How to Cite Music in MLA: A Comprehensive Guide with Perspectives

In the academic world, citing music sources is an integral part of any research paper, especially when writing in the Modern Language Association (MLA) style. Accurately citing music not only attributes credit to the original creator but also enhances the credibility of your work by demonstrating a thorough understanding of the sources you are referencing. When citing music in MLA format, there are several key elements to consider, including the composer, the title of the composition, the year of publication, and the medium or recording information.

Composer and Performer Information: At the beginning of your citation, include the name of the composer or artist responsible for the music piece. If there are multiple composers or artists involved, list all of them in the order of their contribution to the work. For instance, if citing a symphony, the composer’s name should be mentioned first, followed by any conductor or orchestra information.
Title of the Composition: After providing the composer’s name, specify the title of the composition or piece you are referencing. Ensure to use the exact title, including any special punctuation marks or formatting. If the piece is part of a larger collection or album, include that information as well.
Year of Publication or Performance: Including the year of publication or performance is crucial as it helps readers understand the context and period in which the music was created. For recorded music, provide the year of release. If it’s a live performance or an older composition, indicate the year it was performed or composed.
Medium or Recording Information: Describe how the music was recorded or published, such as a CD, digital download, live performance, etc. This information helps readers understand how they can access or locate the source themselves. For recorded music, provide the record label and catalog number if available.
Formatting: In MLA format, follow standard citation practices for in-text citations and works cited pages. For music citations, use block quotes for lyrics or musical passages you have quoted directly in your paper. Double-space between entries in your Works Cited page and use hanging indentation for each subsequent line.

It’s worth noting that while MLA style is commonly used in humanities and social sciences, music citations may also follow other styles like APA or Chicago depending on your field or instructor’s requirements. Therefore, it’s always essential to check with your supervisor or institution for specific guidelines on citing music sources.

With this comprehensive guide on how to cite music in MLA format, you are well-equipped to handle music citations effectively in your academic writing. Keep in mind that accurate citations not only enhance your paper’s credibility but also show respect for intellectual property and previous research efforts.

FAQs about Citing Music in MLA:

Q: Do I need to include the album cover image in my citation? A: No, you do not need to include the album cover image in your citation. The key elements to include are the composer, title, year of publication, and medium/recording information.

Q: What if I am quoting lyrics extensively from a song? A: If you are quoting lyrics extensively, you should use block quotes within your paper and provide page numbers (or track numbers for music) to indicate where the quote is located within the source.

Q: Do I need to include a recording label or catalog number? A: Yes, if available, including recording label and catalog number provides additional information for readers who might want to locate the source themselves. However, it is not always necessary if this information is not easily accessible.

Q: What if I am citing a piece of music that is not yet published? A: If you are citing a piece of music that has not been officially published or released, you can still include key information like composer’s name, title of the composition, and year it was composed or performed. Provide any additional relevant details like where you heard it or how it was shared with you as part of additional notes if necessary.