how to cite music mla: exploring the nuances of musical citations

In this era where digital media has become an integral part of our lives, the citation of music in academic writing has gained significant importance. The Modern Language Association (MLA) provides guidelines for citing various types of sources, including music, in their style guide. This article aims to explore the nuances of music citations according to MLA guidelines and discuss some of the lesser-known aspects that writers might find useful.

Understanding the Basics of MLA Music Citations

According to the MLA Handbook, when citing music, you should provide the following information:

1. Title of the Musical Work: If the piece has a title, include it in quotation marks. For example, “Bohemian Rhapsody.”

2. Name of the Performer(s): List the performers in the order they appear on the recording. Include their first names only. For example, “Freddie Mercury.”

3. Album Title: Provide the title of the album. Use italics. For example, “The Game.”

4. Recording Date: Mention the year of release or the date of performance. For example, 1975.

5. Publisher/Label: Include the name of the label or publisher if available. For example, “Epic Records.”

6. Track Number: If applicable, include the track number followed by the word “track” in parentheses. For example, “(track 7).”

Here is an example of how to format these details:

“Bohemian Rhapsody,” performed by Freddie Mercury, The Game, Epic Records, 1975.

Additional Tips for Citing Music

While the above format is essential, there are other considerations that can enhance your citations:

Multiple Performers

If multiple artists collaborated on a piece, list them all, separated by commas. For instance:

“Bohemian Rhapsody,” performed by Freddie Mercury, with John Deacon, Brian May, and Roger Taylor, The Game, Epic Records, 1975.

Live Performances

For live performances, include the venue and location. For example:

“Bohemian Rhapsody,” performed by Freddie Mercury at the Royal Albert Hall, London, 1975.

Different Versions

If there are different versions of the same song, specify which version you are referring to. For example:

“Bohemian Rhapsody,” performed by Freddie Mercury, The Game, Epic Records, 1975; “Bohemian Rhapsody (Reprise),” performed by Queen, A Night at the Opera, Epic Records, 1975.

Online Sources

When citing music from online platforms like Spotify or YouTube, note the URL and any specific track information provided by the platform. For example:

“Bohemian Rhapsody,” performed by Freddie Mercury, The Game, Epic Records, 1975; accessed via Spotify, https://open.spotify.com/track/37i9dQZF1DXc5XGtTjyYlB, accessed October 1, 2023.

Conclusion

Citing music according to MLA guidelines ensures that your academic work is credible and adheres to professional standards. By providing accurate and comprehensive information about the musical works you reference, you not only give credit to the original creators but also add depth to your analysis and discussion. Whether you’re citing a studio album, a live performance, or an online download, following these guidelines will help you maintain consistency and accuracy throughout your research and writing.

Related Questions

1. What happens if I cannot find the exact track number?

   • If the track number is not available, simply omit it from your citation. It’s more important to include relevant details such as the performer, album title, and recording date.

2. Can I cite music from private recordings?

   • Yes, you can cite music from private recordings. Just ensure that you have permission to use the recording and provide enough information to identify it accurately.

3. How do I cite music from a podcast episode?

   • When citing music from a podcast episode, include the title of the podcast, the name of the performer(s), the episode title, the season number (if applicable), the episode number (if applicable), the host(s), and the date of the episode. For example: “Bohemian Rhapsody,” performed by Freddie Mercury, “Queen Rocks: Live at the Royal Albert Hall,” Season 1, Episode 2, hosted by Simon Cowell, accessed October 1, 2023.

4. Do I need to cite music in every single paragraph?

   • While it is generally recommended to cite your sources at least once per paragraph, you don’t necessarily need to cite each piece of music individually within the same paragraph. However, if you are discussing specific elements of the music, such as lyrics or a particular section, you may want to cite the source to provide context.

5. Is it necessary to cite the composer of the music?

   • No, it is not necessary to cite the composer of the music unless you are specifically discussing the composer’s role or influence. Focus on the performers and the recording details instead.