wisdom. Finally, ensure that your chosen topic is specific enough to allow for in-depth analysis but broad enough to provide ample material for research.

Recommended Essay Topics

History and evolution of rap music.

• The Origins of Rap Music: From Bronx Block Parties to Global Phenomenon
• The Evolution of Rap Styles: From Old School to Mumble Rap
• Rap Music and the Civil Rights Movement: A Historical Perspective

Social and Cultural Impact of Rap Music

• Rap Music and Identity: How Artists Navigate Race, Class, and Gender
• Rap Music and Politics: The Role of Hip-Hop in Social Activism
• Rap Music and Globalization: The Spread of Hip-Hop Culture Around the World

Lyricism and Artistic Expression in Rap Music

• Rap Music and Poetry: Analyzing the Literary Techniques of Hip-Hop Lyrics
• Rap Music and Storytelling: The Power of Narrative in Hip-Hop Songs
• Rap Music and Social Commentary: Examining the Themes and Messages in Lyrics

Rap Music and the Music Industry

• Rap Music and Commercialization: The Impact of Corporate Influence on Hip-Hop
• Rap Music and Entrepreneurship: How Artists Build Brands and Business Empires
• Rap Music and Technology: The Role of Digital Platforms in Shaping the Industry

Controversies and Debates in Rap Music

• Rap Music and Censorship: The Role of Explicit Content and Freedom of Speech
• Rap Music and Misogyny: Exploring Gender Dynamics in Hip-Hop Culture
• Rap Music and Violence: Debunking Stereotypes and Examining Realities

These essay topics offer a broad range of options for exploring rap music from different angles. Whether you are interested in the history, social impact, artistic expression, industry dynamics, or controversies surrounding rap music, there are plenty of compelling topics to choose from. By selecting a topic that aligns with your interests and offers an opportunity for in-depth analysis, you can create a captivating and insightful essay on rap music.

Snoop Dogg's Influence on Religion

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The Influence of Rap Music on Society: Glorification of Drugs, Violence, and Misogyny

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Comparative Analysis of The Musical Style of Elvis Presley and Travis Scott

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Xxxtentacion: Famous Rapper and His Controversial Career

The role of hip-hop and rap music in promoting human trafficking, history of hip hop music, gospel music in tupac shakur’s rap, the origin and history of hip hop music, the negative culture of contemporary music, the history of hip hop music, analysis of song "changes" by tupac, a review of hip-hop in seattle, tom hardy’s 1999 rap mixtape, robert bryson hall's biography, the impact of music on emotion: comparing rap and meditative yoga music, controversial attitudes to logic – famous american rapper, messages in the two songs ‘sad’ performed by xxxtentacion and ‘logic’ performed by alessia cara and khalid, entrepreneurial lessons from drake – a famous canadian rapper, kanye west: influence in rap culture and impact, kanye west: influence of many generations, kanye west: influence, innovator and humanitarian, relevant topics.

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200 Best Music Research Paper Topics For Students

Music research topics are an excellent opportunity to trace the history of the development of individual genres or entire eras. You can create an essay or research paper with an emphasis on certain stylistic features, or delve deeper into the technical aspects of album making. Also, the research topics in music allow you to learn more about popular composers, musicians, and individual bands. You can find out the history of creating certain songs or finding out the nuances of the breakup of groups.

While music research paper topics seem easy, it still requires a good outline and reliable sources to gather information. The life of many musicians is very busy, so certain topics for music research papers may require a more thorough analysis. For example, you will need to research the biography and all creation stages of famous music industry personalities.

Any research topic about music should be analyzed, and only verified facts added. You should also avoid using emotional coloring and bias. And don't forget about formatting. Any interesting music topics require clear structuring into paragraphs, lists, and subheadings.

By popular genres & styles

Individual styles are especially appreciated in research paper topics on music. You can choose the genre or group that interests you. This will allow you to get additional motivation and focus more on facts. The main challenge in this case is to find authoritative sources.

• The impact of rock and roll on the modern music industry.
• The basic concepts of creating musical songs.
• Rock performers and their popularity in society.
• Reasons for the negative attitude towards the rock vocalist.
• Rock musicians and problems with the law.
• The nuances of alcohol addiction of rock musicians.
• The main features of creating rock songs.
• Musical agitation as the main motive of rock songs.
• The main reasons for making rock songs.
• Symbiosis of rock and classical music.
• Rock performers and popular musicians.
• The analysis of the creative personality on the example of Kurt Cobain.
• The modern musical trend in culture.
• Top 10 most popular metal groups.
• Why has metal music become so popular?
• The mix of traditional music and heavy metal.
• Analysis of lyrical constructions of metal performers.
• The symbiosis of musical instruments in metal music.
• The analysis of seventh chords in the construction of metal songs.
• The influence of metal on other genres.
• The symbiosis of metal and pop music.
• The influence of metal vocalists on American culture.
• The symbiosis of genres as the reason for the creation of metal.
• The modern icons of the metal scene.
• The best metal bands in the last thirty years.
• The analysis of the dynamics of the popularity of metal bands.
• The modern concerts on the example of metal bands
• Female vocalists in pop music.
• The reason for the creation of numerous female musical groups.
• Pop music as a tuning fork of public morality.
• Why is pop music degrading?
• How can pop music be used to improve college grades?
• The nuances of using pop music in contemporary American culture.
• How can pop music be used to improve mood?
• The symbiosis of pop music and rap culture.
• How does contemporary pop music affect young people?
• The study of pop music in the context of the social culture of Harlem.
• The classic examples of pop artists.
• Madonna: the most popular popes of personalities.
• The analysis of the popularity of Britney Spears.
• Pop icons of the past decade.
• Hip-hop as the basis of the movement for social equality.
• The origins of hip-hop and the reasons for its popularization.
• How does hip-hop affect contemporary pop artists?
• The analysis of hip-hop performers on the example of the best vocalists of the decade.
• How does hip-hop allow athletes to train?
• Modern hip-hop and new musical trends.
• The symbiosis of hip-hop and metal music.
• How does hip-hop motivate people for sporting achievements?
• The analysis of hip-hop performers on the example of female vocalists.
• Modern hip-hop and its impact on youth.
• The main aspects of the integration of hip-hop music in the modern community.
• All technical aspects of creating hip-hop music.
• The classic approach to the formation of hip-hop motives.
• The analysis of the structure of hip-hop songs.
• The best hip-hop artists of the last decade.
• The stages of the formation of jazz as a separate musical genre.
• Why is jazz so popular these days?
• The nuances of studying jazz musical combinations.
• How Jess influences the structuring of student learning.
• The nuances of jazz performers in modern America.
• The best American jazz performers.
• Jazz as the most structured musical theory.
• How can you quickly learn to create jazz compositions?
• The influence of jazz on the cultural and political elite of the United States.
• Can jazz replace other musical styles?
• Jazz fusion as an example of musical prowess.
• The technical aspects of creating a pentatonic scale in a jazz style.
• The selection of jazz musicians.
• The development of jazz in the United States.
• The main reasons for the popularization of jazz in modern society.
• Blues and its influence on the development of the music industry.
• The symbiosis of blues and jazz.
• Can the Blues be compared to classical music?
• How do contemporary artists use the Blues in pop music?
• Historical context creation of blues compositions.
• How does the Blues affect rock music?
• Can the Blues help students learn?
• How blues musicians are developing in the USA.
• Can blues be used as a springboard for classical music production?
• The best US blues artists of the last 20 years.
• Blues performers of the last ten years.
• The influence of the blues on the formation of other genres.
• The analysis of the statistical popularity of the blues.
• The critical aspects when creating Blues compositions.
• The selection of blues parties when creating music.
• The influence of classical music on pop culture.
• The classical music and the best composers of the last century.
• Beethoven and his best works.
• How did Mozart influence classical music?
• Is the symbiosis of jazz and classical music possible?
• The structure of making classical music.
• The stages of the formation of classical music in modern society.
• Can you replace pop culture with classical music?
• How does classical music affect the psychological state of people?
• The classical music and symbiosis with opera.
• The basic concept of the analysis of classical music.
• A technical comparison of the mastery of classical composers.
• The choice of classical music for the mood.
• The classical music and its influence on rock culture.
• The main technical aspects of creating a score.

The region is important for those looking for musical topics for research paper. Most genres of European music and some information about composers are open to general use. If your research topic on music is aimed at analyzing the Arab countries, then you will need more time looking for reliable information. The fact is that not all Muslim archives are in the public domain.

Western music

• The features of musical motives of Western music.
• The history of Western music with real examples.
• How has Western music changed over the past two hundred years?
• Is it possible to combine Western music with European motives?
• The features of the use of traditional Western musical instruments.
• How do Western countries use music for meditation?
• Western music in the context of modern society.
• The role of Western music in the life of native people.
• How melodic is oriental music?
• The stages of the formation of Western music in American culture.

European music

• European music and modern trends.
• British pop bands and their worldwide popularity.
• How popular are German pop bands in the USA?
• European music and national musical instruments.
• How does European music affect well-being?
• The analysis of European music with specific examples.
• Top 10 of the greatest European musical groups.
• The analysis of European music on the example of instrumental groups.
• The best pop music performers in Europe.
• How does pop music influence the development of culture?

Asian music

• Asian music: the example of ethnic trends.
• The influence of Asian music on world culture.
• The main musical instruments of Asia.
• Can you compare Asian music with European motives?
• How has Asian music changed over the past hundred years?
• The nuances of creating Asian music.
• How does Asian music influence contemporary cinema?
• The best Asian performers.
• Top 10 Asian vocalists who have conquered the whole world.
• Do national instruments influence the creation of Asian music?

By history periods

You can use music appreciation research paper topics to analyse a specific period in history. Baroque, Renaissance and other eras are especially relevant for research as they allow you to see the history of the development of music. You can concentrate on a specific time period and the most famous composers.

• Medieval music and its influence on the Crusades.
• The major trends in the medieval music industry.
• The influence of kings on the creation of medieval music.
• The main musical instruments in medieval Europe.
• Musical instruments in Central Asia during the Middle Ages.
• What kind of music was popular in the Middle Ages.
• How difficult was the life of a musician in the Middle Ages?
• The analysis of medieval music on modern examples.
• How has contemporary music influenced pop culture?
• Historical aspects of the creation of medieval music.
• The influence of medieval music and culture.
• The rhythmic pattern of medieval music.
• The medieval music during the feast.
• The influence of medieval music on classical music.
• The medieval music channel and musical comparison.

Renaissance

• The dawn of musical culture during the Renaissance.
• The analysis of Renaissance music with specific examples.
• How has Renaissance music influenced contemporary pop culture?
• The analysis of Renaissance music as a constructive masterpiece.
• The nuances of Renaissance music and, most importantly, musical instruments.
• How difficult is it to reproduce Renaissance music in today's environment?
• The analysis of structural compositions of the Renaissance.
• Renaissance music as a tuning fork of public morality.
• How has music changed since the Renaissance?
• Can Renaissance music be used to create a modern instrumental ensemble?

Baroque Age (XVI-XVIII)

• The influence of politicians on the formation of music during the Baroque period.
• How has Baroque influenced contemporary instrumental music?
• The nuances of musical constructions during the Baroque period.
• How has the baroque influenced modern instruments?
• The nuances of the Baroque in the context of the complexity of musical compositions.
• The main effect of the Baroque in contemporary music.
• The historical aspects of the creation of the Baroque as a separate genre of music.
• The influence of the Baroque on the creation of contemporary musical groups.
• The analysis of the structure and musical motives of Baroque in detail.
• Baroque in contemporary music.
• The nuances of creating songs in the Baroque style.

Classical Age (XVIII-XIV)

• The Classical Age of music in modern society.
• How did the Classical Age influence the formation of musical trends?
• The general concept of the Classical Age in instrumental music.
• The nuances of creating music based on the Classical Age.
• How did the Classical Age influence the creation of pop culture?
• The theory of creating musical compositions on the example of the Classical Age.
• The general factors of the Classical Age in instrumental music.
• The main trends and popular instruments of the Classical Age.
• The main musical compositions of the 14th century.
• The main factors in the creation of musical compositions in the 13th century.

Romantic Era (XIV-XX)

• The Romantic Era and its impact on contemporary music.
• The main principles of structuring music into the Romantic Era.
• Features of creating instrumental compositions in the Romantic Era.
• The Romantic Era and modern music trends.
• The main factors influencing the Romantic Era in the music industry.
• Key figures in the music industry and their passion for the Romantic Era.
• How did the Romantic Era form the modern style?
• How has the Romantic Era influenced rhythmic music?
• The Romantic Era in the music industry.
• The main aspects of the formation of the Romantic Era in musical culture.
• Making marching music in the Romantic Era.
• Features of creating musical compositions.
• The technical aspects that influenced modern romantic motives.

Modern Era (XX-XXI)

• Jazz music as a phenomenon of the modern roar the influence of the modern era on instrumental music.
• Technical aspects of hip-hop and Reggae.
• How is contemporary classical music created?
• Can modern music genres be combined to create something new?
• Why is the modern music industry stagnating?
• The aspects of contemporary music.
• How does instrumental music affect culture?
• Contemporary music and technical innovation.
• How is contemporary music created?
• The nuances of creating hip-hop albums.

How To Write On Music Related Research Topics

By choosing topics about music for an essay, you get the opportunity to prepare a detailed paper work with facts, genre nuances and detailed biographies of famous musicians. You need to stick to the formatting and your outline. Find reliable information for music history research topics and talk about the emergence of certain genres.

Music business research topics are especially important, as you need to consider not only the stylistic but also the commercial nuances of the bands. For example, you can prepare detailed data on annual music tours or album sales.

All music appreciation presentation topics require detailed factual focus, which can be difficult for many people. If you are not ready to do it yourself, then we can help you.

Our service will solve your problem with music research topics high school. We also guarantee that you will get a good grade. We will help you organize all the nuances so that your music history paper topics become a reason for pride and high scores.

An Inspiration List

• popular music | Description, History, & Facts | Britannica
• History of music
• Music History from Primary Sources
• Brief History of Music: An Introduction
• How Music and Instruments Began

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• A Research Guide
• Research Paper Topics

120 Music Research Paper Topics

How to choose a topic for music research paper:.

Music Theory Research Paper Topics:

• The influence of harmonic progression on emotional response in music
• Analyzing the use of chromaticism in the compositions of Johann Sebastian Bach
• The role of rhythm and meter in creating musical tension and release
• Examining the development of tonality in Western classical music
• Exploring the impact of cultural and historical context on musical form and structure
• Investigating the use of polyphony in Renaissance choral music
• Analyzing the compositional techniques of minimalist music
• The relationship between melody and harmony in popular music
• Examining the influence of jazz improvisation on contemporary music
• The role of counterpoint in the compositions of Ludwig van Beethoven
• Investigating the use of microtonality in experimental music
• Analyzing the impact of technology on music composition and production
• The influence of musical modes on the development of different musical genres
• Exploring the use of musical symbolism in film scoring
• Investigating the role of music theory in the analysis and interpretation of non-Western music

Music Industry Research Paper Topics:

• The impact of streaming services on music consumption patterns
• The role of social media in promoting and marketing music
• The effects of piracy on the music industry
• The influence of technology on music production and distribution
• The relationship between music and mental health
• The evolution of music genres and their impact on the industry
• The economics of live music events and festivals
• The role of record labels in shaping the music industry
• The impact of globalization on the music industry
• The representation and portrayal of gender in the music industry
• The effects of music streaming platforms on artist revenue
• The role of music education in fostering talent and creativity
• The influence of music videos on audience perception and engagement
• The impact of music streaming on physical album sales
• The role of music in advertising and brand marketing

Music Therapy Research Paper Topics:

• The effectiveness of music therapy in reducing anxiety in cancer patients
• The impact of music therapy on improving cognitive function in individuals with Alzheimer’s disease
• Exploring the use of music therapy in managing chronic pain
• The role of music therapy in promoting emotional well-being in children with autism spectrum disorder
• Music therapy as a complementary treatment for depression: A systematic review
• The effects of music therapy on stress reduction in pregnant women
• Examining the benefits of music therapy in improving communication skills in individuals with developmental disabilities
• The use of music therapy in enhancing motor skills rehabilitation after stroke
• Music therapy interventions for improving sleep quality in patients with insomnia
• Exploring the impact of music therapy on reducing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• The role of music therapy in improving social interaction and engagement in individuals with schizophrenia
• Music therapy as a non-pharmacological intervention for managing symptoms of dementia
• The effects of music therapy on pain perception and opioid use in hospitalized patients
• Exploring the use of music therapy in promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety during surgical procedures
• The impact of music therapy on improving quality of life in individuals with Parkinson’s disease

Music Psychology Research Paper Topics:

• The effects of music on mood and emotions
• The role of music in enhancing cognitive abilities
• The impact of music therapy on mental health disorders
• The relationship between music and memory recall
• The influence of music on stress reduction and relaxation
• The psychological effects of different genres of music
• The role of music in promoting social bonding and cohesion
• The effects of music on creativity and problem-solving abilities
• The psychological benefits of playing a musical instrument
• The impact of music on motivation and productivity
• The psychological effects of music on physical exercise performance
• The role of music in enhancing learning and academic performance
• The influence of music on sleep quality and patterns
• The psychological effects of music on individuals with autism spectrum disorder
• The relationship between music and personality traits

Music Education Research Paper Topics:

• The impact of music education on cognitive development in children
• The effectiveness of incorporating technology in music education
• The role of music education in promoting social and emotional development
• The benefits of music education for students with special needs
• The influence of music education on academic achievement
• The importance of music education in fostering creativity and innovation
• The relationship between music education and language development
• The impact of music education on self-esteem and self-confidence
• The role of music education in promoting cultural diversity and inclusivity
• The effects of music education on students’ overall well-being and mental health
• The significance of music education in developing critical thinking skills
• The role of music education in enhancing students’ teamwork and collaboration abilities
• The impact of music education on students’ motivation and engagement in school
• The effectiveness of different teaching methods in music education
• The relationship between music education and career opportunities in the music industry

Music History Research Paper Topics:

• The influence of African music on the development of jazz in the United States
• The role of women composers in classical music during the 18th century
• The impact of the Beatles on the evolution of popular music in the 1960s
• The cultural significance of hip-hop music in urban communities
• The development of opera in Italy during the Renaissance
• The influence of folk music on the protest movements of the 1960s
• The role of music in religious rituals and ceremonies throughout history
• The evolution of electronic music and its impact on contemporary music production
• The contribution of Latin American musicians to the development of salsa music
• The influence of classical music on film scores in the 20th century
• The role of music in the Civil Rights Movement in the United States
• The development of reggae music in Jamaica and its global impact
• The influence of Mozart’s compositions on the classical music era
• The role of music in the French Revolution and its impact on society
• The evolution of punk rock music and its influence on alternative music genres

Music Sociology Research Paper Topics:

• The impact of music streaming platforms on the music industry
• The role of music in shaping cultural identity
• Gender representation in popular music: A sociological analysis
• The influence of social media on music consumption patterns
• Music festivals as spaces for social interaction and community building
• The relationship between music and political activism
• The effects of globalization on local music scenes
• The role of music in constructing and challenging social norms
• The impact of technology on music production and distribution
• Music and social movements: A comparative study
• The role of music in promoting social change and social justice
• The influence of socioeconomic factors on music taste and preferences
• The role of music in constructing and reinforcing gender stereotypes
• The impact of music education on social and cognitive development
• The relationship between music and mental health: A sociological perspective

Classical Music Research Paper Topics:

• The influence of Ludwig van Beethoven on the development of classical music
• The role of women composers in classical music history
• The impact of Johann Sebastian Bach’s compositions on future generations
• The evolution of opera in the classical period
• The significance of Mozart’s symphonies in the classical era
• The influence of nationalism on classical music during the Romantic period
• The portrayal of emotions in classical music compositions
• The use of musical forms and structures in the works of Franz Joseph Haydn
• The impact of the Industrial Revolution on the production and dissemination of classical music
• The relationship between classical music and dance in the Baroque era
• The role of patronage in the development of classical music
• The influence of folk music on classical composers
• The representation of nature in classical music compositions
• The impact of technological advancements on classical music performance and recording
• The exploration of polyphony in the works of Johann Sebastian Bach

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Best 100 music research topics (just updated).

If you are reading this, you are probably looking for the best music research topics for your next essay. Truth be told, choosing the right topic is very important. It can make the difference between a B and an A, or even between an A and an A+. Unfortunately, choosing the best topics is not as simple as you think. Even though the internet is full of music research topics, most of them are plain and, quite frankly, boring.

Your professor wants more than this. Let’s see why you need the most interesting topics and where you can find them. Of course, you are free to use any of our 100 topics for free and even reword them as you see fit. Read on!

Choosing Good Music Research Topics

By now, you are probably wondering why everyone keeps telling you to come up with the best music topics. The truth is that there are many, many benefits to choosing an awesome topic. Here are just some of them, so you can get a better idea of the importance of a great idea:

• Excellent music research paper topics show your professor that you really did your best to get a top grade.
• A good topic is one that you know much about. It should be relatively easy to you to research it and to write about it.
• An awesome topic will pique the interest of your professor and will keep him or her reading. You will often get bonus points for this.
• Great topics make you stand out from your classmates. Your professor will notice you, and the grade will reflect this.

Where Can You Find Decent Music Topics?

Finding amazing music research topics is easier said than done. Yes, the Internet is full of websites that are offering ideas. There are even websites where you can buy bundles of topics. However, the music argumentative essay topics you will get from these websites are not of the highest quality. Most of them are actually quite boring. And remember, you classmates are probably searching for music history research paper topics on the same websites as you do. You want your research topics on music or book review topics to be original, so your professor can have a reason to award your paper some bonus points. The best place to get excellent music topics to write about is this page. The list of ideas is updated frequently, so you can get an original topic for free right now.

Music History Research Topics

Are you looking for the most interesting music history research topics? If you do, just pick one from our list for free:

• How did the Catholic church influence Renaissance music?
• Social issues described in Baroque-period music.
• Analyze the evolution of Romantic-era music.
• How did the Baroque Opera come to be?
• Who invented Medieval music and when?
• Why has western music almost disappear in the last 10 years?
• Analyze the evolution of music in the Classical era.
• Analyzing violin music performance during the Romantic Era.

Music Argument Topics

Are you looking to find an argument and support it? Then you absolutely need to check out our exceptional list of music argument topics:

• Music today is better than music in the 90s.
• The most lucrative career for a musician.
• Music helps you memorize faster.
• The most popular kind of metal music.
• The evolution of blues songs over the last 30 years.
• Music helps children develop faster.
• Hip-hop is a misunderstood music genre.
• Jazz music is not obsolete.

Music Theory Topics

Interested in writing about music theory? Our amazing academic writers have put together a list of music theory topics for you:

• Analyze the most important aspects of modern music.
• Classical music has specific medical applications.
• Hidden symbols in Renaissance-period music.
• The unique features of Baroque-age music.
• Analyze the evolution of music in the Baroque era.
• The best music compositors in the Romantic era.
• Remarkable characteristics of Romantic-age songs.
• The peculiarities of Asian modern music.

Music Industry Topics

Writing about the music industry can be fun and entertaining. Your professor will love it. Pick one of our music industry topics and start writing:

• What do you associate rock music with and why?
• Should the music industry pay songwriters more?
• How does illegal pirating of songs affect the music industry?
• Do music sharing sites help new artists become famous.
• Analyze the evolution of music labels in the US.
• What differentiates a music label from all others?
• Music talent shows and their effects on a musician’s career.
• The difficulties of signing a contract with a major music label in the US.

Research Paper Topics on Music for High School

Are you a high school student? In this case, you will need our research paper topics on music for high school:

• The best compositors of the Baroque Era.
• What differentiates modern music from classical music?
• Notable women in classical music.
• Analyze the evolution of music in the Modern age.
• How was Beethoven’s music influenced by his loss of hearing?
• How would our world be without music?
• Does music cause negative effects on US teens?

Music Thesis Topics

Writing a thesis about music is not easy. In fact, it can be one of the most difficult projects in your academic career. Start right now by choosing one of the best music thesis topics:

• What made a musician stand out in the Baroque Age?
• The most notable musical experiments in the Classical age.
• Comparing Renaissance and Medieval music styles.
• Analyze the evolution of music in the Renaissance age.
• How did royalty in the UK benefit from music in the Renaissance era?
• Discuss a folk song from the Renaissance age.
• Differences between Asian and European classical music.

Music Controversial Topics

Music, like most other disciplines, has plenty of controversial topics you can talk about. Don’t waste any time and pick one of these music controversial topics:

• Does digital music cut the profits of musicians?
• Who owns the intellectual property to a song?
• The difficulties of getting songwriting credit.
• Illegal downloads are changing the music industry.
• Should music education still be included in the curriculum?
• Analyze medieval liturgical music.
• Music should be free for everyone to download and use.

Persuasive Speech Topics About Music

Are you required the write a persuasive speech about music? If you are, you may need a bit of help. Pick one of these persuasive speech topics about music (updated for 2023):

• Music has a significant effect on advertising.
• The changes rap music has brought to the US culture.
• Indie is a term that should not apply to music.
• Metal music should be banned from the US.
• Does listening to music have a great influence on mental health?
• The amazing evolution of music in the Medieval age.
• People should be free to listen to the music they like for free.
• The fashion industry wouldn’t be where it is today without music.

Easy Topics About Music

Perhaps you don’t want to spend 5 or 6 hours writing the research paper . You need an easier topic. Choose one of these easy topics about music and write the essay fast:

• How can one become a symbol of modern music?
• My favorite singer today.
• Which musician from the past would you bring back to life and why?
• Do politics influence modern music?
• Compare and contrast two music genres.
• Analyze the evolution of music in the modern age in the United States.
• The side effects of turning the volume too loud.
• How is classical music used in Disney movies?

Music Education Research Topics

Are you interested in talking about music education? Perhaps you’ll have some suggestions to make after you’ve done the research. Just choose one of the music education research topics below:

• Can E-Learning be applied to music education?
• Can music teachers offer distance learning services?
• The advantages and disadvantages of Zoom music lessons.
• Why are music worksheets so important for high school students?
• How did the Internet change music education?
• Why are modern music studies so important?
• Should we learn more about Asian music in school?
• How can students learn music while respecting COVID19 measures?

Highly Interesting Music Topics

We know you want a top grade on your next music research paper. We advise you to select one of these highly interesting music topics and surprise your professor:

• How did pop music came to existence and why?
• Analyze the history of hip-hop music.
• Compare metal music with classical music.
• Why is rock music so popular in the United Kingdom?
• Which song would best present our species to aliens?
• Compare and contrast Korean and Chinese music.
• Analyze the popular themes of Japanese music.
• The stunning rise of K-pop bands.

Informative Speech Topics About Music

It’s difficult to find good informative speech topics about music these days. If you want to stand out from the rest of your classmates, choose one of our topics:

• Discuss the ideas presented in romantic music.
• What do people who appreciate classic music have in common?
• Analyze the most popular Bach music.
• Describe the role of market music in the Baroque era.
• Analyze the evolution of European music.
• Ways to make classical music popular with teens in the UK.
• Discuss the most popular musical instrument in the Classical age.

Music Essay Topics for College

Are you a college student? If you want an A+ on your next research paper, use one of these music essay topics for college students:

• Does modern music contain medieval themes?
• Analyze a song from the Renaissance age.
• Why is blues music so important for our culture?
• Who invented the blues genre and when?
• Analyze the evolution of American folk music.
• Most popular names in Baroque-age songs.
• Modern interpretations of medieval songs.
• Listening to blues music can lead to depression.

Need some more music history paper topics? Or perhaps you need a list of music related research topics to choose from for your thesis. Our best paper writer can help you in no time. Get in touch with us and we guarantee that we will find the perfect music topic for your needs. You will be well on your way to getting the A+ you need. Give us a try and get an amazing research topic on music in 10 minutes or less!

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500+ Music Research Topics

Music is a universal language that has the power to evoke emotions, bring people together, and express complex ideas and feelings. As a result, it has been the subject of extensive research and analysis across a wide range of fields, from psychology and neuroscience to sociology and cultural studies. Whether you are a music student, researcher , or simply a curious enthusiast, there are countless fascinating and important topics to explore within the realm of music research. From the history and evolution of different musical genres to the impact of music on human behavior and cognition, the possibilities for investigation and discovery are virtually endless. In this post, we will highlight some of the most interesting and relevant music research topics that you can explore in your own studies or simply as a way to deepen your appreciation and understanding of this rich and diverse art form.

Music Research Topics

Music Research Topics are as follows:

• The impact of music on memory retention.
• The evolution of hip-hop music and its influence on popular culture.
• The relationship between music and emotions.
• The role of music in religious and spiritual practices.
• The effects of music on mental health.
• The impact of music on athletic performance.
• The role of music in therapy and rehabilitation.
• The evolution of classical music through the ages.
• The impact of technology on music creation and distribution.
• The relationship between music and language acquisition.
• The cultural significance of music in different parts of the world.
• The influence of popular music on politics and social issues.
• The impact of music on academic performance.
• The role of music in film and television.
• The use of music in advertising and marketing.
• The psychology of musical preferences.
• The effects of music on sleep patterns and quality.
• The impact of music on creativity and productivity.
• The influence of music on fashion and style.
• The impact of music education on childhood development.
• The role of music in memory recall and nostalgia.
• The effects of music on physical health.
• The relationship between music and brain development.
• The impact of music on the immune system.
• The influence of music on social behavior.
• The evolution of jazz music and its impact on society.
• The role of music in cultural preservation and identity.
• The effects of music on stress levels and anxiety.
• The relationship between music and social movements.
• The impact of music on language learning and pronunciation.
• The effects of music on learning and cognition.
• The influence of music on political ideologies and movements.
• The impact of music on academic achievement.
• The relationship between music and cultural assimilation.
• The role of music in international diplomacy.
• The effects of music on physical performance and endurance.
• The impact of music on memory consolidation and recall.
• The influence of music on fashion trends and subcultures.
• The role of music in socialization and identity formation.
• The effects of music on perception and attention.
• The impact of music on decision making and judgment.
• The relationship between music and romantic attraction.
• The role of music in social justice movements.
• The effects of music on motor skills and coordination.
• The influence of music on cultural exchange and globalization.
• The impact of music on language and cultural barriers.
• The relationship between music and cultural appropriation.
• The role of music in community building and activism.
• The effects of music on motivation and goal setting.
• The influence of music on fashion advertising and marketing.
• The impact of music on social inequality and discrimination.
• The relationship between music and cultural hegemony.
• The role of music in political propaganda and manipulation.
• The effects of music on physical therapy and rehabilitation.
• The influence of music on cultural diplomacy and international relations.
• The impact of music on the environment and sustainability.
• The relationship between music and social hierarchies.
• The role of music in cultural exchange and intercultural communication.
• The effects of music on creative thinking and problem solving.
• The influence of music on consumer behavior and product preferences.
• The impact of music on social mobility and economic inequality.
• The relationship between music and cultural diversity.
• The role of music in intergenerational communication and conflict resolution.
• The effects of music on mood and emotional regulation.
• The influence of music on cultural authenticity and representation.
• The impact of music on memory in patients with Alzheimer’s disease.
• The impact of music on recovery and rehabilitation in individuals with physical injuries.
• The role of music in promoting cultural exchange and understanding in international education.
• The role of music in promoting cultural sensitivity and understanding in international relations.
• The role of music in promoting cultural sensitivity and understanding in international human rights.
• The effects of music on cognitive functioning and mental health in individuals with ADHD.
• The relationship between music and cultural representation in the food and beverage industry.
• The influence of music on cultural identity and mental health in individuals with mixed-sexual orientations.
• The impact of music on job satisfaction and retention in the finance industry.
• The role of music in promoting cultural diversity and understanding in international development.
• The effects of music on emotional regulation and depression in individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder.
• The relationship between music and cultural representation in the transportation industry.
• The influence of music on cultural identity and mental health in individuals with mixed-abilities.
• The impact of music on academic performance and motivation in college students.
• The role of music in promoting cross-cultural understanding and acceptance in international cooperation.
• The effects of music on social skills and behavior in individuals with autism spectrum disorder.
• The relationship between music and cultural representation in the entertainment industry.
• The influence of music on cultural identity and mental health in individuals with mixed-language backgrounds.
• The impact of music on creativity and innovation in the tech startup industry.
• The role of music in promoting cultural sensitivity and understanding in international peacekeeping.
• The effects of music on cognitive functioning and mental health in individuals with traumatic brain injury.
• The relationship between music and cultural representation in the travel industry.
• The influence of music on cultural identity and mental health in individuals with mixed-socioeconomic backgrounds.
• The impact of music on job satisfaction and productivity in the education industry.
• The role of music in promoting cultural diversity and understanding in international cooperation.
• The effects of music on emotional regulation and anxiety in individuals with generalized anxiety disorder.
• The relationship between music and cultural representation in the home appliance industry.
• The influence of music on cultural identity and mental health in individuals with mixed-culture backgrounds.
• The impact of music on academic performance and motivation in graduate students.
• The role of music in promoting cross-cultural understanding and acceptance in international diplomacy.
• The effects of music on social skills and behavior in individuals with attention deficit disorder.
• The relationship between music and cultural representation in the construction industry.
• The influence of music on cultural identity and mental health in individuals with mixed-spiritual backgrounds.
• The impact of music on creativity and productivity in the healthcare industry.
• The role of music in promoting cultural sensitivity and understanding in international justice.
• The effects of music on cognitive functioning and mental health in individuals with Parkinson’s disease.
• The relationship between music and cultural representation in the hospitality industry.
• The influence of music on cultural identity and mental health in individuals with mixed-political backgrounds.
• The impact of music on job satisfaction and retention in the automotive industry.
• The role of music in promoting cultural diversity and understanding in international diplomacy.
• The effects of music on emotional regulation and depression in individuals with major depressive disorder.
• The relationship between music and cultural representation in the telecommunications industry.
• The influence of music on cultural identity and mental health in individuals with mixed-ethnic and racial backgrounds.
• The impact of music on academic performance and motivation in high school students with disabilities.
• The role of music in promoting cross-cultural understanding and acceptance in international trade.
• The effects of music on social skills and behavior in individuals with borderline personality disorder.
• The relationship between music and cultural representation in the fashion industry.
• The influence of music on cultural identity and mental health in individuals with mixed-heritage backgrounds.
• The effects of music on cognitive functioning and mental health in individuals with schizophrenia.
• The relationship between music and cultural representation in the technology industry.
• The influence of music on cultural identity and mental health in individuals with mixed-race identities.
• The impact of music on job satisfaction and retention in the hospitality industry.
• The role of music in promoting cultural diversity and understanding in global development.
• The effects of music on emotional regulation and anxiety in individuals with social phobia.
• The relationship between music and cultural representation in the toy industry.
• The influence of music on cultural identity and mental health in individuals with mixed-faith backgrounds.
• The impact of music on academic performance and motivation in high school students.
• The effects of music on social skills and behavior in individuals with oppositional defiant disorder.
• The relationship between music and cultural representation in the beauty industry.
• The influence of music on cultural identity and mental health in individuals with mixed-ethnicity backgrounds.
• The impact of music on creativity and productivity in the fashion industry.
• The role of music in promoting cultural sensitivity and understanding in international aid.
• The effects of music on cognitive functioning and mental health in individuals with dementia.
• The relationship between music and cultural representation in the fitness industry.
• The influence of music on cultural identity and mental health in individuals with mixed-gender identities.
• The impact of music on job satisfaction and productivity in the technology industry.
• The role of music in promoting cultural diversity and understanding in international tourism.
• The effects of music on emotional regulation and depression in individuals with anxiety disorders.
• The relationship between music and cultural representation in the pet industry.
• The influence of music on cultural identity and mental health in individuals with mixed-education backgrounds.
• The impact of music on academic performance and motivation in middle school students.
• The effects of music on social skills and behavior in individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder.
• The relationship between music and cultural representation in the home decor industry.
• The influence of music on cultural identity and mental health in individuals with mixed-sex identities.
• The impact of music on creativity and innovation in the gaming industry.
• The role of music in promoting cultural sensitivity and understanding in international conflict resolution.
• The effects of music on cognitive functioning and mental health in individuals with bipolar disorder.
• The relationship between music and cultural representation in the sports industry.
• The influence of music on cultural identity and mental health in individuals with mixed-nationality and mixed-linguistic backgrounds.
• The impact of music on job satisfaction and retention in the retail industry.
• The role of music in promoting cultural diversity and understanding in global governance.
• The effects of music on emotional regulation and anxiety in individuals with panic disorder.
• The relationship between music and cultural representation in the electronics industry.
• The influence of music on cultural identity and mental health in individuals with mixed-citizenship backgrounds.
• The impact of music on academic performance and motivation in elementary school students.
• The role of music in promoting cross-cultural understanding and acceptance in international security.
• The effects of music on social skills and behavior in individuals with conduct disorder.
• The relationship between music and cultural representation in the agriculture industry.
• The influence of music on cultural identity and mental health in individuals with mixed-religious backgrounds.
• The effects of music on cognitive functioning and mental health in individuals with traumatic brain injuries.
• The influence of music on cultural identity and mental health in individuals with disability identities.
• The role of music in promoting cross-cultural understanding and acceptance in the healthcare industry.
• The effects of music on emotional regulation and anxiety in individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
• The influence of music on cultural identity and mental health in individuals with LGBTQ+ identities.
• The impact of music on job satisfaction and productivity in the gig economy.
• The role of music in promoting cultural sensitivity and understanding in education policy.
• The effects of music on social skills and behavior in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
• The influence of music on cultural identity and mental health in individuals with mixed-age identities.
• The impact of music on creativity and innovation in the advertising industry.
• The role of music in promoting cultural diversity and understanding in urban planning.
• The effects of music on cognitive functioning and mental health in individuals with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
• The relationship between music and cultural representation in the food industry.
• The impact of music on job satisfaction and retention in the nonprofit sector.
• The role of music in promoting cultural understanding and acceptance in international business.
• The effects of music on emotional regulation and depression in individuals with chronic pain.
• The relationship between music and cultural representation in the gaming industry.
• The influence of music on cultural identity and mental health in individuals with mixed-sexual orientation identities.
• The role of music in promoting cross-cultural communication and understanding in foreign policy.
• The effects of music on social skills and behavior in individuals with social anxiety disorder.
• The relationship between music and cultural representation in the craft industry.
• The influence of music on cultural identity and mental health in individuals with mixed-disability identities.
• The impact of music on creativity and productivity in the media industry.
• The role of music in promoting cultural sensitivity and understanding in corporate social responsibility.
• The effects of music on cognitive functioning and mental health in individuals with substance use disorders.
• The relationship between music and cultural representation in the automotive industry.
• The impact of music on job satisfaction and productivity in the education sector.
• The role of music in promoting cultural diversity and understanding in international law.
• The relationship between music and cultural representation in the wellness industry.
• The influence of music on cultural identity and mental health in individuals with mixed-nationality backgrounds.
• The impact of music on academic performance and motivation in adult learners.
• The role of music in promoting cultural understanding and acceptance in global governance.
• The relationship between music and cultural representation in the furniture industry.
• The influence of music on cultural identity and mental health in individuals with mixed-generational backgrounds.
• The impact of music on creativity and innovation in the film industry.
• The role of music in promoting cultural integration and social cohesion in diverse communities.
• The effects of music on cognitive functioning and mental health in individuals with multiple sclerosis.
• The relationship between music and cultural representation in the tech industry.
• The influence of music on cultural identity and mental health in second-generation immigrants.
• The role of music in promoting cross-cultural communication and understanding in diplomacy.
• The effects of music on emotional regulation and self-esteem in individuals with eating disorders.
• The relationship between music and cultural representation in the publishing industry.
• The influence of music on cultural identity and mental health in biracial and multiracial families.
• The impact of music on creativity and innovation in the workplace.
• The role of music in promoting cultural awareness and sensitivity in the criminal justice system.
• The effects of music on social skills and behavior in individuals with schizophrenia.
• The influence of music on cultural identity and mental health in individuals with refugee backgrounds.
• The role of music in promoting cultural understanding and acceptance in global marketing.
• The effects of music on emotional regulation and anxiety in individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
• The influence of music on cultural identity and mental health in individuals with mixed religious backgrounds.
• The impact of music on academic achievement and retention in community college students.
• The role of music in promoting cultural exchange and understanding in international development.
• The effects of music on social skills and behavior in individuals with bipolar disorder.
• The relationship between music and cultural representation in the luxury goods industry.
• The influence of music on cultural identity and mental health in individuals with immigrant parents.
• The impact of music on creativity and productivity in the tech industry.
• The role of music in promoting cultural sensitivity and understanding in journalism.
• The effects of music on emotional regulation and depression in individuals with chronic fatigue syndrome.
• The relationship between music and cultural representation in the wine industry.
• The influence of music on cultural identity and mental health in individuals with non-binary gender identities.
• The impact of music on job satisfaction and productivity in remote workers.
• The role of music in promoting cultural diversity and understanding in international relations.
• The role of music in promoting cultural awareness and sensitivity in diplomacy.
• The effects of music on emotional regulation and self-esteem in individuals with body dysmorphia.
• The influence of music on cultural identity and mental health in individuals with immigrant grandparents.
• The role of music in promoting cultural understanding and acceptance in global advertising.
• The effects of music on social skills and behavior in individuals with borderline intellectual functioning.
• The relationship between music and cultural representation in the fragrance industry.
• The influence of music on cultural identity and mental health in individuals with mixed-citizenship status.
• The impact of music on creativity and productivity in the creative industries
• The relationship between music and social cohesion in diverse communities.
• The role of music in social justice movements and protests.
• The effects of music on pain management and perception.
• The influence of music on cultural hybridity and globalization.
• The impact of music on social identity and self-esteem.
• The relationship between music and cultural imperialism.
• The role of music in therapeutic settings for children and adolescents.
• The effects of music on language development in bilingual children.
• The influence of music on cultural representation in the media.
• The impact of music on interpersonal relationships and communication.
• The relationship between music and cultural hegemony in the digital age.
• The role of music in community-based initiatives for social change.
• The effects of music on mental health in marginalized communities.
• The influence of music on cultural identity and self-expression.
• The impact of music on academic engagement and success in at-risk students.
• The relationship between music and cultural appropriation in popular culture.
• The role of music in cultural diplomacy and international relations in the 21st century.
• The effects of music on cognitive processing in individuals with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
• The influence of music on cultural hybridity and transnationalism.
• The impact of music on social justice advocacy and awareness-raising.
• The relationship between music and cultural resistance in marginalized communities.
• The role of music in the negotiation of cultural identities in the diaspora.
• The effects of music on language processing and learning in second language acquisition.
• The influence of music on cultural exchange and intercultural communication in the digital age.
• The impact of music on academic achievement in students with disabilities.
• The relationship between music and cultural hegemony in the music industry.
• The role of music in the socialization and empowerment of girls and women.
• The effects of music on physical health in individuals with chronic pain.
• The influence of music on cultural authenticity and representation in the tourism industry.
• The impact of music on the construction of gender and sexuality in popular culture.
• The relationship between music and cultural appropriation in the fashion industry.
• The role of music in promoting cross-cultural understanding and empathy.

About the author

Muhammad Hassan

Researcher, Academic Writer, Web developer

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10 Music Passion Project and Research Ideas For High School Students

By Alex Yang

Graduate student at Southern Methodist University

7 minute read

Music is a universal language that transcends borders and time periods, holding a profound significance in our society. Whether it's rhythmic beats that get people dancing, meaningful lyrics that convey complex emotions, or the intricate melodies that stir the soul, music has the power to evoke feelings and even inspire action.

As a result, music is often offered in many high schools as classes that students can take, like choir, band, and orchestra. However, if you feel like your passion for music goes beyond just time that you dedicate in school or playing one particular instrument, then you might want to consider doing a music passion project.

How to Find Your Music Passion Project Focus

Choosing what music passion project to do can be a difficult task, but you can make it easier for yourself by distinguishing between two project types. The first are projects that will involve learning how to produce music and the second is conducting research into the science or history of music. Both can be fulfilling project ideas, but conducting research will obviously involve more reading and writing, and creating music will involve more experimentation with software and/or instruments, so think about how you’d like to spend your time and what you’d enjoy doing most!

10 Music Passion Project and Research Ideas

1. can music help your brain heal.

Aim: Exploring whether music can act as an effective therapy following traumatic brain injury (TBI)

Project description:

This project will delve into the cognitive, behavioral, and functional effects of music therapy following TBI. What happens to brain activity as examined through fMRI with implementation of music therapy? Are there changes in neurotransmitter release? Is there a measurable behavioral and cognitive effect?

Concepts and skills: Neurotransmitters, traumatic brain injury , therapy

Idea by music research mentor Samantha

2. Community engaged music activity 

Aim: Organizing and planning a music event and learning about the nuances of event planning

Have you ever dreamed of putting together a concert for your community, school, or family gathering? For this project, come up with an interesting idea, write a proposal letter to potential sponsors , network and find collaborators, arrange and oversee rehearsals, and put a wonderful show together! You should also consider how you’d like to advertise the event, whether it’s a show or more of a competition, and how to set up the proper sound system for the event.

Concepts and skills: Event planning, community service, marketing, leadership and delegation 

Idea by music research mentor Parisa

3. Why does Bach sound like Bach? 

Aim: Learning about counterpoint and understand how it’s used in music

Project description: 

We revere master composers like Bach, Vivaldi, and Mozart but their monumental works were not just a product of genius inspiration. Rather, a lost tradition of counterpoint pedagogy deserves a good deal of credit for giving classical music its characteristic sound and polish. In this project, dive into counterpoint and develop an understanding of how it works and how it’s been applied to classical works.

Concepts and skills: Counterpoint, music composition

Idea by music research mentor Lucien

4. Music psychology

Aim: Exploring a specific topic about how the brain engages with music

How does the human brain process music? How does music engage our perception and what does it do to us? If you're interested in the intersection of music and perception, a research project on the topic of music cognition or music psychology would be perfect for you. In such a project, you would narrow down on a particular music topic or question (ex. What is perfect pitch? What kinds of methods do music psychologists use? How does the brain handle rhythm?) and work to create a research paper or creative project around this line of inquiry.

Concepts and skills: Neuroscience, music psychology, writing a research paper

Idea by music research mentor Natalie

Explore the Fine Arts through research

Polygence pairs you with an expert mentor in your area of passion: literature, drama, film making, theatre, writing, poetry. Together, you create a high quality research project that is uniquely your own. We also offer options to explore multiple topics, or to showcase your final product!

5. Music listening experiment

Aim: Conducting a study to learn about why people like the music that they do

Music listening is personal - you may like music that others don't, and that's ok! It's all a part of the subjective experience of appreciating music. What we still don't know a lot about is why people enjoy certain types of music. Is it shaped by what we listened to growing up, by our friends, or by our experiences playing and/or dancing to music? Create a study that asks others what they like or dislike about specific types of music and why, and summarize your takeaways.

Concepts and skills: Survey design and analysis, music appreciation

6. Scoring a scene 

Aim: Creating your own musical score from scratch and learn how music impacts film

Have you ever been amazed by soundtracks from films like Interstellar and the Godfather? This is your opportunity to create your own score for a sample scene from a film. Come up with the initial idea for what happens visually in the scene and then brainstorm how you want the viewer to feel through the score. Then, begin to arrange your musical score! For inspiration, you can research several movies and their music to understand how the music elevates the viewing experience.

Concepts and skills: Musical composition, film scores, creativity

Idea by music research mentor Cody

7. Mini-musical 

Aim: Writing your own short musical

Write a short dramatic piece featuring original characters, music, and lyrics, about anything ranging from, say, a dinner date gone wrong to an epic period piece about the history of the Hotel St. George in Brooklyn Heights. Whatever you're passionate about, let's musicalize it!

Concepts and skills: Lyric writing, historical research, musical composition

Idea by music research mentor Farrah

8. Obscure genre research

Aim: Finding a niche music genre and understanding what makes it unique

Everyone is familiar with genres like pop, country, rap, and EDM, but what other niche genres are there that people haven’t explored yet? Research obscure and niche music genres, uncovering their history, key figures, and cultural significance. See if you can also discover what kinds of people like to listen to this niche genre and why it appeals to them.

Concepts and skills: Primary and secondary research, interviews/surveys, music appreciation

9. Musical mentorship program

Aim: Creating a mentorship program for young musicians and helping grow musical instruction in your community

Establish a mentorship program where experienced musicians in high school guide and inspire students in your school district’s middle or upper elementary schools. Mentors can offer personalized advice, lessons, and support to younger students, and this instruction can help supplement the work that full-time music teachers do. As you design this program, think through how you’d match mentees with their mentors, and how you would find designated times and places for them to meet.

Concepts and skills: Outreach and communication (for finding mentors and talking to teachers), interpersonal skills, logistics and event planning

10. DIY music production tutorials

Aim: Creating your own tutorials for music and learning how to grow your audience as a content creator

If you’re already experienced with music production using software, this could be a great next step for you! Create a YouTube channel or blog where you share tutorials on DIY music production techniques , where you can cover any topic you’d like or specifically the ones you feel you’re strong at. This can allow you to practice your skills while also learning how to build an audience, which is crucial for “making it” in the music industry in general!

Concepts and skills: Content creation, marketing, entertainment

How to Showcase Your Music Passion Project

After you’ve put in the time to research and polish your passion project, it’s time to decide how you want to showcase your project . In many of the project ideas above, there seems to be a natural endpoint or product that you’re trying to create (e.g., a musical score for a film, or creating a music mentorship program). That’s great, but also consider how you can reveal the story of your project and the work it took. For example, if you’re creating a musical score, you can start a vlog showing your behind the scenes process and inspiration for creating the score. That way, at the end of the project you not only have a musical score to show others, but you also have content that showcases the story of your work, and this can really help you stand out. 

Examples of Music Passion Projects Done by Polygence Students

We want to share some great examples of music passion projects completed by Polygence student alumni!

Nishanth created a project where he used a data set of over 2000 Western classical music tracks to train an algorithm to identify which classical composer made a certain piece. Nishanth wrote a research paper discussing his findings ( Using Machine Learning to Predict Classical Composers from Audio ) and also shared the code he used for the prediction algorithm.  

Benjamin was able to create a love song from scratch , where he first started by studying music theory and attending production lessons, before writing the initial lyrics and choosing melodies. Benjamin chose to showcase his work online and you can listen to his original song on YouTube !

Jasmita wrote a research paper exploring the concept of listening to background music while learning new material . In Jasmita's study, she looked into the effects of listening to familiar and unfamiliar music on performance during a reading comprehension task.

Learn more about Jasmita’s research project experience with Polygence !

Compose Your Own Music Passion Project

In this article, we covered how to find your music passion focus, shared 10 different research and passion project ideas, and also discussed how to showcase your project once it’s complete.

If you’re interested in pursuing a music passion project, Polygence’s programs are a great place to start and learn from excellent mentors who are well-versed in music and its intersections with neuroscience, philosophy, and psychology.

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