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Blog > Essay Advice , Personal Statement > How to Write a Great College Essay About Music (with examples)

How to Write a Great College Essay About Music (with examples)

Admissions officer reviewed by Ben Bousquet, M.Ed Former Vanderbilt University

Written by Alex McNeil, MA Admissions Consultant

Key Takeaway

Ask any admissions officer if they’ve read a college essay about music, and they’ll definitely say yes. Between music extracurriculars and academic interests in music, it’s is one of the most common college essay topics.

So does that mean that you shouldn’t write your college essay about music?

Not necessarily. But as with any common college essay topic, some approaches are better than others.

Let’s get into it.

Why you should (and shouldn’t) write your Common App essay about music

As we explained in our Stanford Items exercise , writing your college essay on a common topic isn’t off-limits. In fact, most college essays share common topics and themes. Trying to find a completely unique, never-been-done-before topic is almost impossible. And writing about a quirky topic in hopes of coming across as unique usually backfires.

In other words, it’s likely that you’ll write about the same topic as someone else.

The problem arises, however, when you write about a common topic in a cliche way . Cliches are always a danger in college essays, but in especially college essay topics that tend to surface again and again.

To avoid cliches, your college essay about music needs to be deeply personal, specific, and meaningful. You’ll want to let go of any over-generalizations or truisms and focus on the details of your own story.

Because you’ll need to write meaningfully and vulnerably, you should only write your college essay about music if you have something genuine and significant to say.

The Best Ways to Approach Your College Essay about Music

College essays about music aren’t off the table, but you should be thoughtful in how you write about them. The following two approaches will help you avoid cliches and find an authentic, meaningful story that fulfills all the requirements of a personal statement .

Writing about music as an academic interest

If you’re interested in studying music in college, then you can consider writing your college essay about music as an academic interest. A college essay about your academic interest in music can show fantastic intellectual fit with a school.

Let’s say you want to study music theory or composition. You might write about a topic you find compelling, a problem you’ve solved, or even a recounting of your journey becoming interested in the subject.

Or maybe you’re an aspiring performer planning on studying music performance. As an admissions officer, I read outstanding essays about students performing their favorite pieces, creating emotional music projects, and teaching lessons to young children.

No matter your topic, your goal with this approach is to show an intellectual spark, a curiosity and passion that will demonstrate to your admissions officers that you’ll be a great addition to the music community on their campuses.

Writing poignantly about a deeply meaningful extracurricular

The previous approach is great if you want to study music, but what if music is just an extracurricular passion of yours? Don’t worry—you can still write about it.

In that case, the best way is to focus on meaning. Remember: personal statements should be deeply-meaningful reflections on your personal strengths.

To start, reflect on your music extracurricular. Is it playing guitar in a band? Playing trombone in your school’s symphony? Learning piano from your grandma? How your love of poetry turned into a love of songwriting?

Next, think about what strengths you have to showcase. If you play guitar in a band, maybe you want to highlight your collaborative spirit. If you love poetry and songwriting, perhaps you focus on your creativity.

Writing about your love of music in a way that draws upon your strengths will make sure that your Common App essay avoids the following two approaches and gives admissions officers a reason to admit you.

Approaches to Avoid

While the following two approaches aren’t necessarily bad, they are the most cliche ways of approaching a college essay about music. You might want to consider avoiding them.

An inauthentic tale of triumph

Let me tell you a cliche story.

When I was in fourth grade, I decided to join the school orchestra. I found it exceedingly difficult at first. No matter how hard I tried, I never could seem to place my fingers correctly on the fingerboard. Every sound I made mimicked a screeching cat. But I decided not to give up. I practiced every day after school and on the weekends. By the time I was in ninth grade, I had made it into my high school’s top orchestra.

Is that a lovely story? Yes, absolutely. Is it hearty enough for a college essay? No. While it tells a good narrative of growth and progress, it remains on the surface of the writer’s life. It comes across as a convenient way to brag about your strengths instead of exploring them in a genuine way. In this example, the story also focuses on events that happened way too far in the past.

A song that changed your life

This approach is by far the most common cliche in college essays about music. We’ve all been there: a favorite song that transports you to a moment in your life whenever you hear it. It makes sense that you’d want to write about yours.

But there’s a problem with this approach. Too often, it reads as trite or unoriginal, and the end result usually doesn’t say much about the writer. And when it does, the message an admissions officer gets doesn’t typically give them any more reason to admit you. Since you want your college essay to be meaningful, even vulnerable, and strengths-based, you’re better off choosing another topic that better speaks to who you are.

Key Takeaways + Examples

College essays about music aren’t for everyone. But when you get it right, you can strike the perfect chord with admissions officers (you’re welcome for the pun).

As you go, dig deep, find something genuinely personal, and try to avoid the most common and cliche ways of approaching the topic.

Want to see some examples of college essays about music before you get started? Check out our examples, The Time Machine and The Band .

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73 Essay Hook Examples

essay hook examples and definition, explained below

An essay hook is the first one or two sentences of your essay that are used to grab the reader’s attention and draw them into your discussion.

It is called a hook because it “grabs” the reader and doesn’t let them go! It should have something in there that makes the reader feel curious and intrigued, compelling them to continue reading.

Techniques for Good Essay Hooks

Here are a few techniques that you can use to write a good essay hook:

  • Use a Quotation : Sometimes, a relevant quotation from a well-known author or expert can help establish the context or theme of your essay. Next time you’re conducting research for an essay, keep an eye out for a really compelling quote that you could use as your hook for that essay.
  • Start with a Statement that is Surprising or Unusual: A surprising or unusually statement will draw a reader in, making them want to know more about that topic. It’s good if the statement contradicts common knowledge or reveals an insight about your topic that isn’t immediately obvious. These can be particularly good for argumentative essays where you’re putting forward a controversial or compelling argument as your thesis statement .
  • Tell a Brief Anecdote : A short, interesting story related to your topic can personaize the story, making it more than just a dry essay, and turning it into a compelling narrative that’s worth reading.
  • Use Statistics or Facts: Interesting, surprising, or shocking facts or statistics work similarly to surprising statements: they make us want to know more about a topic. Statistics and facts in your introductions are particularly useful for analytical, expository , and argumentative essays.
  • Start with a Question: Questions that make the reader think deeply about an issue, or pose a question that the reader themselves has considered, can be really effecitve. But remember, questions tend to be better for informal and personal essays, and are generally not allowed in formal argumentative essays. If you’re not sure if you’re allowed to use questions in your essays, check with your teacher first.

Below, I’ll present some examples of hooks that you could use as inspiration when writing your own essay hook.

Essay Hook Examples

These examples might help stimulate your thinking. However, keep in mind that your essay hook needs to be unique to your essay, so use these as inspiration but write your own essay hook that’s perfect for your own essay.

1. For an Essay About Yourself

An essay about yourself can be personal, use “I” statements, and include memories or thoughts that are deeply personal to you.

  • Question: “Have you ever met someone who could turn even the most mundane events into a thrilling adventure? Let me introduce myself.”
  • Anecdote: “The smell of freshly baked cookies always takes me back to the day when I accidentally started a baking business at the age of nine.”
  • Intriguing Statement: “I’ve always believed that you haven’t truly lived until you’ve read a book upside down, danced in the rain, or taught a parrot to say ‘I love pizza.'”
  • Quotation: “As Mark Twain once said, ‘The secret of getting ahead is getting started.’ That’s a philosophy I’ve embraced in every aspect of my life.”
  • Humorous Statement: “I’m a self-proclaimed ‘professional chocolate tester’ – a title that’s not only delicious but also requires extreme dedication.”
  • Start with your Mission Statement : “My life motto is simple but powerful: be the person who decided to go for it.
  • Fact or Statistic: “According to a study, people who speak more than one language tend to be better at multitasking . As a polyglot, I certainly live up to that statistic.”
  • Comparison or Metaphor: “If my life were a book, it would be a blend of an adventurous novel, a suspense thriller, and a pinch of romantic comedy.”
  • Personal Revelation: “Ever since I was a child, I’ve had an uncanny ability to communicate with animals. It’s an unusual skill, but one that has shaped my life in many ways.”
  • Narrative: “The day everything changed for me was an ordinary Tuesday. Little did I know, a single conversation would lead me to discover my true passion.”

2. For a Reflective Essay

A reflective essay often explores personal experiences, feelings, and thoughts. So, your hooks for reflective essays can usually be more personal, intriguing, and engaging than other types of essays. Here are some examples for inspiration:

  • Question: “Have you ever felt as though a single moment could change your entire life? This essay is going to explore that moment for me.”
  • Anecdote: “I was standing on the edge of the Grand Canyon, looking at the vast emptiness, and for the first time, I truly understood the word ‘perspective’.”
  • Bold Statement: “There is a part of me that is still trapped in that room, on that rainy afternoon, holding the letter that would change everything.”
  • Personal Revelation: “The first time I truly felt a sense of belonging wasn’t in a crowded room full of friends, but in the quiet solitude of a forest.”
  • Intriguing Statement: “In my life, silence has been a teacher more profound than any words could ever be.”
  • Quotation: “Einstein once said, ‘The only source of knowledge is experience.’ Now, looking back, I realize how profound that statement truly is.”
  • Comparison or Metaphor: “If my life is a tapestry, then that summer was the vibrant thread that changed the entire pattern.”
  • Narrative: “As the train pulled out of the station, I realized I wasn’t just leaving my hometown, I was leaving my old self behind.”
  • Philosophical Statement: “In the theater of life, we are both the actor and the audience, playing our part and watching ourselves simultaneously.”
  • Emotive Statement: “There is a sort of sweet sorrow in remembering, a joy tinged with a hint of sadness, like the last notes of a beautiful song.”

For an Argumentative Essay

Essay hooks for argumentative essays are often the hardest. This type of essay tends to require the most formal type of academic writing, meaning your hook shouldn’t use first person, and should be more based on fact and objectivity, often at the expense of creativity. Here are some examples.

  • Quotation: “Thomas Jefferson once said, ‘Whenever the people are well-informed, they can be trusted with their own government.’ If Jefferson were alive today, he would likely feel that this meed for a well-informed citizenry is falling well short of where he would aspire.”
  • Provocative Statement: “Despite what romantic films may portray, love at first sight is merely a myth perpetuated by society. This essay will prosecute the argument that love at first sight is a myth.”
  • Statistical Fact: “According to the World Health Organization, depression is the leading psychological disability worldwide. Yet, mental health is still stigmatized and often overlooked. This essay will argue that depression should be seen as a health issue, and stigmatization of depression causes serious harm to society.”
  • Comparison: “Much like an unchecked infection, climate change, if left ignored, can spread far beyond what it is today, causing long-term economic and social problems that may even threaten the longevity of humanity itself.”
  • Contradiction : “While we live in an era of unprecedented technological advancements, millions around the world are still denied basic internet access.”
  • Bold Declaration: “Animal testing is not only ethically unacceptable, but it also undermines the progress of medical research.”
  • Challenging Belief: “Despite popular belief, the automation of jobs is not a threat but an opportunity for society to evolve.”
  • Quotation: “George Orwell wrote in ‘1984’, ‘Big Brother is Watching You.’ In our modern society, with the advancement of technology, this is becoming more of a reality than fiction.”
  • Intriguing Statement: “Despite countless diet fads and fitness trends, obesity rates continue to rise. This argumentative essay will argue that this is because medical practitioners’ approaches to health and weight loss are fundamentally flawed.”
  • Statistical Fact: “Research reveals that over 90% of the world’s plastic waste is not recycled. This alarming figure calls for a drastic change in social attitudes towards consumption and waste management.”
  • Challenging Assumption: “Society often assumes that progress and growth are intrinsically good, but this is not always the case in the realm of economic development.”
  • Contradiction: “Western society upholds the value of freedom, yet every day, members of society cede personal liberties in the name of convenience and security.”
  • Analogy: “Like an overplayed song, when a news story is repeated too often, it loses its impact. In the era of digital media, society is becoming desensitized to critical issues.”
  • Relevant Anecdote: “In a village in India, the arrival of a single computer transformed the lives of the residents. This small anecdote underscores the importance of digital inclusion in today’s world.”
  • Call to Rethink: “In a world where success is often equated with financial wealth, it is time for society to reconsidered what truly constitutes a successful life.”

For a Compare and Contrast Essay

A compare and contrast essay examines two issues, looking at both the similarities and differences between them. A good hook for a compare and contrast essay will immediately signal to the reader the subjects that are being compared and why they’re being compared. Here are sine ideas for hooks for a compare and contrast essay:

  • Quotation: “As Charles Dickens wrote in his novel ‘A Tale of Two Cities’, ‘It was the best of times, it was the worst of times’. This could equally apply to the contrasting dynamics of urban and rural living.”
  • Provocative Statement: “Despite popular belief, cats and dogs have more in common than society tends to think.”
  • Comparison: “Comparing being an only child to growing up with siblings is like contrasting a solo performance with an orchestral symphony.”
  • Contradiction: “While many view classic literature and contemporary fiction as worlds apart, they are more akin to two sides of the same coin.”
  • Bold Declaration: “Android and iPhone may compete in the same market, but their philosophies could not be more different.”
  • Statistical Fact: “Statistics show that children who grow up reading books tend to perform better academically than those who do not. But, the jury is out on how reading traditional books compares to reading e-books on screens.”
  • Quotation: “As Robert Louis Stevenson once wrote, ‘Sooner or later, we all sit down to a banquet of consequences.’ This statement can be used to frame a comparison between short-term and long-term thinking.”
  • Provocative Statement: “Democracy and dictatorship are often seen as polar opposites, but are they are not as different as they seem.”
  • Comparison: “Climate change and plastic pollution are two major environmental issues, yet they demand different approaches and solutions.”
  • Contradiction: “While traditional classrooms and online learning are seen as separate modes of education, they can often blend into a cohesive learning experience.”
  • Bold Declaration: “Though both based on merit, the structures of capitalism and socialism lead to vastly different societal outcomes.”
  • Imagery: “The painting styles of Van Gogh and Monet can be contrasted as a stormy sea versus a tranquil pond.”
  • Historical Reference: “The philosophies of the Cold War-era – capitalism and communism – provide a lens to contrast economic systems.”
  • Literary Comparison: “The dystopian societies portrayed in George Orwell’s ‘1984’ and Aldous Huxley’s ‘Brave New World’ serve as contrasting visions of the future.”
  • Philosophical Question: “Individualism and collectivism shape societies in distinct ways, but neither one can truly exist without the other.”

See Here for my Guide on Writing a Compare and Contrast Essay

For a Psychology Essay

Writing an engaging hook for a psychology essay involves sparking the reader’s interest in the human mind, behavior, or the specific psychology topic you’re discussing. Here are some stimulating hooks for a psychology essay:

  • Rhetorical Question: “How much control do we truly have over our own actions?”
  • Quotation: “Sigmund Freud once said, ‘Unexpressed emotions will never die. They are buried alive and will come forth later in uglier ways.’ This essay will explore whether this is universally true.”
  • Provocative Statement: “Contrary to popular belief, ‘venting out’ anger might actually be fueling the fire of fury.”
  • Comparison: “Just as an iceberg reveals only a fraction of its bulk above water, conscious minds may only be a small piece of who humans truly are.”
  • Contradiction: “While it may seem counterintuitive, studies show that individuals who are more intelligent are also more likely to suffer from mental health issues.”
  • Bold Declaration: “Despite advances in technology, understanding the human brain remains one of the final frontiers in science.”
  • Statistical Fact: “According to a study by the American Psychological Association, nearly one in five adults in the U.S. lives with a mental illness. Yet, mental health continues to be a topic shrouded in stigma.”

For a Sociology Essay

Writing an engaging hook for a sociology essay involves sparking the reader’s interest in social behaviors, cultural phenomena, or the specific sociology topic you’re discussing. Here are ideas for hooks for a sociology essay:

  • Quotation: “As Karl Marx once noted, ‘Social progress can be measured exactly by the social position of the fair sex.’ Sadly, society has not made much progress in gender equality.”
  • Provocative Statement: “Social media, initially created to connect people, is ironically leading society into an era of unprecedented isolation.”
  • Comparison: “Comparing society to a theater, where each individual plays a role, it is possible to start to see patterns and scripts embedded in daily interactions.”
  • Contradiction: “While people often believe that technology is bringing society closer together, evidence suggests that it’s actually driving a wedge between people, creating ‘digital divides’.”
  • Bold Declaration: “Human societies are constructed on deeply ingrained systems of inequality, often invisible to those benefiting from them.”
  • Statistical Fact: “A recent study found that women still earn only 81 cents for every dollar earned by men. This stark wage gap raises questions about equality in the workforce.”

For a College Application Essay

A college essay is a personal statement where you can showcase who you are beyond your grades and resume. It’s your chance to tell your unique story. Here are ten potential hooks for a college essay:

  • Anecdote: “At the age of seven, with a wooden spoon as my baton, I confidently conducted an orchestra of pots and pans in my grandmother’s kitchen.”
  • Provocative Statement: “I believe that life is like a game of chess. The king might be the most important piece, but it’s the pawns that can change the entire course of the game.”
  • Personal Revelation: “It wasn’t until I was lost in a foreign city, armed with nothing but a map in a language I didn’t understand, that I truly discovered my love for adventure.”
  • Intriguing Question: “Have you ever wondered how it feels to be part of two completely different cultures, yet wholly belong to neither?”
  • Bold Declaration: “Breaking a bone can be a painful experience. Breaking stereotypes, however, is an entirely different kind of challenge.”
  • Unusual Fact: “I can recite the periodic table backwards while juggling three tennis balls. It’s a strange talent, but it’s a perfect metaphor for how I tackle challenges.”
  • Quotation: “As Albert Einstein once said, ‘Imagination is more important than knowledge.’ This quote has defined my approach to learning.”
  • Narrative: “It was a cold winter’s day when I first discovered the magic of turning a blank page into a world full of characters, stories, and ideas.”
  • Metaphor: “Like a caterpillar transforming into a butterfly, my high school years have been a period of profound metamorphosis.”
  • Humorous Statement: “Being the youngest of five siblings, I quickly learned that the best way to be heard was to become the family’s unofficial lawyer.”

Conclusion: The Qualities of a Good Essay Hook

As I wrap up this article, I want to share a few last tips on qualities that a good essay hook should have. Keep these tips in mind when writing your essay hook and using the above essay hook examples:

First, relevance . A good hook should be directly relevant to the topic or theme of your essay. The hook should provide a preview of what’s to come without giving too much away.

Second, Intrigue. A great hook should make the reader want to continue reading. It should create a question in the reader’s mind or present a fascinating idea that they want to know more about.

Third, uniqueness. An effective hook should be original and unique. It should stand out from the many other essays that the reader might be going through.

Fourth, clarity. Even though a hook should be captivating and original, it should also be clear and easy to understand. Avoid complex sentences and jargon that might confuse the reader.

Fifth, genre conventions. Too often, my students try to be so creative in their essay hooks that they forget genre conventions . The more formal an essay, the harder it is to write the hook. My general approach is to focus on statistics and facts, and avoid rhetorical questions , with more formal essay hooks.

Keep in mind that you should run your essay hook by your teacher by showing them your first draft before you submit your essay for grading. This will help you to make sure it follows genre conventions and is well-written.

Chris

Chris Drew (PhD)

Dr. Chris Drew is the founder of the Helpful Professor. He holds a PhD in education and has published over 20 articles in scholarly journals. He is the former editor of the Journal of Learning Development in Higher Education. [Image Descriptor: Photo of Chris]

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How to Write a Music Essay

hooks for an essay about music

Are you passionate about music and eager to express your insights and thoughts on your favourite tunes and compositions? Well, your’re in the right place. Writing a music essay allows you to delve into the melodies, rhythms, and stories behind the music you adore. It’s a journey that combines your love for music with the art of essay writing. So, whether you’re a budding music critic, a student, or simply someone who wants to share their musical experiences, this article is here to guide you through the creative process.

Write my essay online might be your initial thought when faced with the prospect of composing a music essay, but fear not! In this article, we’ll explore the steps to craft a compelling and engaging music essay that resonates with your readers. We’ll uncover the secrets of choosing the right topic, structuring your essay effectively, and refining your writing skills. So, grab your headphones and your favourite instrument, and let’s embark on this harmonious journey into the world of music essay writing.

Choosing the Right Music Topic

When it comes to writing a captivating music essay, one of the crucial first steps is selecting the right topic. Your topic serves as the foundation upon which your essay will be built, so it’s essential to choose one that resonates with your interests and passions. Consider exploring a genre, artist, or musical era that genuinely moves you. Are you drawn to the rhythms of jazz or the storytelling of folk music? Do you find inspiration in the works of a particular composer or the evolution of hip-hop? Selecting a topic that personally engages you will not only make the writing process more enjoyable but also allow you to convey your enthusiasm to your readers. As you contemplate potential subjects, take some time to research and gather information to ensure you have enough material to craft a well-rounded and informative essay.

For those seeking guidance and assistance, best essay writing services can be a valuable resource. These services can offer expert advice on refining your topic and provide access to academic sources and research materials. Remember that your music topic should not only align with your passions but also offer a unique perspective or angle that can pique the interest of your audience. Whether you’re exploring the influence of music on culture, the evolution of a particular instrument, or the impact of a renowned composer, the key is to choose a topic that allows you to delve deep into the melodies and stories that inspire you.

Structuring Your Music Essay

A well-structured music essay is like a finely composed symphony, with each section harmonizing seamlessly to convey your message effectively. To begin, your essay should follow a typical structure consisting of an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The introduction serves as the overture, setting the stage by introducing your topic and providing an engaging hook to capture your readers attention. It’s here that you should also present a clear and concise thesis statement that outlines the main argument or theme of your essay. Consider the thesis statement as the melody that your essay will revolve around, guiding your readers through the composition.

In the body paragraphs, you’ll develop and elaborate on the themes and arguments presented in your thesis statement. Each paragraph can be thought of as a distinct movement in your musical journey, with a clear beginning, middle, and end. Start by introducing the main point of the paragraph, provide supporting evidence, and then engage in thoughtful analysis. This structure not only ensures clarity and coherence but also showcases your ability to articulate ideas effectively. Remember that when discussing musical pieces or artists, it’s crucial to include specific examples, such as lyrics, melodies, or performances, to illustrate your points. Much like a composer weaving intricate harmonies, your analysis should delve deep into the nuances of the music, showcasing your understanding of the subject matter. Finally, the conclusion acts as the crescendo, bringing your essay to a satisfying close. Here, you should summarize your key points, restate your thesis, and leave your readers with a thought-provoking final note.

Writing and Polishing Your Music Essay

Now that you’vee chosen the perfect music topic and structured your essay, it’s time to dive into the heart of your composition: the actual writing. When writing a music essay, its essential to employ effective writing techniques that engage your readers and paint a vivid picture. Consider using descriptive language that appeals to the senses, making the music come alive on the page.

Describe the melodies, harmonies, and rhythms with colourful adjectives and metaphors, allowing your readers to feel the emotions conveyed by the music. Additionally, providing historical or cultural context is often crucial, as it helps your audience understand the significance of the music you’re discussing. Just as a composer combines various elements to create a masterpiece, your writing should blend these elements seamlessly to craft an engaging and informative essay.

Research plays a vital role in enhancing the depth and credibility of your music essay. Ensure that you thoroughly research the music, artist, or topic you’re covering, using reputable sources. It’s imperative to provide proper citations and references to acknowledge the works and ideas of others and to avoid plagiarism. Much like the importance of harmonizing melodies in music, harmonizing your research and writing ensures that your essay flows smoothly and convincingly. Finally, the finishing touches are equally significant. Revise and edit your essay meticulously to eliminate grammatical errors and awkward sentences. This process helps enhance clarity, coherence, and overall quality, ensuring that your music essay resonates with readers as beautifully as the music you’re describing. By applying these techniques, your music essay can become a well-composed masterpiece that engages, informs, and leaves a lasting impression.

In the world of music, where every note carries a story and every melody has its own unique magic, writing about it can be an enchanting journey. As we wrap up our exploration of how to write a music essay, lets recap the essential points we’ve covered. Choosing the right topic, one that resonates with your passion and interests, is the first step towards crafting a remarkable music essay. Structure matters; organize your thoughts coherently, create a compelling thesis, and support it with evidence and analysis. Finally, the art of writing is a powerful tool. Use descriptive language, conduct thorough research, cite your sources properly, and don’t forget to polish your essay until it gleams with clarity and precision.

Now, it’s your turn to take these guidelines and let your love for music shine through your writing. Whether you’re dissecting a symphony, exploring the history of jazz, or analyzing the lyrics of your favourite song, these tips will help you create essays that resonate with readers, just as the music itself does. So, go ahead, embark on your musical odyssey with a pen in hand and a melody in your heart. With these insights and your passion as your guide, you’re bound to craft essays that celebrate the magic of music and inspire others to listen, learn, and appreciate the art form in all its glory.

hooks for an essay about music

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Home — Essay Samples — Entertainment — Song — My Passion for Music as a Part of My Life

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My Passion for Music as a Part of My Life

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Updated: 6 December, 2023

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Hook Examples for Music Essay

  • A Symphony of Emotions: Music has the extraordinary power to evoke a wide range of emotions in its listeners. In this essay, we’ll explore how melodies and harmonies can transport us to different emotional landscapes, from joy to sorrow and everything in between.
  • The Rhythms of Culture: Music is not only an art form but also a reflection of culture. Join us as we delve into the role of music in shaping and expressing cultural identities, from traditional folk songs to modern pop hits.
  • The Science of Sound: Behind every beautiful melody lies the intricate science of sound. This essay will unravel the mysteries of music’s physics and psychology, offering insight into what makes a tune catchy or a chord progression moving.
  • From Beethoven to Beyoncé: Music transcends time and genre, connecting generations through the ages. Explore the evolution of music and its enduring appeal, from classical compositions to contemporary chart-toppers.
  • The Healing Power of Music: Music has the remarkable ability to heal and soothe the soul. This essay delves into the therapeutic aspects of music, from its use in healthcare settings to its role in our everyday lives as a source of comfort and solace.

Works Cited

  • Campbell, D. (2016). The power of music: Its impact on the intellectual, social and personal development of children and young people. International Journal of Music Education, 34(1), 39-55.
  • Chew, E. (2019). The therapeutic effects of music. Singapore Medical Journal, 60(5), 235-236.
  • DeNora, T. (2013). Music asylums: Wellbeing through music in everyday life. Routledge.
  • Hargreaves, D. J., & North, A. C. (Eds.). (2017). The social psychology of music. Oxford University Press.
  • Juslin, P. N., & Sloboda, J. A. (Eds.). (2010). Handbook of music and emotion: Theory, research, applications. Oxford University Press.
  • Krumhansl, C. L. (2010). Cognitive foundations of musical pitch. Oxford University Press.
  • MacDonald, R. A., Kreutz, G., & Mitchell, L. (Eds.). (2019). Music, health, and wellbeing: Exploring music for health equity and social justice. Oxford University Press.
  • Rentfrow, P. J., & Gosling, S. D. (2003). The do re mi’s of everyday life: The structure and personality correlates of music preferences. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 84(6), 1236-1256.
  • Schäfer, T., Sedlmeier, P., Städtler, C., & Huron, D. (2013). The psychological functions of music listening. Frontiers in Psychology, 4, 511.
  • Thompson, W. F., Schellenberg, E. G., & Husain, G. (Eds.). (2015). The psychology of music. Oxford University Press.

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The Ultimate Music Essay Writing Guide with 60 Topic Ideas

How to Write a Music Essay + 60 Music Essay Topic Ideas

Math and music are universal languages of science and art. And if math isn't your thing, music can be the core of your next writing assignment. So why not put on your headphones, fire up your favorite playlist, and breeze through an essay on music with our helpful tips?

What Is a Music Essay?

You don't have to be a music or art major to write an essay about music. You can sneak it into many classes, from your creative writing practice to the business management curriculum. Check out the most common music paper types and come up with your own:

  • A concert report is a descriptive or narrative piece that covers your live show experience. For example, you can tell a story of your first-ever experience with an East coast-based quartet, Roosevelt Dime band, in the Rockwood Club in NYC.
  • Historical analysis is an informative research piece considering a song's story, origins, and historical value. For example, you can analyze the Evel Knievel references and the risks inherent in pursuing fame in the Radiohead hit of 1995, "High And Dry."
  • Musical analysis can be a persuasive or argumentative essay dissecting a particular piece, band, or style. For instance, you can analyze "American Girl" as a prime example of Roosevelt Dime music that's a mix of syncopated New Orleans rhythms, boogie-woogie banjo, swinging blues guitar, and searingly soulful vocals.
  • Performance or media comparison is a compare and contrast essay highlighting the similarities and differences across two or more songs, bands, media, etc. For instance, you could compare Radiohead's performance of "High And Dry" and its cover version by Roosevelt Dime.

Music Essay

How to Write a Music Essay

Writing a college essay about music doesn't have to be an insurmountable obstacle. Instead of pay to do homework , you can master the art of developing exciting narratives and solid arguments. With our detailed instructions, you'll have no trouble completing this assignment on time.

Like any complex task, writing a music essay is much easier when you break it into small, manageable chunks:

  • Clarify assignment requirements . If there's any missing information from the prompt, ask your professor to specify it. For example, you may have the word count but be unclear about the formatting style or the expected number of sources. The more you learn about the assignment, and the better you understand it, the higher your chances of scoring a high mark.
  • Choose an exciting topic . We'll share insights into the selection process and provide samples of perfect music essay titles in the next section, so you can skip to it if you only need help with the topic.
  • Research the topic . You'll need a handful of sources. And Wikipedia and Youtube don't count. Look for recent publications in scientific articles through Google Scholar, ResearchGate, Scopus, and other online databases. You can also look for suitable sources in the campus library or your school's online repository. Be careful to only choose credible and unbiased sources.
  • Create an outline . The basic structure should include the introduction, body, and conclusion, though you can go into more detail. For example, specify the significant points you'll use throughout the body paragraphs and add links to the notes you've made throughout your research.
  • Write a music essay introduction . Start with a hook—a dramatic or controversial piece of information, a quote, or a question. Add some background information to introduce the topic to the reader and wrap up the first passage with a thesis statement. It should highlight the core idea of the paper, as well as present a short outline of what's to come. 
  • Complete the body paragraphs . You can complete them out of order, but each passage must include a topic sentence, supporting evidence from one or more sources, and your reference data analysis. Remember to balance source information with original ideas and include in-text references where necessary.
  • Wrap up the conclusion . The final passage must summarize the core points made throughout the body paragraphs, reiterate the thesis statement, and provide a thought-provoking parting idea. The one thing a conclusion should avoid is presenting new information, even if it's tempting.
  • Edit and proofread the paper . This step is non-negotiable, though often overlooked by students. Give yourself enough time to revisit the piece before submitting it. Reread it and look for inconsistencies, illogicalities, and contradictions. Delete redundancies and add extra evidence if you go below the required word count. After that, use advanced writing software, like Grammarly, to catch mistakes and typos. If the paper is critical to your term grade, consider hiring a professional editor.
  • Format the essay and the reference list . The final step to make your paper look good requires a formatting handbook or guide and some patience. Pay extra attention to headings and visuals, as well as in-text citations and reference list formatting. Free online tools, like EasyBib, can help you with the latter, though we recommend double-checking each entry to avoid unpleasant surprises.

We also recommend getting regular feedback from your professor along the way. For example, you can visit them after you have your topic and a list of sources or an outline to get their comments and correct mistakes at an early stage. And if you have trouble choosing an issue to study, read on.

How to Choose a Music Essay Topic?

Odds are you can wax poetic about your favorite band or the lyrics to your favorite song for hours. But neither of those seems like a good idea for music essay writing; we offer a few alternative sources of inspiration:

  • Ask a music enthusiast . If someone in your circle knows everything there is to know about music, they are the person to ask for an exciting topic for your assignment. 
  • Check your social media feed . The latest release by your favorite band or a Twitter scandal can spark creativity and inspire your choice of a topic.
  • Skim the latest issues of music magazines . You can find popular publications online and use the free trial to check out the headlines in search of a relevant and exciting subject to study.
  • Look for music discussions on Reddit, Discord servers, or Tumblr blogs. Where there's a discussion or an argument, there are topics about music for an essay. Besides, you'll be able to weigh the arguments for both sides and pick a winner for your narrative.

Once you narrow the list of options to a few promising issues, run them through a quick checklist to find the winner:

  • Does the topic fit your assignment requirements?
  • Is it relevant and fresh enough to be interesting for you, your class, and the professor?
  • Are there enough primary and secondary sources to use in your research?
  • Is the topic narrow (or broad) enough to fit the scope of your assignment?
  • Do you have enough time to research and write a music essay on this topic?

Write a Music Essay

60 Exciting Essay Topics About Music

We've split the hand-picked music essay topics into six categories, so all you need to do is pick an assignment type or field of study and find the perfect title for your paper.

Argumentative Essay Topics About Music

  • Is musical evolution the result of biological evolutionary changes in humans?
  • What are the main features of an effective music teacher?
  • What are the characteristics of the members of online music communities?
  • Can music choices affect the reading comprehension of college students?
  • How does music streaming affect the music recording industry?
  • What is the goal of musical education in primary school?
  • Does AI make music copyright unsustainable in the long term?
  • Can artificial intelligence recognize emotion in music?
  • Is music the most common source of noise-induced hearing loss?
  • What are the common LGBTQ online music practices?

Persuasive Essay Topics About Music

  • Music software makes music teachers obsolete
  • Streaming music shows can never replace live music performances
  • Urban gentrification threatens independent musicians by destroying performance spaces
  • Music is the way mathematics sounds
  • The effects of populist music on fans and citizens
  • The influence of musical presence on the human psyche in times of war
  • There’s zero impact of music reading skills on learning and performance
  • Music copyright hampers music teaching in schools
  • The introduction of popular music will ruin music education in vocational schools
  • Personalized popular music generation will make musicians obsolete

Music Appreciation Essay Topics

  • The common barriers to internationalizing music appreciation
  • Postoperative changes in music appreciation in cochlear implant recipients
  • The psychological basis of music appreciation
  • The impact of single-sided deafness on music appreciation
  • The relationship between music appreciation and multiculturalism
  • The value of music appreciation class in the liberal arts curriculum
  • The challenges of teaching music appreciation in online classes
  • Predicting music appreciation based on past emotional reactions to music
  • The effects of digital and live performances on music appreciation
  • The impact of different listening instructions on music appreciation 

Music History Essay Topics

  • Effective means of preserving historical musical traditions of Native Americans
  • The relationship between music and religion in early American colonies
  • The historical development of musical genre classification
  • The historical causes of intercultural issues in music education
  • The most influential instances in the history of Western philosophy of music
  • The effects of adding period music to the political history lessons
  • The unique characteristics of the music of medieval towns and cities
  • The highlights of the music theory of the 19th century
  • The historical changes to the performance of classical music over the centuries
  • The historical relationship between international trade and live music performances

Music Therapy Essay Topics

  • The positive effects of music therapy in preschool settings
  • The effect of favorite and disliked music on pain thresholds
  • The potential for interdisciplinary cooperation between music teachers and music therapists
  • The impact of music in the workspace on job satisfaction and performance
  • The positive effect of music on exercise performance in group classes
  • An overview of the universal characteristics of lullabies
  • The impact of music on mental imagery
  • Therapeutic use of the metaphorical translation of music
  • The effect of music therapy on patients with Alzheimer's disease
  • The relationship between music playlist and cardiovascular health

World Music Essay Topics

  • The common features in traditional Chinese and modern pop music
  • The relationship between music and image in the world documentary film genre
  • The connections between the global evolution of language and music
  • Music art in ancient traditional religion in China
  • The effect of Italian opera on modern musical theater
  • The potential of music generation from text descriptions via MusicLM
  • Live music performances as a means of understanding foreign cultures
  • An overview of the world music theater industry
  • The influence of world music traditions on American music
  • Globalism blurring the lines between national musical traditions

Final Thoughts 

If music is your outlet and you want it to stay that way, writing an essay about it is the last thing on your mind. And unrealistic deadlines don't add to your writing motivation either. Of course, you are free to use our topic samples and writing guide to help speed things up. But if you're in a time crunch and desperate for a good grade, all you need is to type, " write my paper " in live chat. Our expert academics will take over your assignment and get it ready for submission in 24 hours or less.

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Writing An Essay On Music Thematic: 5 Key Elements

essay on music

Essays about music can be rather hard if you’d rather play music and express your emotions through it rather than share them and your opinions in written form. Those who struggle with such tasks usually address EssayWritingService.com to work on engaging projects and practice. But what if you have to write it by yourself?

Music is a massive subject, with myriad genres, instruments, theoretical, and cultural facets to examine in an essay. The complexity of the subject is intimidating to the uninitiated.

That’s why some writers crafting content on music may find a college essay writing service to be of use at some point in their writing process.

In this article, we’ll assess several key elements of an essay on a musical theme. The processes we’ll cover include analysis, technical work, comparative studies, and more.

We’ll also discuss some great music essay topics if you’re stuck for ideas; remember that a hypothesis is the most crucial element of any essay. Hopefully, the elements here will find a happy home in your music essay and help you get a top mark.

1) Writing about music that you love:

Whether it’s disco or desert-rock, EDM or classical, if you choose a genre or subject you love, the process of writing becomes much easier. All those internal references and resonances can come out in an essay and help demonstrate how much of an expert you are on your theme of choice.

essay on music thematic

2) Writing technically and analytically:

Essays cannot simply describe a song or a piece of music. While the phenomenological approach can be useful in certain essays, it shouldn’t make up the bulk of your essay. Writing analytically about music also does not have to mean talking chords, scales, and tunings. Analysis can be related to a corollary, like the means of publishing, the types of audience, the social scenes involved, and the impact on culture or music theory.

Music analysis is a much more technical skill. Remember that when you’re writing an essay, you only really need to fulfil the criteria set out in the mark scheme. For a music essay, this mark scheme will likely sound like this “[the student] evaluates music by systemically deconstructing the score, determining any manipulations, relationships, elements, and compositional devices being used, and communicating judgements on these in a detailed and substantiated manner”.

That’s not likely a verbatim extract from your personal mark scheme, but it is a close approximation of those for song analysis essays. Be sure to double-check and work from your own mark scheme.

The general gist however is clear: use your music knowledge, evaluate what you hear and present it in a way that is both detailed and backed up by sources and citations – remember to cite the piece itself, either by the bar or the time in the song.

3) Making comparisons:

In the previous section, we talked about the use of musical knowledge and how judgements must be made in a detailed way. One method of judgement is the comparison; you can take time in your essay writing process to determine whether an element of the composition is related in some way to an element in another piece. What interesting lines of flight can you draw?

essay on music thematic

4) Choosing a good topic:

Should you be writing a dissertation, you will have to choose your own subject and delineate it in a way that shows you have found some novelty in the field. If you are looking for examples of topics, you can always dive through Wikipedia, it’s a great place to find connections between subjects and ideas.

Another way of coming up with a thesis and topics is to study your music collection. Go with something that interests you, or go with something you dislike and try to explain why you think it is such a poor showing. When doing the latter, remember that critique itself is an art form that shouldn’t be watered down into blunt punches and crass language.

5) Be an active participant:

When we usually listen to music, we’re doing so in a passive sense. Our ears are open for the melodies and harmonies to fall into, but are we actually listening? We may very well be enjoying the music, but unfortunately, enjoyment won’t get top marks. In order to write an essay about music we need to deconstruct it, and in order to do that we must listen very actively and attentively.

A tried and tested method for doing this is to select one musical element, for example, pitch or timbre, and listen to the entire song focusing solely on that aspect. Then, as you can surely guess, do the same with other aspects. Write down notes on everything that you notice. Once you’ve noted through all the relevant elements , you’ll have a lot of notes to work with and a great familiarity with the piece.

In summary, writing a solid essay on music requires attentive listening, knowledge of musical elements, and the ability to put into words the sensations and feelings evoked when listening to the piece. These skills can only be cultivated through practice and patience – it takes a certain amount of time to listen to each piece of music. So, start early and listen well.

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Essay on Music for Students and Children

500+ words essay on music.

Music is a vital part of different moments of human life. It spreads happiness and joy in a person’s life. Music is the soul of life and gives immense peace to us. In the words of William Shakespeare, “If music is the food of love, play on, Give me excess of it; that surfeiting, The appetite may sicken, and so die.” Thus, Music helps us in connecting with our souls or real self.

Essay on Music

What is Music?

Music is a pleasant sound which is a combination of melodies and harmony and which soothes you. Music may also refer to the art of composing such pleasant sounds with the help of the various musical instruments. A person who knows music is a Musician.

The music consists of Sargam, Ragas, Taals, etc. Music is not only what is composed of men but also which exists in nature. Have you ever heard the sound of a waterfall or a flowing river ? Could you hear music there? Thus, everything in harmony has music. Here, I would like to quote a line by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, one of the greatest musicians, “The music is not in the notes, but in the silence between.”

Importance of Music:

Music has great qualities of healing a person emotionally and mentally. Music is a form of meditation. While composing or listening music ones tends to forget all his worries, sorrows and pains. But, in order to appreciate good music, we need to cultivate our musical taste. It can be cited that in the Dwapar Yug, the Gopis would get mesmerized with the music that flowed from Lord Krishna’s flute. They would surrender themselves to Him. Also, the research has proved that the plants which hear the Music grow at a faster rate in comparison to the others.

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Magical Powers of Music:

It has the power to cure diseases such as anxiety, depression, insomnia, etc. The power of Music can be testified by the legends about Tansen of his bringing the rains by singing Raag Megh Malhar and lighting lamps by Raga Deepak. It also helps in improving the concentration and is thus of great help to the students.

Conclusion:

Music is the essence of life. Everything that has rhythm has music. Our breathing also has a rhythm. Thus, we can say that there is music in every human being or a living creature. Music has the ability to convey all sorts of emotions to people. Music is also a very powerful means to connect with God. We can conclude that Music is the purest form of worship of God and to connect with our soul.

FAQs on Essay on Music:

Q.1. Why is Music known as the Universal Language?

Ans.1. Music is known as the Universal language because it knows no boundaries. It flows freely beyond the barriers of language, religion, country, etc. Anybody can enjoy music irrespective of his age.

Q.2. What are the various styles of Music in India?

Ans.2. India is a country of diversities. Thus, it has numerous styles of music. Some of them are Classical, Pop, Ghazals, Bhajans, Carnatic, Folk, Khyal, Thumri, Qawwali, Bhangra, Drupad, Dadra, Dhamar, Bandish, Baithak Gana, Sufi, Indo Jazz, Odissi, Tarana, Sugama Sangeet, Bhavageet, etc.

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632 Music Essay Topics & Samples

The scholarly analysis of musical history, theory, and cultural aspects of music is called musicology. If you are studying this subject, our team has prepared 507 amazing topics about music for your paper.

📑 Aspects to Cover in a Music Essay

🏆 best topics about music, 👍 good music topics for research papers, 🎓 simple & easy music essay topics, 📌 unique music topics for essays, ⭐ interesting music topics to write about, 🥇 insightful music titles for essays, ❓ music essay questions.

You can write about many different types of music, ranging from classical arrangements of Mozart and Beethoven to pop compositions made via computers. Look through our music essay examples to find the best idea!

Whether you understand the subtleties of terminology or are taking a course to begin your journey, writing a music essay requires more than the knowledge of various musical pieces.

Tackling different topics, ranging from contemporary to classical music, is possible if you can explain a few cornerstone moments to your readers. To begin your essay, make sure to:

  • Research your assigned piece in different ways, from listening to reading about it;
  • Immerse yourself in the material;
  • Search for additional insights by watching live performances when possible.

These actions ensure that you have a good grasp of your material from different sources. Creating an outline before beginning to write will also save you time, as you will gain a better understanding of the topic.

Finally, you can get music essay ideas from reading examples of other’s work.

Avoid plagiarism, as this will immediately disqualify your paper from academic merit, as music essay examples should inspire your writing, rather than become the basis for it.

After your initial research and the execution of the pre-writing stages, you can start focusing on the details of your assignment. Straightway, music appreciation becomes an essential prerequisite to your essay.

You should find what elements resonate with you in your task and focus on developing them into factual statements.

For example, if you like the sound, then elaborate this feeling into a coherent thought that explains why. Conversely, if you do not find any part enjoyable, then do the same, but remember to remain academic and respectful.

Another important aspect of your essay is the history of the assigned piece, which you can address after your introduction. Doing so will help your readers be on the same level of knowledge as you, the essay’s writer.

Without a historical backdrop, jazz becomes just another funky-sounding genre, not a monument to America’s 20th-century rebellious tendencies.

Thus, explain how a particular piece came into existence or why was it created to increase its importance in your audience’s eyes. Furthermore, you may even compare it against other sample music of its time.

Understand that music essay topics need to be technical and explain any occurring background processes, from composition to execution.

Therefore, your bibliography should include a variety of book and journal titles. These have to demonstrate the level of your research and support your ideas with credible references.

This advice may be especially relevant if you are writing a highly technical or instrumental essay, as it allows explaining complicated concepts with ease and trustworthiness.

After you have covered technical, perception-related, and historical aspects of your subject as per your initial outline, you can integrate information about its impact on future compositions.

The continuous flow of history from the past to the future should help you support your work and uphold its importance in the broader context. Additionally, doing so enables you to lead your essay to a well-rounded conclusion.

Finally, from music essay titles that have to grab your readers’ attention to grouping paragraphs with a single theme under one subheading, you can begin finalizing your essay.

Remember the importance of explaining the different sides to your problem and tie them all together in your conclusion.

This action makes your work a comprehensive study on your subject, educating your readers, and correctly presenting information in an easy-to-read format.

Want to know other aspects of writing about music? Go to IvyPanda to find out more essay samples!

  • My Favorite Musical Instrument: The Guitar Inside the plate we have a series of braces which strengthen the plate and affect the vibrations of the top plate.
  • Musical Usage of Ethos, Pathos and Logos Thievery Corporation show a character of an upright fellow who stands to condemn the indifference of the richest man in Babylon.
  • The Social Impact of Reggae Music Many reggae artists criticize and oppose the prevalence of injustice and oppression in many parts of the world that arise from poor governance and unstable political systems. In addition, it is also known for the […]
  • School Music Festival Concert The preliminary rounds will be designed to ensure that only the participants who measure up to the high standards of the competition are allowed to go on to the next stage of the competition while […]
  • Music and Its Impact on Our Lives With the development of the society the instruments and the whole music changed. The ability of music to influence human consciousness was known from the earliest stages of development of the society.
  • 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 […]
  • Different Types of Music One of the commonest types of music is Gospel music. It is a type of music where songs are written and played with the objective of praising or honoring God.
  • The Concept of Pop Music Deriving from rock and roll, Pop music found its distinctiveness in the 1950s to not only become one of the world’s most listened style of popular music, but also one of the very few styles […]
  • Maurice Ravel: Bolero Analysis of Music Piece – Research Paper Incidentally just like the minimalist composers of today, Ravel developed the Bolero piece in a controlled form of monotony but contained within its self the capacity to sedate and capture an audience, the Bolero piece […]
  • Lucky Dube as the Icon in the Reggae Music Industry In addition to this, the song talks about a contemporary issue which affected and still affects the lives of millions of people globally.
  • Impressionism in Music and Art The natural light appears in a variety of types which gives the impressionist artist much freedom to alter the details of the objects in the painting using the natural light in different types.
  • How Music Can Influence Our Behaviour In order to understand exactly how work productivity increases as a result of music, it is essential to know the difference between mood and arousal. As one listens to a piece of music, one is […]
  • The Preservation of Our Cultural Heritage: Music for Entertainment and Communication Similar to how music plays a significant role in the lives of many people, it is an important aspect of history and culture.
  • Music as a Weapon During the Vietnam War Music to the soldiers in Vietnam acted as a tool to remind all troops of the responsibility that they had taken by being on the battlefield.
  • Ludwig Van Beethoven: Life, Music, & Influences Neefe was not a renowned musician; in fact, he was most influential to Beethoven in the shaping up of his ideals rather than in his music compositions. According to Beethoven’s accounts of his deafness, the […]
  • Racism in Music: “(What Did I Do to Be So) Black and Blue” The extreme popularity of the song among the black population can be explained with references to the fact that Armstrong changed the original lyrics to accentuate the social meaning of the composition and elaborated the […]
  • The Role of Music in the Film “Titanic” Also, it will discuss the content and themes of the movie and explain the role played by music in the movie.
  • The Music Industry In the same vein, it is imperative for musicians to have a working knowledge of commercial aspects of the music industry to ensure that they get the most out of their work.
  • Music Genre Influence on the Heart Rate Jazz and Classical music genres diminish the heart rate because their rhythms have a slow pace that creates a peaceful ambiance for the body and heart to relax.
  • Music in Films: “The Shawshank Redemption” The movie “The Shawshank Redemption” is an outstanding work of art that has influenced the lives, actions, and goals of many people in every corner of the world.
  • YouTube Case: Copyright Infringement of Music and Films The aim of the current research is to assess YouTube’s copyright infringement of music and films. The DMCA is a copyright law in the United States, and it protects the company from copyright infringement among […]
  • Music Video: ‘Anaconda’ by Nicki Minaj The main course for the controversy is that the film is decidedly raunchy, and this has resulted in its opposition by many people who feel it is both immoral and misleading, especially to younger generations.
  • The History of Mambo Music Despite the fact that mambo was brought to the general American public in a bright commercial wrapping, the original mambo sound and rhythms gradually won the hearts of the devoted audiences.
  • Music Effects on the Brain However, listening to music has the ability to inspire the hormones and raise the levels of these elements to equilibrium, making the brain to work optimally.
  • Robert Schumann: His Life and Music Schumann was no different in taking this approach from the other composers of his time, but his subjectivity enabled him to express it in unique ways.
  • Korean Pop Music and Youth Identity Korean pop music has become a powerful genre that connects many youths to their counterparts in different parts of the world.
  • Music in Saudi Arabia Music related to pearling and seafaring is part of the classical music in this region, and this is as a direct result of the sailing history of the people.
  • Classical Music: Merriam’s Tripartite Model of Music Classical music is characterized by the harmony that is full of chromaticism. Music is meant to provide a meaningful interaction of the body and soul.
  • Music and the French Revolution They also wanted to do away with the Christianity as well as the old method of days of the week and naming the years from the birth of Christ.
  • Teaching a Musical Instrument in School The drive towards musical achievement is of great inherent value to both the learner and the society. The learners are the central point with the head teacher, the leader of music service, the class teacher, […]
  • The Impact of Korean Popular Music From the paradigms of influences, the paper discusses the implications of the K-pop on the Korean social values and foreign influences.
  • Franz Schubert: His Life and Music 1809-1812: He composed several piano pieces and songs for his mother’s death and father’s birthday. 1819-1820: Franz’s compositions and styles matured.
  • Role of Music in Our Life It is of great importance to recognize a childs inclinations in order to develop them in a full manner in future.
  • Music Listening: Millennium Stage by Apollo Orchestra The musical compositions of these authors formed the basis for a concert that touched the heart and soul of every listener in the hall.
  • Music and Its Effects on Culture Therefore, it could be concluded that music can create some of the diversity issues such as culture, and it can directly impact a culture.
  • Taylor Swift’s New Music Video “Blank Space” By mans of using images, colors, rhetorical devices, music, traditional stereotypes about women and her own social background and history Taylor Swift presents the viewers with what they have been waiting to see, the well […]
  • Requiem by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart: Music Analysis The piece starts from the crescendo emphasizing the worries and fears of the dying person. The ascendant rhythm of this part also expresses the image of the sacral process of dying and connection with God.
  • Serialism as a Technique of Composing Pieces of Music The paper examines the meaning of serialism in music with reference to the classical writings of early music composers such as Adorno and Dahlhaus.
  • Mozart: Requiem in D Minor, K. 626 This paper offers an overview of the Requiem in D minor, analyzing the musical composition, examining the orchestration’s expressive devices, and providing a historical frame.
  • Musical “Hamilton” by Lin-Manuel Miranda The character of Alexander Hamilton is central to the musical, as his narrative reveals some of the major historical events such as the battle of Yorktown, issuing Amendments to the US Constitution, and the evolvement […]
  • Woodstock Music Festival Even though the Woodstock Music Festival was intended to be a ticketed event, ultimately, the planners stopped collecting the tickets because the crowd started to cut away and to trample the fences which made even […]
  • Comparison Between Music and Style in 1950’s and Music and Styles in 1970’s This has for example been one of the differences that are realized with respect to the music of the 1950s and the music that was realized in the 1970s.
  • Kirk Franklin and Gospel Music One of the most popular gospel artists of the new millennium is Kirk Franklin and his contribution to contemporary gospel music is unparalleled.
  • Rap As a Music Genre The differences heard in music depend on the genre of the piece of art that has been adapted. In my opinion rap music is justified to be classified as music as it has left up […]
  • The Life and Music of Frederic Chopin Called “The boldest and the proudest poetic spirit of the age” by his musical contemporary Robert Schumann[1], Chopin embodied the essential ideas of the romantic period with his tragedy of losing his native land and […]
  • The Influence of the Cultural Current “Modernism” on the Conception of Music in the 20th Century Modernism movement provoked composers changed their music from any possible perspective, and one of the most frequent was the change of music language and the necessity “to turn a composition into a ‘text’ constructed of […]
  • French Revolution: Role of Propaganda and Music The history of propaganda is based on three interweaving fundamentals: first, the mounting need, with the growth of civilization and the rise of nation-state, to win the battle for people’s minds; second, the increasing sophistication […]
  • Basic Elements of Music The rhythm defines the ratio of the duration of sounds to one another in a single composition. The first component is important from the standpoint of the formation of a particular component into a single […]
  • Strange Fruit’ Music and Social Consciousness The movie under consideration is the Strange Fruit directed by Kyle Schickner which aims to show people the social problems and their arousal by means of the appearance of one song, from the day of […]
  • “In the Mood for Love”: Music Analysis The director of In the Mood for Love uses music throughout the film to set the mood in the film and enhance the musical background that was typical of Hong Kong in the 1960s.
  • History of Rock Music: The Influence and Importance of Bon Jovi Jon Bon Jovi is among such influencers and redefiners of the rock anthem, and the purpose of this paper is to study his career and find out why it is crucial to include Jovi in […]
  • Classical Music: Influence on Brain and Mood Considering the potential positive effects of classical music on the mood and the brain, the music can be adapted to influence people to behave in certain ways.
  • Eminem’s Life and Music Career Without the father’s support, the relationship in the family was unstable, and the unfortunate financial situation led to conflicts with Mather’s relatives, thus leaving a psychological trauma in his mind.
  • Music in “Mrs. Doubtfire” the Film by Chris Columbus Shore focused on the utilization of flute, clarinet, and vibraphone in this piece to emphasize a kind of mystery and uncertainty.
  • Louis Armstrong’s and Bix Beiderbecke’s Jazz Music When examining the reason behind Armstrong’s worldwide popularity in comparison to the relative obscurity of Beiderbecke, it is immediately obvious that the main reason behind this was due to the fact that Armstrong was willing […]
  • The Television Impact on the Music Industry Some bands, such as the Monkees, the American response to the Beatles, were created with the purpose of television performance as their acting and on-camera comfort as a group were initially prioritized over music.
  • The Rent Broadway Musical’s Analysis This is a musical, and the type of performance is an ensemble since the majority of songs are performed by a group of actors, although there are several solo performances as well.
  • Music Industry & Technology: Benefits and Threats One of the advantages that technology introduced to the music industry is that it has enabled the distribution of music all over the world, thus increasing sales.
  • Music Styles and Their Differences The Classical and the Romantic styles of music are characterized by several significant differences in terms of treatment of forms, genres, and the general content of the music.
  • The Role of Music in Cinematography Non-diegetic music is “background music” that communicates the psychological aspects of the story, coloring the actions that take place on the screen, showing the pace of on-screen events, and creating the atmosphere.
  • The Impact of Western Society on the Music Cultures of Other Societies in the World The following segments explain the components of Australian music culture, including musical instruments, songs and some of the functions in which music plays a fundamental role.
  • History of Jazz Music Due to the unification of different states, America enjoys a diverse culture, which is the basis for the growth of jazz in the world.
  • Music Role in Personal and Social Identities Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to answer the question ‘How does music contribute to personal and social identities?’ In answering this question, the paper will develop a comprehensive analysis of a number of […]
  • Reggae, Disco, and Funk Musical Styles Reggae, funk, and disco, despite the difference in rhythm, message, and sound, were intended to unite the art of music into a global musical movement.
  • Important Role of Music in Advertising Consumer response can affect the effectiveness of music in advertising based on a person’s attitude towards music in general, the situation in which the advertisement is perceived, and its context.
  • Music From Around the World Music can be described as both traditional and modern where traditional music is seen as old and longstanding, while modern music is contemporary and present.
  • Influence of Heavy Metal Music on Adolescence (Behavior, Identity, Mood, Regulation, Psychology) Accepting the potent impact of music on adolescents’ behavior, identity, and psychology leads to a deeper analysis of the influences of heavy metal music on teenagers’ development.
  • Analysis of Music Pieces in Terms of Rhythm, Melody, and Texture The significance of the initial phrase is emphasized by the fact that it is repeated four times at the beginning of the piece, then in the middle of the piece, and then developed in a […]
  • Spanish Gypsy Flamenco Music and Its History In the 1780s, all these explanations assume that the music of the indigenous Andalucians was combined with the music of the gypsies and came to be known as the flamenco music.
  • Music in Films: Composers, Soundtracks and Themes The genesis of Zimmer’s approach in many of his films to production is based on non-diegetic leitmotifs and the use of textures.
  • Music Sampling: Concept and History While the producer uses a sound track to establish the best music genres to combine, the sampler, which is the machine records, keeps, controls, and rewinds music.
  • Internet Marketing: Use of Social Media by Artists to Market Their Music Today, the success of an artist is not directly related to the number of albums they have sold but rather to a number of combined factors including: ticket sales, Internet hits and the amount of […]
  • Contemporary Music and Its Influence on People It is not easy to single out the central directions and build a particular hierarchy in the modern art world, including music.
  • History of Pop Music in the World: Cultural and Social Changes Later, following the evolvement of industries and development of urban centers, also the lifestyle of poor people improved considerably and this lead to the improvement of music among the poor and the rich.
  • Nineteenth Century Music: Virtuoso Performances Four factors characterized early nineteenth-century music: the rise of public concerts, improvements in transportation, the Industrial Revolution, and the glorification of genius and personal expression in the Romantic Era. The style of the pianist in […]
  • Music Education: Aesthetic and Paraxial Theories The change of manners and styles in the world of music provoked such changes in the sphere of education and its further adherence to the contemporary conditions of progressive society.
  • Semiotic Analysis and Content Analysis to a Music Videos What are the female gender words used in the lyrics in the studied music videos? What are the themes of the lyrics and the music videos?
  • Online Music Store’s Website Development Planning The main purpose of the website is to ensure a stable connection to the service and provide its users with the ability to connect with each other.
  • Music in the “Pearl Harbor” Film by Michael Bay The United States of America sent the marine and aviation troops to repulse the attack of the Japanese army on the “Pearl Harbor”, the American military base on the Hawaiian Islands.
  • Javanese Music, Its History and Aspects Specifically, the gamelan music style uses metallic idiophones and drums, which are the unique features of Javanese music. Two tuning systems are used in the Javanese music, viz.the Sandro and pelog.
  • The Importance of Film Music The musical accompaniment significantly affects the scene’s atmosphere and how the audience will perceive it. This scene reveals the development of the protagonist’s madness, the Joker takes control of Arthur for the first time.
  • Shaped by Politics: Charles Ives’s Music Ives’s music reflected his idea of political past, connected to his deep sense of responsibility within the societal political arrangements- the kind of responsibility associated with republicanism and colonial revival as the two 19th century […]
  • Enigma’s “Return to Innocence” Music Video Using this approach, the authors of the video were able to transform the narrative structure and bring to the forefront the meaning of the song.
  • Classical and Contemporary Music Comparison Lyrical content is of great import to hip-hop and has spawned a new style of singing that has riveted the audiences’ attention to this music.
  • Music Effect on Blood Pressure and Heart Rate The aim of the experiment was to evaluate the effect of music on blood pressure and heart rate. The hypothesis of the study is that listening to music reduces the elevation of blood pressure and […]
  • Traditional Korean Music and Culture The most ancient type of this kind of music came up in the course of the invasion of the Japanese and it was called teuroteu. Today it is made of three holes in the front […]
  • The Music of the 60s and How It Became So Big Before the end of the century, the electronic and economic world was cast under the clouds of the Y2K bug and the hype-makers on the one hand made fitting tributes such as the musician of […]
  • Music Appreciation: Reggae Music and Classical Music At the end of the paper, the relationships between reggae and classical music will be considered with the emphasis made on the similarities between the genres.
  • Romantic Music: Frédéric Chopin and Robert Schumann Composers began to resort to the uncommon forms of the expression of their ideas that were reflected in unique melodies. One of the representatives of musical romanticism was Frederic Chopin, the creator of a piano […]
  • Plant Growth and Development With Music The study by Kroeze is focused on the ability of plants to listen to music. The article by Landhuis is dedicated to the ability of plants to hear danger that comes in the form of […]
  • Creative Arts and Music Lesson Plan and Activities The focus on the listed activities is essential not only for developing skills in music but also for improving students’ knowledge and abilities in different areas because music activities provide individuals with opportunities to enhance […]
  • Music Role in Memory and Learning Processes As such, the study purposed to test the differences in visuospatial abilities between men and women bearing in mind that the former is perceived to demonstrate greater memory capabilities compared to the latter As such, […]
  • Digital Music Increasing Trend It needs to be said that most of the stores that were opened by music labels have struggled and had to be closed.
  • Electronic Music (Within the 20th Century Art Music Tradition) This paper seeks to look into the electronic music within the 20th century art music tradition, which uses musical instruments that have to be connected electrically and use of electronic music technology The 20th century […]
  • Music of the Civil Wars, Civil Rights & Freedom Movements of Europe, Africa, North & South America During the 20th Century The aim of Giovinezza was to reinforce the position of Mussolini as the leader of the Fascist Movement and of Italy.
  • Music Industry and Technology The paper further describes some of the technological innovations and analyses how the innovations have contributed to the positive growth of the music industry.
  • Classical Music: Composer Philip Glass Classic music emerged in the beginning of the 11th century in the West. Conclusion Philip Glass is a great composer who has helped conserve the unique nature of classical music.
  • Latin American Music The author examines Tango, Baroque and Latin Jazz as some of the old classical music in the region. The impact of Latin music in the global scene is intense and widespread.
  • Arab Music and Cinema Development: Western Culture Impact Thus the title of the project work is, “Arab Music and Arab Cinema: historical development and the role of Western culture ” The project scope is dedicated to peep into the historical background of how […]
  • The Influence of Patronage on the History of Music The end of the sixteenth century became one of the most critical moments in history due to the expansion of the sources of income of composers from churches and courts, as well as wealthy lovers […]
  • Influence of African-American Culture on Rock n Roll Music Rock and Roll were introduced to the mainstream in the 1950s by white musicians such as Elvis Presley. Rock and Roll was a distinct amalgamation of different genres of African-American music such as jazz, blues, […]
  • History of Rock Music: Aerosmith The band drew their inspiration from the British blues rock that dominated the rock scene in the late 1960s and early 1970s, such as Cream, Led Zeppelin, Jeff Beck Group, and the Rolling Stones.
  • Luke Combs’ Country Music Concert in 2020 He demonstrates that it is through his music that the majority of his listeners and fans receive inspiration. Orosz indicates that the more Combs sang, the more exciting and entertaining his music became.
  • Film Musical History: From the Beginning to the Rise and Fall The cinema of attractions elicits a high level of awareness of the film image, piquing the audience’s interest, and renouncing narrative cinema’s storytelling role.
  • 19th Century Music and the Cult of Virtuoso Performers Modulation of rarely used keys became a common style for the composers, and unlike the classical structure of music, listeners were less predictive of the rise and fall of the tone and volume.
  • Music Festivals and Chinese Students’ Attendance Music festivals are sources of entertainment and pleasure, and they provide opportunities for actuality and being in the right place. The prime objective of most of the festivals is to fulfil the specific needs of […]
  • Pomona College Choir Classical Music Concert While in the previous performances, I perceived this song as a repenting of a sinner, when listening to the Pomona College Choir, I realized that there was a touch of childlike innocence to it.
  • 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.
  • Economic and Music Industry’ Relationship in South Africa One of the main challenges, faced by the representatives of this industry is the low level of awareness about local composers and performers.
  • Music and Society: “Eminem Is Right” by Mary Eberstadt Various scholars and majority of American parents have come to a conclusion that some of today’s music is darker and dirty compared to the classics and blues of yesteryears.
  • The Relationship Between Poetry and Music in Whitman’s Life and Work The poems “Song of Myself” and “Proud Music of the Storm” which were included into Whitman’s collection of poems Leaves of Grass demonstrate the impact of music and opera upon the poetic style, images and […]
  • Baroque Music: Brandenburg Concerto No. 5 by J.S. Bach and The Four Seasons by A.Vivaldi Initially, the originators of the instrumental concerto were Italians: their natural bright character favoured the development of this playful genre that involved the key idea of competition between the soloists and the accompanying orchestra.
  • 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.
  • The Classical Music and Their Effects Classical Music can be defined as a form of Art music that is produced in traditions concerned with secular and western liturgical music.
  • Protests and Music of the Vietnam War As the public absorbed the announcement, and the truth behind the war, they were angered by the fact that many American lives had been lost in the war, and the fact that the government was […]
  • Ludovico Einaudi’s Music Analysis Ludovico Einaudi is a rebel from the world of academic music, a fan of pop music of the 60s. The choice of the composition “Fly” is determined by the fact that this kind of music […]
  • Popular Music: Curtis Mayfield’s and Bob Marley’s Songs The most distinct feature that the songs “People Get Ready” by Curtis Mayfield and Bob Marley’s One Love”, is the message that they are trying to communicate to the audience.
  • American Popular Music and Its Evolution Compared to the country blues popular in the 1900s, classic female blues combines its features with urban theater music, and “Crazy Blues” is one of the first songs of this genre.
  • The Changing Nature of the Music Industry One of the most important technological innovations of the twentieth century was the creation of the World Wide Web, a global network of servers that allows users to access information via the Internet.
  • Country Music Legend: George Strait The professional career of George Strait as the country music performer started in 1981 with his first song that became one the hits of that time, “Unwound”.
  • Rock Music of the 1970s It is possible to note that the 1970s was the period when the basis of the contemporary rock music and culture was formed.
  • The Effects of Music in Advertising and Choice Behavior Therefore, consumers view the content of the commercial message through the lens of the overall mood of the advertisement that depends upon the tempo and volume of the background music.
  • Technology and Music Industry The impact of file sharing technology in the music industry has been a major obstacle to its advancement. In a clearer way, the future purchase and sale of music is anticipated to be easier.
  • Jazz Music in American Culture The origin of jazz is associated with black communities in the United States whose culture influenced the musical elements of the genre.
  • Quincy Jones, an American Music Mogul A close examination of the artist, producer, arranger, publisher, film and TV producer and composer reveals that he was and still is a force to recon in the world and American music industry.
  • Patriotism in Music and Songs of America Patriotism can be defined as the attachment to a country and its core attributes, which does not always equal loyalty to the government or a sense of superiority.
  • How We Listen to Music by Aaron Copeland The only advantage to be gained from mechanically splitting up the listening process into these hypothetical planes is the clearer view to be had of the way in which we listen In this sentence he […]
  • Music Museums: Role and Success The success of the Music Museum depends on its organization. It attracts many people and makes them come several times in regard to the customer-oriented strategy.
  • Food, Music and Verbal Communication in China Due to the lack of distinction between languages in terms of understanding of primary and secondary language in China, there is rigid debate within the context of Chinese culture. In Chinese culture, the use of […]
  • The National Centre for Popular Music in Sheffield The design of the building, which has unusual features acquired a number of nicknames that are local like curling stones, drums and kettles as the drum tops that were to rotate in the wind no […]
  • Nat King Cole’s Life and Impact on Jazz Music Nat King Cole is considered one of the greatest Jazz musicians in the 20th century. As A result of that, the band’s name became the “King Cole Trio”.
  • Music Education and Rock Music The aim of this research proposal is to explore the possibility of teaching Rock music and /or the inclusion of teaching Rock music with ensembles in the school.
  • Nineteenth Century Musical Nationalism: Important Milestones A great hero of Italian music and opera, Verdi is put in the front reference when it comes to music discussion, nineteenth century Italy and nationalism.
  • Music Technology in Michael Jackson and Pink Floyd’ Songs When it comes to identifying the instrumental elements that make Thriller unique as not only as one of the pop songs of the 80s, but also pop songs in general, the variety of the instruments […]
  • Music Production: History and Changes The birth of the music industry happened about a century ago during the time technological innovations started to appear allowing to capture, store of music, and replay the sound tracks within a retrieval system.
  • Music Value and Impact Music reduces pain and unease in patients under the medication and in the dentistry field. Harmonization and teamwork in a cluster are motivated by music through the stimulation and synchronization in the movement of workers.
  • Louis Armstrong and Bix Beiderbecke Music Comparison In the beginning of the twentieth century jazz was a new and developing, and yet very important and popular style of music.
  • How Baroque Era Influenced the Music World? It was during the Baroque era that artists manipulated the ‘opera music’: a style that employed the use of instruments and drama to perfection.
  • Music and the Construction of Personal and Social Identities Despite the relative difference between the current and the past music experience, it is clear that music has increasingly been used in the construction of the youths’ identities.
  • Arts Education: Music, Dance and Theatre They will be able to identify the role of “telephones” and “telephone” operators in their society. According to Moser and McKay, it is critical for the students to learn how to determine the type and […]
  • Does Speeding up the Music Tempo Increase Task Performance The control group listened to the piece of music only at the original tempo. This design of this study aimed to explore the relationship between music tempo and cognitive speed.
  • Ralph Ellison and His “Living With Music” The beauty of the music is in the feelings, not in those which should be expressed according to the rules, but in those which the musician wishes to express and which arouse in the audience’s […]
  • Dizzy Gillespie and Louis Armstrong: Jazz Music Louis Armstrong is described to be the man best known around the would as the founding father of Jazz while on the other hand, Dizzy Gillespie is reputed to have music that is a major […]
  • Analysis of Music Video In this work the discussion is going to focus on a hip hop video by one of the greatest MCs in the industry by the stage name of NAS born Nasir Jones, Nas released the […]
  • Classical Music: Attending a Concert 2 is one of the most remarkable stories in the world of classical music. Le Grand Tango for violin and piano is one of the most beautiful masterpieces in classical music.
  • The Dynamic Between the Popular Music’ Sound and Look The purpose of this paper is to analyze the dynamic between the sound and the look of two representatives of the Soul Jazz music genre Adele Laurie Blue Adkins and Amy Winehouse.
  • Global Music: Mass Communication The era of globalization had a dramatic impact not only on the economic development of the countries but also implied cultural exchange while distributing national music around the world.
  • Piano Music, Baroque and Nationalism Influences The keyboard music of the Baroque period has exhibited the features characteristic of the other forms of art of the period: the increasingly complex and ornate patterns and the virtuosic and exquisite nature of the […]
  • Sound, Harmony, Melody, Rhythm and Growth in Music The purpose of this paper is to reflect on the idea of categories that assist people in listening to music. It is interesting to see how these SHMRG elements affect my perception of music and […]
  • Quincy Jones’ Biography and Career in Music He has worked with artists from Africa, Europe, and South America and has been a pivotal figure in the growth of world music. His contributions to the music world will continue to be a source […]
  • The Invention and the Power of Music This moment was the beginning of a practical study of the benefits of music therapy for the mental and physical condition of a person.
  • Classical Symphonies: Investigating Style Evolution of Western Classical Music The formative period of classical music was between the 18th and 19th centuries. Beethoven wrote music slowly and purposely with the romantics’ guidance.
  • Modernist Movement in Music: Investigating Style Evolution of Western Classical Music The modernist movement in music seems appropriate for this paper because of the unique and exciting styles of composing modern-era music, such as jazz, pop, and rock.
  • Music and Consumption: The Effects of Background Music The deconstruction of distinctive elements of music and consumption steers the proficient justification of the interdependent relationship between music and people’s well-being.
  • Expressionist Movement Art and Schoenberg Music The painting presents harmony and the presentation of the changes happening in the world in a similar way that the music does.
  • Race Represented in American and Chinese Music In order to achieve the objective, the author defines and put into practice the idea of “Blacksound” the audible and physical heritage of blackface performances as the source of all popular music, art, and culture […]
  • 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.
  • Race and Development of Music in America The author’s justification for the essay is the role of social history in determining the creation and evolution of music genres by African Americans.
  • The Concepts of Beauty Applied to the Music In addition to beauty, the content of each piece reflects the importance of communication, knowledge, and the underlying nature of the individual.
  • Ellison’s Living with Music: Narrative Argument Moreover, he returns to the topic of jazz, showing that this music style is particularly efficient in conveying one’s emotions through notes.
  • Public Relations Issues in the Music Industry
  • Eminem’s and Kendrick Lamar’s Music Compared
  • The Bulgarian Music Tradition
  • Music: Genres, Instruments, and Elements
  • Effects of Different Music on Psychological State
  • Understanding The Doors’ Music: Listening Journal
  • Roots of Contemporary Popular Music
  • Editing and Music as Tools for Guiding the Narrative
  • Survival and Memory in Music of the Ghosts by Ratner
  • The Evolution of Popular Music
  • Music Therapy as Experiential Activity
  • Music Performance Anxiety Alleviation
  • Philosophizing About Music and Its Evolution
  • The Importance of Music Universality
  • Romantic Music: Chopin’s Waltz in D-Flat Major
  • Jazz Music in New Orleans and Its Early Roots
  • Fallin’ by Alicia Keys: Music Reflection
  • “Bodies of Evidence… in Electrovocal Music” Article by Bosma
  • Stravinsky’s and Schoenberg’s Music Comparison
  • Professional Development in the Music Industry
  • “Riot Grrrl” as a Phenomenon in Protest Music
  • Comparison of Music Examples of Rhythm
  • Gender Neutrality in a Music Video: “Beneath” by Happy Little Clouds
  • The Role of Music in Personal Growth
  • Researching of Musical Romanticism
  • Music Appreciation: Marriage of Figaro
  • Classical and Rock Music Genres
  • Rock Music and Led Zeppelin’s Impact on It
  • Music Therapy for Schizophrenic Patients’ Quality of Life
  • The Late Baroque Style in Music
  • Plato’s Theory of Musical Education
  • Mozart’s Music and Its Impact on Children
  • Sex-Specific Effects of Music Listening on Couples’ Stress in Everyday Life
  • The “Alexander Hamilton” Musical by Lin Manuel Miranda
  • Art and Music Therapy Coverage by Health Insurance
  • Discussion of Jay Z Uniting Art and Music
  • The Mowtown Music Entertainment
  • “By the Beautiful Blue Danube” Music in Squid Game
  • Key Terms of the Sampling in Music
  • Effects of Lullaby Music on Quality of Sleep in Adults With Insomnia
  • Music Used to Raise MegaEvents
  • The Role of Music in My Life Story: Little Words With More Meaning
  • Salsa, Reggaeton, and Merengue: The Spanish Music Genres
  • Musical Museums: Traditional Canons
  • The Term of Aleatoric Music and Its Meaning
  • Musical Style of African America Gospel
  • “Making Sense of Music. Foundations for Music Education” by Durrani and Welch
  • Aesthetic Philosophy: The Ambivalence of Music
  • Analysis of “The Crimson Grail” Musical Piece
  • Michelangelo’s Sculpture and Webber’s Music Analysis
  • Variety Issues of Music Forms and Instruments
  • Media Role in Black Music
  • Music and Musicians in the Service of Social Movements
  • The Midnight Special Prison Music
  • “Hippie Aesthetic” in Relation to Musical Elements
  • Identity, Drugs and Music in Literature
  • Methods of Elementary School Music Teaching
  • Analysis of Country Break-Up Music
  • History and True Meaning of African American Slave Music
  • Music in the Service of Social Movements
  • The “Bang Bang Baby” Science Fiction Musical
  • History and Influence of Folk Music
  • James Brown’s Career in Soul Music
  • The Musical Instrument Selection in the Baroque Period
  • The Influence of Music on a Person
  • The Influence of Radio on American Culture and Popular Music
  • Charles Bolden’s Influence on Jazz Music
  • The Rhythm Section in Creating Rock Music
  • Women and Music: In the Past and in Modern Times
  • Music Therapy in Healthcare
  • Interpretive Dance and Costume Design in Enhancing Music and Plays
  • How Wagner’s Preludes Transformed Opera Music
  • Jazz Music: Characteristics of an F7 Chord
  • The “Legally Blonde” Musical by O’Keefe and Benjamin
  • Romantic Music: French, Italian, and German Operas
  • “Peter Pan”: The Broadway Musical
  • Hillbilly vs. Race Music Impact on American Radio
  • Kenny Rodgers: Country Music Icon
  • Bach and Stravinsky: The Pioneers of Musical Composition
  • Caribbean or Latin Music vs. Norteno, Conjunto, Tejano, and Banda
  • The Use of Music in the Modern World
  • Music Perception and Its Three Planes
  • Placebo: Black Market Music or Music of the Yellow Press
  • African-American Music From the 1920s to 1990s
  • Social Commentary in Pop Music Industry
  • Technologies & Music: “Infernal Machines” by Alex Ross
  • Patriotism in Music of Lee Greenwood, Jean Sibelius, John Legend and Others
  • Music and the Civil Rights Movement
  • The Art Integration of Music Art Form
  • “Cosi Fan Tutte” Opera and “Legally Blond” Musical
  • Music and Advertising in Television
  • “Sugar” and “The Moten Swing” Musical Compositions Analysis
  • Popular Music at the Times of Racism and Segregation
  • Objective Approach to Music by Aaron Copeland
  • Aztec Music. The Aztec World Culture
  • Western Musical Timeline & Historical Development
  • Fugue: The Musical Compositional Technique
  • Medieval and Early Modern Music
  • Music and Cultural Appropriation
  • Lesson Planning for Music Class
  • Timeless Art of Jazz Music
  • Distance Learning Experiences of In-Service Music Teachers From Puerto Rico
  • Music & Education During the Pandemic of Covid-19
  • The Instrumental Music Teaching: Educational Resources
  • Age-Relatedness in Teaching Music
  • Hip-Hop Music and Its History in the 80s-90s
  • Music and Film Industries as Hallmarks of Africa’s Identity
  • Rock and Roll as a Musical Phenomenon
  • Education Through Music in the Movie “Mr. Holland’s Opus”
  • Henry Cowell: The Genius of Musical Innovations
  • The Sources of Music and Tracing Indian Music Information
  • Aubrey Drake Graham’s Music Career
  • Latino-American Music:Then and Now
  • Listening to Good Music
  • Evolving Safety and Music Venue Protocols
  • Music Therapy for Children With Learning Disabilities
  • East Asian Music in Ancient Chinese View
  • Works of Literature, Painting, and Music United by the Idea of Arabesque
  • Listening to Classical Music
  • On the Evolution of MTV and Music Videos
  • Opera as a Popular Musical Form
  • The Hippy Music as a Universal Language
  • Online Music Streaming Services in the UK
  • Music Assignment: Associative Soundtrack
  • Music Review: 20 Century Musicians
  • The Effect of Music on People With Alzheimer’s Disease
  • American National Style and Identity in Music
  • Music, Cosmology and Architecture in the Renaissance
  • The National Center for Popular Music
  • Music and Young Generation
  • The Effect of Music Videos on College Students’ Perceptions of Rape
  • Dementia: Relaxing Music at Mealtime in Nursing Homes Agitated Patients
  • This Is Your Brain on Music by Daniel J. Levitin
  • Musical Exposure and Its Effect on Biochemical Changes
  • Effects of Music on Muscle Performance
  • Music in Parental Participation in Pediatric Laceration
  • Jazz Music: Methodological Issues
  • The Rhetoric of Bob Fosse: Eroticism and Humor in a Musical
  • The Comparison of Prokofiev and Giovanni Music
  • Music and Extra-Musical Forces
  • Discovery of the American Music
  • Music and Memory: Discussion
  • Music in China and Some East Asian Countries
  • Music and Art Critique: Recordings and Prints
  • Popular American Music in the Mid-19th Century
  • Music and Its Political Nature
  • Flamenco Music and Dance History: Spanish Carte-De-Visite Born in Andalusia
  • Music: Orchestras Nowadays
  • The Diversity of the Baroque Music
  • Debussy’s Influence on Symphonic Music
  • The Importance of Developing Musical Skills
  • Music Styles: Difference and Similarity of Styles
  • Music as Concept Analysis
  • Music and Art As Tools to Understand Our World
  • Richness of Musical Art
  • Music of Hong Kong After 1945
  • Specifics of Jazz Music Analysis
  • Seattle Hip Hop From an Underground Genre Into Mainstream Music: Songs Examples
  • Music and Its Basic Features
  • Female Body Objectification in the Music Industry
  • Hogaku: Traditional Japanese Music
  • Rock and Roll`s Influence on Modern Music
  • Sociology of Female Music
  • Elements Of Music: Different Tones and Rhythms
  • Music in Controversial Modern Culture
  • The History of the Music Industry and the Impact of the Advancement of Technology and Globalization
  • Music Industry in Canada
  • Canadian Women and Music Industry
  • Canadian Music and Its Spread
  • In and Around Canadian Music
  • Canadian Music Production Industry
  • George Gershwin’s Life and Jazz Music
  • African Influence in Music of Puerto Rico
  • Quebecois Music Distinctives from English Canada Music
  • Woodstock Music and Art Fair
  • Music: Studio-Based Surround Systems
  • How Does Piracy Affect the Music Industry?
  • The Salsa: Music and Dance Review
  • Aliens’ Point of View on Music
  • How Sources Inform People’s Understanding of Music
  • McDonaldization in the Music Industry
  • Charles Ives and His Music
  • Charles Ives in American Music
  • Music Education: Historical Research
  • Different Styles in World Music
  • Music Teaching Style: The Effects of Choral Music Teacher Experience and Background
  • Hip Hop Culture and Music
  • Origins of Popular Music: Discussion
  • Avant-Garde as a Movement in Jazz Music
  • Music and Art in Paris in 1830-50: Frederic Chopin
  • Rap Culture and Music: Critical Thinking
  • Musical and Artistic Life in Paris in 1830-1850
  • Nationalism and 19th Century Music
  • The Relation of Music to Nationalism in the Work of Bedrich Smetana Composer
  • Music: Evolution Factors of Technology and Drugs
  • Why We Shouldn’t (Don’t) Pay for Online Music
  • French Revolution and the European Music
  • Music, Its Definition and Evolution
  • New Approaches to Music Marketing
  • Music Appreciation. Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
  • Why Mozart’s Music Is So Valuable Through the Time
  • Music in Different Eras Analysis
  • Music: Jazz History Since 1946 – The Change of Jazz Music to Art
  • History of Pop Music in the Early 20th Century
  • George Straight: Music Legend
  • Instrumental Scottish Music: Scottish Fiddling
  • Rock as a Part of Music Art
  • Afro-Latin Music and Dancing: Rumba, Chamame Genre, Salsa
  • Chopin: Musician Who Had Effect Romanticism Music
  • B.Britten’s Music Impact on Composers Political Beliefs
  • Jazz Musician Miles Davis: His Life and Music
  • The Evolution of Music: Brief Review
  • Western Music: Bela Bartok, a Hungarian Composer
  • Bluegrass Music in US Immigrants
  • Gustav Theodore Holst and His Music
  • Freedom of Speech and Expression in Music
  • Music Censorship in the United States
  • Musical Expression and Sexual Selection
  • Music: A Few Canonic Variations by Joseph Kerman
  • 18th Century Music Comparative Analysis
  • Meaning of Musical Ekphrasis
  • Country Music in the Southern United States
  • Vivaldi’s Venice: Music and Theatre in 18th Century
  • Social Aspect of Music: The Flairs Band
  • Electroacoustic: Populari Music Among New-age Listeners
  • Is There Such a Thing as Impressionism in Music?
  • Art and Music: Benefits to Society
  • City Music Reflected in Urban Processes & Places
  • Music Industry-Related Issues in Economics
  • How Pop Radio Programming Defines the Music
  • Tupac and Gender: Sexuality in His Music
  • Music: Motet’s Inception Through Josquin’s Works
  • The Art of Electronic Music: Live Performances
  • Fela Kuti: Music Is the Weapon
  • Film Music Evolution in the United States
  • The Effect of Music on UAEU Female Students
  • Women and the Industry of the Trap Music: Empowering or Succumbing to the Stereotype?
  • Music of the Middle Ages and Renaissance Music
  • Classical Symphony and Classical Chamber Music
  • The Failure of a Large Swedish Music Event, Peace & Love
  • A Brief History of the Music Industry
  • Antonio Vivaldi: The Study of Music
  • Jazz Music Development Since 1945
  • Russian Music by Glazunov, Rimsky-Korsakov, Glière
  • Jazz Music Concert and Theatrical Performance
  • MTV Channel and Music Video Genre
  • Film Music and Its Role in Perception
  • Classical Music: Cultural Consumption and Cultural Diversity
  • Women’s Contribution to Rock Music Development
  • Music Streaming Industry and Trend Analysis
  • Music in “Lady Windermere’s Fan” and “Atonement” Films
  • Psychology: Music’s Role in Life
  • Spotify Music Service and Its Suggestions
  • Sex in Music Compositions and Videos
  • Anglo-American Folk Music Revival
  • “Music and Other Provinces” Class
  • Parmalee Music Band’s Marketing in Social Networks
  • Music Intervention’s Effect on Falls in a Dementia Unit
  • Gogoyoko Music Selling Company’s Marketing Plan
  • Francois Couperin’s Baroque Music
  • “Baroque Music of Bologna” Compositions
  • Music Business Websites Research
  • Music and Brain Functioning
  • Music Distribution Revolution
  • Commercial Music for Listeners: Poster Discussion
  • The Studio and Pre-Recorded Music Usage
  • Classical Music Concerts: Video Report
  • Free Improvisation and Experimental Music
  • Music Concrete and Post-War Technology Development
  • American Popular Music History
  • Social Constructions and Hip Hop Music
  • Gustav Holst’s Music “The Planets”
  • Artists in Jazz Music and Dance Development
  • Music Perception and Cognition
  • History of Jamaican Music
  • Music of 17th/18th Century
  • Effect of Unexpected Musical Encounter
  • Musical Compositions: Sounds and Aural Experiences
  • Mystery Compositions in Church Music
  • Managerial Decisions: iTunes Music Pricing
  • Music Therapy as a Social Work Intervention
  • Special and Inclusive Music Education
  • Afro-American Influence on Western Music Development
  • Music in the Mathematics, Finance and Economics
  • The Role of Music in the Film “Lolita”
  • Music Industry: History of Technological Developments in Storage Devices
  • Rock’n’Roll: Musical Genre of the Twentieth Century
  • Music’s Role in Culture
  • Fashion in Clothing, Music, and Moods
  • Music Influence on Feeling Movie Scenes
  • Qirong Xu on Music, Culture, Musicians’ Problems
  • Music and Human Memory Connection
  • Music Concert at the Walt Disney Concert Hall
  • Popular Music and Accompanying Visual Representation
  • Music in Jean-Jacques Beneix’s Film “Diva”
  • Music in “The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring”
  • Achille-Claude Debussy’s Music as the Best Present
  • Renaissance Music Shift From Sacred to Secular
  • Socialist Realism Limitations in Soviet Music
  • Music Programs and Monetary Barriers in Schools
  • MTV’s Revolution in the Music Industry
  • Music Curriculum, Its Elements and Difficulties
  • Duke Ellington: Life and Music Principles
  • Jazz Music Popularization in Chinese Culture
  • ITunes Music Pricing: Apple’s Managerial Decisions
  • Sight Singing: Learning Approaches and Music
  • How Music Affects the Brain?
  • BBC Radio 6 Music Company Analysis
  • Auto-Tune Technology in Music: Physics and Ethics
  • Castrato in Music: History and Famous Singers
  • Personality and Music Preference
  • Lalo Guerrero: the Father of Chicano Music
  • The Role of Music Therapy as Alternative Treatment
  • The Role of Music in Films
  • Psychology: Music Role in Family Engagement
  • Music Band “Mahotella Queens”
  • Frank Zappa’s Life and Music
  • Paul Simon’s Music Style
  • Musical Compositions’ Stylistics & Social Context
  • Ableton Live Software Application in Music Performance
  • Frank Zappa and His Contribution to the Music Industry
  • American Music Bands: Dixie Chicks and The Weavers
  • Music Video “Mockingbird” by Eminem
  • Baroque Mark in Today’s Music
  • Modern Music Development in the USA
  • Disco, Rock, Jazz and Popular Music: Comparison
  • Los Angeles and Seattle’ Music in 80-90s
  • The Ars Antiqua Music Concept
  • The Effectiveness of Music for Cancer Patients
  • Louis Armstrong’s Contribution to Jazz Music
  • Music Special Innovation for the Physical Exercise
  • Bundling and Distribution of Digitized Music Over the Internet
  • Jazz Live Music Concert in Catalina Jazz Club
  • The Wollongong Music Festival Arranging
  • The Culture of Electronic Dance Music
  • The Music Recording Industry in Canada
  • Personality and Music Preferences
  • History of the Science and Art of Music
  • Rock Music as an Unique Cultural Phenomenon
  • Indigenous Celtic Music: Preservation and Revival
  • Baroque Music Concert – Haendel: La Resurrection
  • Radiohead’s Music Influences
  • Music Industry: Apple’s iTunes and Profitability
  • Music Talent Shows and the American Dream
  • The History of Modern Chinese Music
  • Bossa Nova’ and Smooth Jazz’ Music Comparison
  • Music: The London Symphonies by Joseph Haydn
  • Hip Hop Music as Media Influence on the Youth
  • The Instrumental Music of Baroque: Forms and Evolution
  • Music, Media and Culture’ Effects on Aggressive Behavior
  • “Thank You for the Song” by Jennifer Rondeau and “Thank You for the Music” by Abba Comparison
  • Chicano Music in American-Mexican Culture
  • Music Comparison: Posse on Broadway by Sir Mix-a-Lot, Joe Metro by Blue Scholars, and The Town by Macklemore
  • Hip-Hop Music and the Role of Women in It: Fight for Women’s Rights in Society
  • Women in Hip-Hop Music: A Provocative and Objectified Gender Roles
  • Music Art: “La Cathédrale Engloutie” by Claude Debussy
  • Music in “The Oral and Written Tradition” by Edward D. Ives
  • Music and Rebellion in the Era of Commercialization
  • The Music Band’s Parmalee Promotion
  • Music Event: Eurovision Song Contest 2014
  • Music: Cape Breton Fiddling
  • Music Types in the United States
  • “Balkan Fascination: Creating an Alternative Music Culture in America” by Mirjana Lausevic
  • Diving Into the Secrets of the Korean Music
  • The Cattle Drivers’ Music
  • Benny Carter, a Life in American Music
  • Musical Education and The Laws by Plato
  • “Pop Music, Pop Culture” by Chris Rojek
  • Takeaway Listening Test: The Sounds of Music
  • Music and Dance as a Part of Our Culture
  • Music as a Relaxation Technique
  • Classic Rocks and Gangsta Rap. Music Analysis
  • An Analysis of Music Theory
  • Youth Popular Cultures and Music
  • College Students’ Satisfaction of Music Festival in China
  • Review of Peter Kivy’s Introduction to a Philosophy of Music
  • Classical and Modern Music
  • Apple Computer, Inc.: Maintaining the Music Business
  • Diversity and Inclusion in Relation to Music in the Workplace
  • Miles Davis Contribution to African American Music
  • Gangsta Rap Music as Social Culture in the Journal of Youth Studies by Alexander Riley
  • How Does Jazz the Music and Its Story Reflect the American Experience?
  • R&B and Hip-Hop Effect Western Music
  • Introducing Children to Music
  • Kiwi Music Cultural Event in New Zealand
  • Effects of Music in Advertising
  • Popular Music: Meaningful Contributions to Social and Political Change
  • Themes, Content and the Power of Music in Iron Man: When the World Is Crumbling
  • Listening Log: Music in the Middle Ages and Renaissance
  • E-Commerce Website for Music Videos
  • Chicano Music and Lyrics
  • Music Industry: Michael Jackson and 50 Cent Careers
  • Canuck Rock: A History of Canadian Popular Music
  • Guitar in a Non-Western Musical Genre
  • Music Videos Effect on the Self Growth
  • Piracy: Marketing Strategies Encouraging Consumers to Purchase Music Legally
  • Compare and Contrast: “Popular Music From Vittula” and “Naïve, Super”
  • Choral Music Review
  • Choral Music History
  • Leading Cultural and Organizational Change at the Royal Conservatory of Music
  • Popular Music in Uzbekistan
  • Music Therapy Effectiveness
  • Leading Culture and Organizational Change at the Royal Conservatory of the Music
  • Verismo in Classical Music
  • “Hip Hop“ Subculture: Music, Vocabulary, and Roots
  • Music Impact on Human Mind and Body
  • Music in the Movie “On the Beach” by Stanley Kramer
  • The Role of Music in the Sea Hawk
  • Music of “Song of Myself” or New Type of Diary Entry
  • Music Downloads and the Ethics of Piracy
  • Digitization and Convergence of Music Industry
  • Latin America Cultural Abundance: Art and Music
  • Music in Opera: Susan McClary’s “Carmen”
  • Arab Music and Arab Cinema: Historical Development and the Role of Western Culture
  • Sony BMG Music Entertainment
  • Music Harmony Studying
  • Music in Times of Conflict
  • Technology Advances and Music
  • Constructions of Authenticity in Canadian Music
  • Pieces From Early and Baroque Music E-Concert
  • Pieces From Classical and Romantic Music E-Concert
  • 20th Century Music: Prokofiev, Respighi, and Orff
  • Baroque Epoch Music: Bach and Vivaldi
  • Music in the United States Culture
  • Music as an Independent Art
  • The Steel Pan Music History
  • Music Industry as a Cultural Industry
  • The Music Industry Versus the Internet: MP3 and Other CyberMmusic Wars
  • “Far From Here” by The Lonesome Ones: Image and Music Quintessence
  • Folk Music: A Tool for Culture Transmission
  • Reading Between the Lines, Interpreting Music
  • Revisiting New Jazz Music Concert
  • The Effects of Mozart’s Music on Middle School Age Learning
  • Music in the Ancient Greece
  • Genesis Gospel Choir at the Lehman Center Recital Hall: Pushing the Envelope of Gospel Music
  • “The Hurt Locker”: Music in the Movie
  • Frank Zappa: Music Industry and American Culture
  • World Peace in Music
  • Irving Berlin: Personification of American Music of the Twentieth Century
  • Pop Music Nature and History
  • Music Styles: Indie Rock
  • The Place of Folk Music in Contemporary Society
  • Can Music Control Teens?
  • Are Mathematics, Logic, and Music Languages?
  • Can Music Bridge the Economic Gap Education?
  • Are the Measures Taken Against Illegal Music Downloading Effective?
  • Who Manipulates the Music Industry?
  • Are Societies Ill’s the Fault of Rock Music?
  • Can the Music Industry Adapt to the Digital Future?
  • Can Music Help Recover Sick Patients Through Psychotherapy?
  • What Did Music From Late Period Influence Composers?
  • What Are Music and Music Therapy?
  • Can Music Foster Learning?
  • Are Television, Movies, and Music Responsible for Teen Violence?
  • Can Music Therapy Improve Stress Anxiety?
  • What Is Digital Music Distribution, and Why Is It Significant?
  • What Are the Characteristics of Baroque Music?
  • What Role Does Cinematic Music Play in Creating Tension?
  • Can the Music Industry Survive Despite Piracy?
  • What Better Way Spread Music Around the World?
  • Can Music Influence the World?
  • Are Electro-Acoustics and the Vernacular the Largest Developments in 20TH Century Music?
  • Why Does Bach’s Music Still Holds Its Popularity?
  • Can Preference for Background Music Mediate the Irrelevant?
  • Why Music Matters and the History of Slavery?
  • Are Current Actions Taken Effective in Reducing Online Music Piracy?
  • Are Popular and Classical Music Listeners the Same People?
  • Can Music Affect the Way We Speak?
  • What Does Modern Day Music?
  • Why the Beatles Revolutionized Music and Pop Culture?
  • Are Streaming Services Affecting the Music Industry?
  • Why Can Music Make Us Feel Happy or Sad?
  • Chicago (A-D)
  • Chicago (N-B)

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IvyPanda . "632 Music Essay Topics & Samples." March 2, 2024. https://ivypanda.com/essays/topic/music-essay-examples/.

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How to Write Great Essay Hooks (Tips + Examples)

How to Write Great Essay Hooks (Tips + Examples)

Table of contents

hooks for an essay about music

Yona Schnitzer

Blank screen. Cursor blinks. Clock ticks. Brain freezes.

You stressfully wonder, “How will I ever finish this essay?”

I’ve been there. 

Every time you write an essay, you want to catch your readers’ undivided attention from the very first word. The opening hook has to be *perfect* — no compromises. 

But, instead of reeling under pressure to come up with this elusively perfect essay hook at the eleventh hour, I’ve found a better way to write great essay hooks. 

In this guide, I’ll tell you what it takes to write the most compelling and attention-grabbing hooks. I’ll also break down six awesome types of essay hooks you can experiment with and share examples to inspire your next opening statement.

What is an Essay Hook?

An essay hook is the opening statement of an essay, written to capture readers' attention and nudge them to learn more about the topic. Also known as a lede or lead, this hook introduces readers to the topic/theme of the essay and piques their curiosity to continue reading. 

The hook creates the entire narrative for your essay. It tells readers what to expect from the rest of the essay and creates context around your main argument or thesis statement. 

6 Types of Essay Hooks You Can Experiment With

I’ve created this handy list of six different types of essay hooks. You can choose the one that best fits your essay’s context and create a stellar opening statement within minutes. 

1. Compelling fact or statistic

Lead with evidence and use a powerful fact or statistic as your essay hook. It’s one of the best ways to capture readers’ attention from the start and keep them intrigued throughout your essay. 

For example, if you’re writing about the importance of time management for freelancers, you have two options to create your opening sentence:

Generic : “Managing time as a freelancer is no easy feat.”

Impactful : “Nearly 70% of freelancers struggle to effectively divide and manage their time between multiple clients.” 

This data point, linked to the original research, sets a strong tone for your essay and draws people in to read more. It communicates  

Find a shocking statistic with AI

Finding relevant statistics for any topic is one of the hardest parts of the job. 

But you don't have to spend hours looking for these data points anymore. Wordtune can do this heavy lifting for you in three easy steps.

  • Open the Wordtune editor and add your essay title. 
  • Type in any content you've written, click on 'Add spice,' and select the 'Expand on' option.
  • Write 'statistics,' and Wordtune will add relevant data points to your content.

hooks for an essay about music

Get Wordtune for free > Get Wordtune for free >

2. Bold claim hook

When working on an argumentative essay , I always write with the mindset that nobody has the time to read my thoughts from start to finish. So, I have to get to the point quickly and make a solid argument worth people’s time. 

That's when opening with a bold claim works best. Condense all your views on the topic into a few thought-provoking lines that would make readers go, hmmm…

But remember, you can't open with a claim that people already know and accept as fact. It has to be something original and unique to make your readers tick, nudging them to dive deeper into your essay. 

For example, if you’re writing about water crisis, you have two options to open your essay: 

‍ "In some regions, there is not enough clean water for people to use."
‍ "Imagine a world where every drop of water is a battle, a precious commodity fought over by scores of people and animals alike. This can become a reality as early as 2050."

This bold claim presents a convincing argument about the global water crisis. It also emphasizes the urgency of this argument with a research-backed statistic.

Create a bold claim suggestion using AI

Can’t think of a strong opening sentence for your essay? Wordtune can translate your thoughts into a bold claim and create a compelling essay hook. 

Open your Wordtune editor and write a few lines related to your topic. These sentences should have a consensus among your audience. Then, choose the 'Counterargument' option from the list of suggestions. 

And you’ll have a bold claim for your essay with no effort at all!

hooks for an essay about music

3. Story/Anecdote hook

In all my years of writing, I’ve noticed how stories have a unique effect on people. A good story can resonate with a bigger audience, pique their curiosity, and deliver a more personal message. 

That's why you can cite a personal anecdote or talk about a publicly known story as a good hook for your essay. This hook allows you to play with words and work in more storytelling . 

One of my favorite writing tips applies here: enter the scene as late as possible and leave as early as possible. You have to keep it crisp instead of rambling on and on. 

Consider these two examples:

hooks for an essay about music

Either of these hooks could work fine if we were just writing a personal essay about a move to a new place. But if we’re specifically writing about the sky, the second example is better. It sticks to the point — the sky and the color of the sky — and doesn’t stray into irrelevant details. 

Create a compelling story with AI

I get it—not all of us are natural storytellers. But you can use AI to your advantage to create a concise and exciting story for your essay.  

Wordtune can help you write a short story from scratch or trim down your writing into a quick anecdote. Click on the expand or shorten button to edit your story any way you like. 

hooks for an essay about music

4. Question Hook

Humans have a tendency to immediately look for answers every time they come across fascinating questions. Using questions as essay hooks can reel people into your essay and feed their curiosity.

But questions are also fairly overused in essays. You don't want to use a generic question that makes people say, " Not another question ." 

Instead, think of questions that approach your topic from a fresh angle. This means honing in on what was especially interesting or surprising from your research—and maybe even brainstorming different questions to find the most fascinating one.

For example, if you’re writing about the psychology behind why we buy, you have two options to open your essay:

‍ “Do you know what factors compel us to buy certain things?”

Plugged in :

“Before buying anything, have you ever taken a moment to pause and think about possible reasons driving you to this purchase?”

The latter is more descriptive and creates a realistic scenario for readers to truly think about the topic of the essay.

5. Description hook

A descriptive hook works best when writing an explanatory or opinion-led essay. Descriptive hooks, as the name suggests, illustrate a topic in detail to create context for the essay. It's a good way to build awareness for and educate readers on lesser-known themes.

But a descriptive hook can easily become too plain or unexciting to read. To make it work, you have to write an engaging description using imagery, analogies, and other figures of speech. 

Remember to make your hook reader-friendly by avoiding passive voice, mainstream cliches, and lengthy sentences.

Consider this example:

hooks for an essay about music

Describing a sunset is too cliche, so cross that one off the list. Describing the sky as it is on a normal day wouldn't be shocking or unexpected, so scratch that one, too.

This example creates something unique by using analogies to describe the color of the sky and painting a beautiful picture. 

Write a gripping description with AI

Writing an exciting hook for a boring topic is more challenging than it looks. But Wordtune makes it a breeze with just two steps:

  • Open the Wordtune editor and write your essay topic.
  • Click on Explain or Emphasize and let it work its magic.

You can also change the tone of voice to make the text more in tune with your theme. 

hooks for an essay about music

6. Metaphor hook

One of my favorite essay hooks is to open with a persuasive metaphor to contextualize the topic. Metaphors can help you approach the topic from a completely different lens and wow your readers with interesting insight. 

Metaphors are also super versatile to make your writing more impactful. You can write a one-line metaphor or create a scenario comparing one thing to another and linking it to your topic. 

For example, if you’re writing about the experience of working at a startup, you can open your essay with these two options:

Short & sweet: "Joining a startup is like strapping into a rollercoaster: be ready to witness thrilling highs and sinking drops."

Long & descriptive : “Picture a small sailboat navigating the unpredictable winds and tides in a vast ocean. That’s a startup operating in a massive market. And with the right vision, this journey is filled with risks and rewards.” 

Create a convincing metaphor with AI

Writing good metaphors takes up a lot of creative brain power. You can always use Wordtune to find some extra inspiration if you're out of creative ideas. 

Type your opening line in the Wordtune editor and click on the 'Give an analogy' option. You can ask for as many suggestions as you want till you find the best one! 

hooks for an essay about music

What to Know About Your Essay (and Topic) Before You Write the Hook

Whether you’re writing a research paper on economics, an argumentative essay for your college composition class, or a personal essay sharing your thoughts on a topic, you need to nail down a few things before you settle on the first line for your essay.

‍ Let me break them down for you. 

1. Gain in-depth knowledge of your topic

hooks for an essay about music

Before you start writing your essay, you need to know your topic — not just in name, but in-depth. You don't have to become a subject matter expert overnight. But you do need to research the topic inside out 

Your research will help you:

  • Narrow your focus
  • Build an argument
  • Shape the narrative

Your research insights determine your essay’s structure and guide your choice of hook. 

After organizing your research in a neat outline, think to yourself: ‍Did you uncover a shocking fact? A compelling anecdote? An interesting quote? Any of those things could be your hook.

⚡ ‍ Take action: After finishing your research, review your notes and think through your essay. Mark or make a list of anything compelling enough to be a good lead.

2. Type of essay

hooks for an essay about music

In academic settings, there are generally three kinds of essays:

  • Argumentative: Making the case for a certain stance or route of action.
  • Expository: Explaining the who, what, when, where, why, and how of some phenomenon.
  • Narrative: Telling a true story as a way to explore different ideas.

‍ The type of essay you’re writing is key to choosing the best hook for your piece. 

A serious argumentative essay can start with a shocking statistic or a bold claim. And an expository essay can open with a descriptive hook while a metaphor hook would work best for a narrative essay.

⚡ ‍ Take action: Go through your list of potential hooks and cross out anything that doesn't fit the type of essay you're writing, whether it's persuasive , argumentative, or any other type.

3. Audience and tone

A best practice I often share with writers is to think of one reader and keep yourself in their shoes . This exercise can tell you so much about your audience — what kind of tone they like, what matters the most to them, what topics interest them, and so on. 

You can use these insights to create a compelling essay hook. Here’s how:

  • For an argumentative essay, you’re trying to convince someone who doesn’t agree with you that what you’re claiming is right or, at least, reasonable. You don’t want to turn them off with snarky or offensive language — but you do want to be authoritative. Your hook should match that tone and support your effort.
  • A narrative essay is likely to welcome more lyrical language, so starting with a colorful description or an anecdote might make more sense than, say, a bold claim or surprising fact. Whatever tone you choose for your narrative essay — comical or gentle or bold — should be used for your hook.
  • ‍ Expository essays can use all sorts of tones and be written to a variety of audiences, so think carefully about the tone that best fits your subject matter. An essay explaining how the human body shuts down when overdosed will likely require a different tone than one on the lives of circus masters in the late 1800s. 

⚡ ‍ Take action: Look at your list. Can you write these potential hooks in a tone that suits your subject and audience?

4. Length of essay

Are you writing a 10-page paper or a three-page reflection? Or is this your senior thesis, pushing over 100 pages?

‍ If you’re writing a shorter paper, you’ll want to keep your hook quick and snappy.  

Readers are expecting a quick read, and they don’t want to spend five minutes only going through the introduction. 

In contrast, you can approach a longer essay — like a senior thesis or a term paper — with a longer hook. Just make sure your hook relates to and supports the core point of your essay. You don’t want to waste space describing a scene that ultimately has nothing to do with the rest of your piece.

⚡ ‍ Take action: If you write out the items on your list, how long will they be? A sentence or paragraph? Perfect. Two to five paragraphs? Unless your essay is on the longer side, you may want to save that information for later in the piece.

‍ Now that you know the basic facts about what you’re writing, let’s look at some approaches you could use to catch those readers — and reel them in.

3 Approaches to Avoid When Writing Hooks 

I’ve read hundreds of essays — enough to recognize lazy writing from the first few words. It’s equally easy for readers to discard your essays as ‘poorly written’ just by reading the first line. 

So, I made a list of three types of essay hooks you want to avoid at all costs because these hooks can only disappoint your readers. 

1. Quotations

Quotes are probably the most overused type of hook in any form of writing. What's even worse is rinsing and repeating the same old quotes from Abraham Lincoln or Nelson Mandela in your essays. 

No matter how powerful a quote sounds, you shouldn’t slap it at the opening of your essay. It doesn’t give readers the excitement of reading something original and looks lazy.

For example, if you’re writing an essay on productivity, here’s what a good and bad lede looks like:

“Amateurs sit and wait for inspiration, the rest of us just get up and go to work” – Stephen King
Did you know that consuming 100 gms of sugar can slash your productivity levels by over 50% in a day?  

2. Definitions

The New Oxford American Dictionary defines a hook as "a thing designed to catch people's attention." 

If I opened my article with this dictionary definition of a hook, you’d have either dozed off or left this page long back to find something more interesting. 

Here's the thing: definitions put people to sleep. Readers don't want to see a formal, jargon-heavy definition of a topic as the very first line of an essay. Your opening statement should have some personality in it to show readers they're in for an exciting read. 

For example, if you’re writing about happy hormones, here’s what a good and bad lede looks like:

Happy hormones are known to boost the happiness levels in your body by creating positive feelings.
Ever wondered why cat videos make you instantly happy, and ice creams give you an extra dose of energy? It's all about how happy hormones control our brain chemistry.

3. “Imagine this”

Opening your essay with "Imagine this" used to be an interesting way to put your readers in a scenario and set the context for your essay. But now, it's far too cliched and just another lazy attempt to write an essay hook. 

You can create a relatable scenario for users without asking them to imagine or picture it. Use the descriptive hook format with an interesting choice of words to convey the same ideas more creatively.

For example, if you’re writing an essay on preparing for higher studies abroad, here’s what a good and bad lede looks like:

Imagine this: You’ve been applying to multiple universities, writing SOPs, and preparing for exams without guidance. Everything can go south any minute. 
College application season is officially here. But with each passing day, you’re under more and more stress to apply to your chosen colleges and tick all the items off your list.

‍Our Go-To Trick for Writing Catchy Hooks

This opening statement can make or break your entire essay. While I’ve broken down my best tips to create the best essay hooks, here’s a surefire way to write compelling openings :

Go through your notes and either outline your essay or write the whole thing. This way, you’ll know the central thread (or throughline) that runs throughout your piece. 

Once your essay or outline is complete, go back through and identify a particularly compelling fact, claim, or example that relates to that central thread.

‍Write up that fact, claim, or example as the hook for your essay using any of the methods we’ve covered. Then revise or write your essay so the hook leads smoothly into the rest of the piece and you don’t repeat that information elsewhere.

Does your hook spark curiosity in you? 

Did that fact surprise you in the research stage? 

Chances are, your readers will have the same reaction.

And that’s exactly what you want.

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267 Music Essay Topics + Writing Guide [2024 Update]

Your mood leaves a lot to be desired. Everything around you is getting on your nerves. But still, there’s one thing that may save you: music. Just think of all the times you turned on your favorite song, and it lifted your spirits!

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So, why not write about it in a music essay? In this article, you’ll find all the information necessary for this type of assignment:

  • 267 brilliant music essay topics,
  • a sample paper,
  • a step-by-step guide and writing tips.

And don’t forget to bookmark  custom-writing.org  where you can find helpful essay tips in articles like this one.

🔝 Music Essay Topics: Top 10

  • 🎵 Music Essay Definition
  • 🎼 Essay Topics
  • ✍️ How to Write
  • 📑 Essay Sample

🔗 References

  • Compare different recording formats.
  • The purpose of music.
  • Ternary and rondo: compare and contrast.
  • Music as a lifestyle.
  • The benefits of singing.
  • Ethnomusicology as a career.
  • Evolution of the radio.
  • The importance of school musicals.
  • Music as a tool for meditation.
  • Music in sports.

🎵 Essays about Music: What Are They?

A music essay describes or analyzes a piece of music, its context, or one’s personal attitude towards it. This type of assignment requires a compelling primary argument and a clear structure.

To write well about music, you don’t have to be a professional musician. All you need is to be able to listen, understand, and evaluate it. You should also provide your interpretation and opinion on it.

Writing about Music: Assignment Types

An essay on music is a popular assignment in high school and college. However, many students find it hard to describe sounds in a written form. In this article, we will give you some tips on writing about music.

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Here are the typical tasks that you might receive:

  • Concert report. It requires describing the music you’ve heard using as many details and terms as you can.
  • Historical analysis of a piece. Your aim is to describe the historical context of a piece or its relation to the historical setting. For this type of assignment, you may need to do some research.
  • Song analysis. In this type of essay, you explore song lyrics’ meaning and show how they work together with the melody.
  • Performance or media comparison. Here you need to compare several interpretations or performances of one piece of music.

The picture shows different tasks related to writing about music.

All of these assignments require a different approach and topic. You will find topics for these types of tasks below.

How to Choose a Music Essay Topic

First things first, you need to find a suitable music essay topic. To accomplish this task, you might want to take the following steps:

  • Analyze your relationship with music . What role does it play in your life? Your topic choice will be different if you are a musician or merely a listener.
  • Think about how music influences your everyday life . For instance, you can study how listening to music affects our mental health. Impressing your readers with some historical facts from the world of music is also a great idea.
  • Try reflecting on the role of different music genres in your life . Whether you prefer rap or classical music, exploring a genre is an excellent topic idea. Topics related to musical instruments are also worth attention.
  • Narrow your topic down. Otherwise, it will be too difficult to focus your essay on just one idea.

🎼 Music Essay Topics List

The first thing you need to do is to choose your topic. We have prepared a variety of music topics perfect for research papers and short essays. You can also use them for speeches or college application essays.

Argumentative Essay about Music: Topics & Ideas

Argumentative essays about music are usually concerned with a specific music-related issue you choose to address. Just like with any other argumentative essay, you should present both sides of the topic. Also, reliable facts are a must for this type of essay.

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  • The influence of modern technologies on the music industry. Technologies allow artists to create and promote their songs independently. Because of this, record labels are less critical to musicians than before. However, the emergence of new technologies also gave rise to piracy . Do the positives outweigh the negatives?
  • What’s the effect of pop music on the modern generation? Today’s pop songs are usually commercial . Because of this, some people say that pop has ruined the current generations’ perception of music. Others argue that contemporary pop music expanded the possibilities of the genre.
  • Rock music makes people more aggressive . Some consider rock music merely an arrangement of aggressive tunes that foster violence. On the counter side, science has proven that people who prefer rock to other genres are calmer and more concentrated. Which position do you agree with?
  • Can people with hearing impairments become famous musicians ? Many believe that access to fame and fortune is limited for disabled people. The deaf may seem especially unsuited for the music business . Yet, the examples of Beethoven, Neil Young, and Chris Martin show that hearing problems don’t have to be an issue.
  • Will streaming completely substitute physical copies? Digitalization is on its way to replacing LPs and CDs. For most people, it’s simply more convenient. But their opponents claim that an MP3 file can never sound as good as a physical copy.
  • Some music genres can be a catalyst for violence. While their beats may be calm, hip-hop and rap’s lyrics are often aggressive and brutal. Does it have adverse effects on a listener?
  • Can a person become addicted to music ?
  • Censorship on the radio: why stations shouldn’t bleep out obscenities.
  • Is mandatory musical education in high schools practical?
  • The impact of Mozart’s music on toddlers.
  • Should a musician’s personal life affect people’s perception of their art?
  • How susceptible are teenagers to political messages in songs?
  • Music influences one’s mental and physical capabilities .
  • Are children who listen to music more intelligent than others?
  • Music genres are inherently dependent on musical instruments .
  • Is music as an art form more popular than cinema ?
  • Debate whether rap musicians promote a frivolous and careless lifestyle .
  • Many musicians became famous only because they’ve had connections.
  • Music festivals are the best form of entertainment.
  • Does music always sound better live than on records?
  • Is classical music better than modern genres?
  • Is it justified that some religions view music as a sin?
  • Typically, music defines a culture and its traditions: true or false?
  • Rap music has a strong connection to rebellious movements.
  • Jamaican music’s link to the stoner lifestyle is unjustified.
  • Synesthesia: how is music related to visuals?

Opinion on Music: Essay Topics

Opinion essays about music might seem similar to the argumentative type. Here, you are expected to write your personal opinion on a topic. Naturally, you can have many opinions on musical topics. Why not broadcast them? Keep in mind that you also need to provide reasons for your point of view.

  • Music therapy can help people with mental illnesses . It’s a well-known fact that music affects the human brain. This ability makes it perfect for treating mental health problems. On the one hand, psychologists established that listening to classical music increases one’s cognitive capacity . On the other hand, listening to heavy rock impacts responsiveness.
  • The questionable treatment of women in the music industry . While it may seem that both sexes are treated equally, women still earn much less than they deserve. Moreover, the extreme sexualization of girls persists as one of the most pressing problems in the industry.
  • Which musician or band impacted your worldview ? Discuss what makes your favorite artist special. Consider analyzing their lyrics, genre, and evolution. If you want to, add a review of one of their albums .
  • What are the challenges of being an independent artist? Typically, independent artists deal with all the financial, promotional, and distributional affairs by themselves. In the increasingly complex music business, this is not an easy task.
  • Is social media efficient for promotion? Almost every modern artist uses social media to promote their albums or songs. Users often check their networks for updates, which increases the musician’s visibility. But do such methods help in the long run?
  • Passion is the essential personal quality for every musician . If an artist is not eager to continually produce high-quality output, they’re unlikely to succeed. However, qualities such as responsibility, honesty, hard work, and creativity are also vital.
  • Is music good for stress relief?
  • How does music connect people ?
  • Analyze qualities that good musicians shouldn’t have.
  • Who are the most excellent musicians in the country genre ?
  • Is it possible to live without interacting with music ?
  • Choose three successful rappers and analyze their influence.
  • How can a musician become famous without having money or connections?
  • What are the difficulties of being in a band ?
  • Who impacted the development of indie music the most?
  • Is pop music losing its popularity? If so, why?
  • Three factors that affected your choice of a favorite genre .
  • Which artists are the most prominent in power metal?
  • Which record label is the most influential now?
  • Can Justin Bieber’s songs be considered legendary?
  • Did Kanye West introduce a new kind of rap?
  • Which rock bands lost their fame because of a scandal ? How did it happen?
  • Discuss Dire Straits’ impact on music history .
  • Who are currently the most successful women pop singers ?
  • Why are some music genres more popular than others?
  • What does success in the music world depend on ?

Topics for a Persuasive Essay about Music

Is there anything music-related you want to convince people of? A persuasive paper is your chance. Carefully craft your arguments to show your readers you’ve always been right about the beauty of cowbells. If it’s not your jam, consider these essay topics about music:

  • A seven-string guitar is superior to a six-string one. The additional string gives more room for creativity. It might be challenging to master, but in the end, the music has a fuller sound . Do you think it’s worth the effort?
  • The lyrics don’t matter as long as the melody is good. It’s possible to like songs from different countries, even if the listener doesn’t understand the language. The singing is simply part of the composition. Does this mean that what the vocalist says is unimportant?

The picture shows the information about the oldest surviving musical composition.

  • Most people living in big cities neglect country music. People from urban areas tend to think that country music is tasteless. For them, its tunes and lyrics sound too simple. Does the strong association with cowboys, farms, and long roads simply not appeal to the city lifestyle?
  • Should rap music be performed only by black people ? The genre hosts a large portion of African American artists . Not only that, but black rappers are widely considered the best of their craft. Do white artists do the genre justice?
  • Music that artists make merely to get money is soulless. Passion is a critical factor for every musician. If money is the primary driver for creating a song , the result is inevitably flawed. Do you agree?
  • Pop music is undergoing a transformation. Listeners acknowledge pop as the primary genre of contemporary music . Yet, new musical instruments are changing the game. Even the lyrics touch on more serious topics than before.
  • Indie is the new pop. Indie music is a relatively novel genre. Still, it continues to gain popularity. The light-hearted tunes paired with existential lyrics have captured the audience’s hearts. Is it possible to envision the future of music without bands such as Coldplay, The 1975, and the Arctic Monkeys?
  • The meaning of freedom for jazz as a musical genre .
  • Punk rock has recently witnessed a renaissance.
  • Exposing plants to classical music makes them grow faster.
  • Classical music: intellectually stimulating or relaxing ?
  • Is it justified that some countries legally prohibit artists from performing?
  • Is it easier for children to learn with music?
  • Can a person ever become a great artist without a natural talent ?
  • Should workplaces allow their employees to listen to background music ?
  • Jimi Hendrix’s guitar skills are still unmatched.
  • The impact of pop music on European culture and trends.
  • Kurt Cobain’s death should have been a wake-up call for the music industry .
  • Why is music beneficial to society?
  • Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan’s legacy can be felt even today.
  • Nintendocore is a legitimate genre that the industry should take more seriously.
  • Should you listen to a bands’ music even if you disagree with their opinions ?
  • Musicians should receive more government support.
  • Patriotic songs make people feel passionate and energetic about their country.
  • Depressive and sad tunes can worsen a person’s mood.
  • Doctors and therapists need to understand the importance of music .

Music Evaluation Essay Topics

Do you want to know how to evaluate music? The point is to divide your overall impression into several parts. Music evaluation requires much attention and concentration, so try to do your best to stay focused while listening.

Use these criteria for evaluating music performances:

Now all you need to do is choose a topic and get down to writing!

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  • Discuss the rise and fall of hardcore punk. Many bands that started in the hardcore punk scene softened their sound over time. Why did this genre disappear from the mainstream?
  • Copyright laws are going too far . It’s getting increasingly difficult to use somebody else’s intellectual property. Creators on YouTube have to fear lawsuits for creatively repurposing copyrighted music. Moreover, laws such as the DMCA are frequently abused to generate revenues.
  • More bands should use their influence for political purposes . Renowned artists have a broad reach. Bands like Rise Against or Anti Flag use this influence to raise political awareness among their fans. Is it a fair approach?
  • Borrowing and plagiarism in contemporary music . New artists don’t emerge without having listened to other musicians. They draw inspiration from their predecessors. Thus, songs are always a mix of already existing tracks. In your essay, discuss the difference between homage and plagiarism.
  • What are the similarities between poetry and song lyrics? Songs and poems are similar in that they deliver a message to the audience. Their creation demands extensive knowledge of rhyming, literary devices, and other components.
  • Why do some musicians ask others to write lyrics for them? It is a common practice to have a crew of songwriters who create texts for performers. Sometimes it happens due to a lack of imagination or inspiration. Does finding out that your favorite artist doesn’t write their lyrics destroy the magic of their music?
  • How can popular music diversify as a genre? Pop music reached its peak. Adding and borrowing elements from different genres can be one way to diversify a streamlined genre.
  • The history of music as political propaganda .
  • Explain the difference between high and low contemporary music culture .
  • How is contemporary music related to that from other periods?
  • What are the connections between pop music and the hip-hop genre?
  • What connects popular music and contemporary culture ?
  • How does music in the United States relate to Spanish music ?
  • Analyze the evolution of Indian music .
  • Discuss why certain albums manage to climb to the top of the charts.
  • The link between social classes and musical genres.
  • Differences and similarities of music and other art forms .
  • How does a musical instrument’s origin influence its development?
  • What is the role of traditional music today?

The picture shows a Victor Hugo quote about music.

  • What are the main processes in music production?
  • How is music theory relevant today?
  • Analyze which contemporary artists’ albums had an effect comparable to that of Queen’s A Night at the Opera .
  • Eurodance: Europe’s most extravagant genre.
  • Songs and everyday life of Michael Jackson vs. Madonna: who wins the ultimate pop crown?
  • What difficulties has Eminem faced throughout his career?
  • Over-ear headphones provide a better sound experience than on-ear ones.

Topics for an Expository Essay on Music

An expository essay explains or describes a subject. In the colorful world of music, topics can range from the physics of sound waves to artists’ social impact.

  • The importance of Blues music in the late 19 th century and now . Blues originated in the 19 th century American South. It was an outlet for African Americans to express their sorrows. Later, it exceeded by far the cultural boundaries that confined it.
  • The role of music in prison camps. Singing was an essential part of life in the Nazi concentration camps . One of the most well-known songs of that time is called Peat Bog Soldiers . In your expository essay, explore why prisoners started singing and how it developed.
  • How did Chester Bennington’s death impact the music industry? Linkin Park was a giant in the business for decades until depression made their lead singer take his own life. The event sparked debates surrounding mental health and pressure in the creative industry. What long-lasting effects did these discussions have?
  • How did Baroque music reflect the zeitgeist? Compared to the Renaissance period, Baroque was in all aspects very pompous. The artists of the Sun King’s time didn’t shy away from the extravaganza. This ideal is especially prominent in architecture. How does music fit into the picture?
  • Investigate the development of musical harmony. The Ancient Greeks already had an idea of some tones fitting together better than others. However, it wasn’t until the 1600s that tonality became a crucial part of music theory.
  • Music in commercials: an analysis. Songs and jingles are commonplace in TV commercials. But what are they good for? In your essay, you can compare the success of advertisements with and without music.
  • What causes music trends to change? It’s easy to define various eras of music . Naturally, the invention of new instruments has influenced this development. What other factors played a role in these transformations?
  • Why is 4/4 a universal beat?
  • Examine the origins of The Star-Spangled Banner .
  • The effects of dissonance on the human mind .
  • How do staccato, legato, and other forms of articulation influence the perception of a musical piece ?
  • Discuss the significance of music in video games .
  • Music drives people’s motivation.
  • Explain the calming effects of nature sounds .
  • How does music influence literature ?
  • Celtic music is known to have an extraordinary impact on the psyche. How does it work?
  • How does music impact the discharge of hormones such as dopamine?
  • Music therapy is suitable for those who have bipolar disorder .
  • What made Falco such a unique artist?
  • How does the perception of a silent film differ from that of a movie with sound?
  • A rock concert by Kansas: How the relevance of live concerts changed over time .
  • Is being able to read music important for a composer ?
  • How did Beethoven write music after losing his hearing?
  • Should all songs have proper rhythm and structure?
  • Why do so many indie artists become commercial?
  • Is it essential for song lyrics to rhyme?

History of Music: Essay Topics

If you’re interested in the evolution of music, you’ve come to the right section. Historical research reveals the significance of music throughout time. Unsurprisingly, songs and melodies have been part of human culture for centuries. Dive deeper into this exciting subject with one of the following ideas:

  • How did the Catholic Church influence music development in Europe? During the Middle Ages , religious movements had a significant impact on music. Consequently, composers used to create more sacred music. It became a way of personal expression since it often contained religious texts. 
  • The cultural meaning of Renaissance music and its influence on other styles . During the time of the Renaissance , sacred and secular music heavily impacted each other. As a result, more variety emerged. The chanson and madrigal, for example, became popular around Europe.
  • Research archaeological findings of early musicality. The search for the oldest musical instrument delivers thrilling insights. Archaeologists have excavated a flute made of ivory and bird bones, dating approximately 43,000 years ago. They found it in a cave in Germany where Neanderthals lived.
  • History of early music and appearance of musical instruments. The beginning of the human culture was the turning point of musical instruments’ appearance. They were primarily used for spiritual rites; typically, they were horns or drums for ceremonies.
  • Louis Armstrong’s contributions to the jazz world. Jazz originated in New Orleans and was a favorite among African Americans. Louis Armstrong’s improvisations forever changed the genre, making the soloist-improviser the center of the performance.
  • The phenomenon of pop music and its origins. Popular music dates back to the second half of the last century. It comes from the US and the UK. Its main peculiarity lies in the variety of tunes and lyrics .
  • Native American music before the discovery of the New World . Incas and Aztecs had particular styles of music. Findings show that these ancient civilizations used instruments for ceremonies. Researchers also discovered that various American cultures mingled, thus creating new techniques.
  • The use of string instruments in classical Greek songwriting.
  • Famous composers of 18th century Italy and their influence.
  • Mozart vs. Beethoven: comparison of techniques.
  • Deliver a thoughtful analysis of Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony .
  • What role do acoustic instruments play in jazz compositions ?
  • Explore the history of the Ocarina.
  • Due to what circumstances did Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart become one of the greatest musical geniuses in history?
  • Influence of the Romantic period on modern music .
  • How and why were the swing era and jazz connected?
  • Rock and roll as an international language in the 20th century.
  • Explore the rise of techno music.
  • Is there a historical connection between music and math ?
  • How did music become a staple subject in many schools?
  • The greatest musicians of World War I .
  • Industrialization and its effect on music development.
  • How did female producers such as Kate Bush impact the music industry ?
  • Analyze Frédéric Chopin’s contribution to classical music .
  • Music evolution in ancient Greece vs. the Roman Empire .
  • How does archeology help to uncover musical traditions ?
  • Tupac’s influence on modern rap music .

Classification Essay about Music: Topic Ideas

In a classification essay, you explain how a whole relates to parts or vice versa. To do it, you need to divide one broad category into several subcategories. Each classification paragraph focuses on one subcategory, so you need to find a key feature that will be your basis of division. For example, you can divide music by genre, volume, musical instruments, etc.

Here is our list of musical topics for this essay type:

  • The most popular types of alternative music among teenagers. Naturally, teens like different kinds of rock and experimental music . Try to dig deeper and ask some teenagers about their preferences to get a clear picture.
  • Types of modern dance music . Describe the tendencies and popular genres. You can also focus on a specific country.
  • The most popular types of jazz music in Europe . Although jazz emerged in the United States, this genre became recognizable all over the world. You can analyze the most popular streamed songs, or the concerts and other mass events.
  • Rock music in the ’70s. You can describe the genres, styles, or types of performers. The concerts, clothes, and lifestyles are also suitable for this topic.
  • Blues musicians of different time periods. Analyze the lyrics, the musical instruments they used, and how long their careers lasted.
  • Classification of music for children . Some of it can be for dancing, development, or just listening. Research the purposes of different kinds of music for children.
  • Types of music used in films. The soundtrack is one of the main things we remember after watching a movie. There can be popular songs or tracks composed specifically for a film .
  • Rock bands that represent different subgenres.
  • Rap subgenres in the United States.
  • Periods of classical music .
  • What motivates people to start a musical career?
  • Different kinds of music for relaxation.
  • The industries where composers work .
  • Types of opera singers and instrumental music .
  • Different professions in the music industry .
  • Unpopular genres of independent music.
  • Different types of music listeners .

College Essay about Music: Topics

When you apply to your dream college, you need to write an impressive essay. Admissions officers pay attention not only to your grades and achievements but also to your personality. Your writing can indicate your motivation, academic interests, and how well you fit into the college. Writing an essay about “music in my life” is a great way to demonstrate your passion and creativity.

Choose one of these topics related to music for your college essay:

  • The role of music in your life . Describe what music means to you, how often you listen to it, and how it helps you in life. For example, you can write about inspiration, motivation, or the sense of freedom that it gives you.
  • What are the essential aspects of music for you? Try to write down everything you like about music. It might be melodies, lyrics, vocals, or mood. You can choose several aspects if you feel that you can’t decide.
  • The time when music changed your life. In this essay, you can pick one occurrence or describe how music changed your life gradually. It’s important to indicate where you started from and where it led you.
  • How do you see the future of the music industry? Demonstrate to the admissions officer how well you know the art and the business.
  • Your role model in the music industry. You may write about the qualities of the person you admire and why you want to develop them in yourself. Remember that admission officers want to read about you, not your idol.
  • How did your musical taste change over the last ten years? Describe the evolution of your preferences. Explain why you have changed some of your past choices. Do you think your musical taste has improved?
  • Your favorite musical genre .
  • Does listening to music help to heal body and spirit?
  • What is the best music performance you have ever seen?
  • Why do people become fans of particular musicians?
  • Your favorite song lyrics .
  • Can people be judged by their musical taste?
  • Why is music an essential part of human culture?
  • Quote about music that appeals to you the most.
  • How can music education help you in the future?
  • Do you prefer listening to music or performing it?
  • How can music change your mood?
  • Why you want to become a musician.
  • Which culture has the most beautiful ethnical music ?
  • Is music more of an art or business?
  • What are the essential parts of musical education ?

Other Music Essay Topics

  • Why do supermarkets play music? Think of the reasons why marketers use music in advertising and how it impacts customer behavior.
  • An analysis of Robert Wise’s The Sound of Music . Evaluate how the director uses music to tell a story.
  • The impact of music on the human brain . Examine the latest research in the mental health field and how music therapy affects depression treatments.
  • The workings of the music industry . Assess how contemporary audio technology and touring lifestyle affect musicians.
  • The role of music in different cultures. Choose and compare two countries to analyze their perspectives on the music industry.
  • Music on television . Evaluate how the music of TV shows and movies impacts the audience’s feelings and behavior.
  • Oliver Sacks’ contribution to music psychology. Explore the theories he discusses in Musicophilia and describe its influence on music psychology.
  • Should all music be available for free download? Think about the ethical and legal aspects of this issue.
  • How did music psychology help the development of music education ? Try to find a correlation between these two fields.
  • Britney Spears and the adverse effects of teen popularity. Writing about this topic, you might want to focus on how her early fame affected her life. What happened after her famous breakdown in 2007?
  • The half-life of one-hit-wonders. Focus your paper on quantitative research. How long do one-hit-wonders stay famous on average? Why do they fail to maintain their success?
  • Journalism and the music industry. Examine the effects positive or negative press had on a musician of your choice.
  • Festivals and sponsorship. Discuss the benefits that corporate sponsors and the creators of music festivals gain from working together.
  • Rock songs and pessimistic lyrics. Why do most popular rock songs have such sad and angry lyrics?
  • Discuss the development of your music taste. Write about what pushed you to change and how it influenced your life.
  • The psychology of music. Examine what someone’s favorite music genre can tell about their personality.
  • Is ASMR music? ASMR artists make quiet sounds to soothe their audience. But can we really consider it music?
  • A historical analysis of jazz. Explore how African Americans influenced the flourishing culture of jazz that has spread worldwide.
  • The effect of classical music on children’s cognitive abilities. Supposedly, classical music is great for kids. Study this theory and make your conclusions.
  • Discuss the characteristics of modern Latin American music . Dive into its diversity and describe the reasons for its popularity.
  • How do Chinese artists make traditional music? Write about its complex creation process. Analyze the importance of articulation for composers.
  • The history of music . With this essay, explore the six periods of music history. To top it off, you can predict what music will be like in the future.
  • The music industry goes online. Discuss the importance of the internet for the industry and the challenges associated with it.
  • The magic of instrumental music. Pick your favorite orchestra pieces and find unique features in each of them.
  • Musical education: the sound of success? Does everyone need a musical background?
  • Explore the latest techniques in songwriting . Look into the song creation process of contemporary musicians. How do they get the audience to enjoy their art?
  • Compare and contrast e-pianos and keyboards . In doing so, consider their structure, sound, and features.
  • The Woodstock festival as a game-changer. How has the Woodstock Music and Art Fair influenced the current state of the music industry? Additionally, investigate how current festivals hold up to the standards set by Woodstock.
  • Music therapy for stroke patients . Find out whether incorporating elements of music therapy can support the treatment of patients who suffered a stroke.
  • How do amplifiers work? If you’re a musician, you’ve likely used an amplifier before. Now it’s time to figure out what they are actually doing.
  • The Killers’ contributions to indie rock. How would you define their style of music? What makes them a key player in indie music?
  • Analyze the music in Grease . Pick some of the most popular songs from the musical and write about their influence on American culture.
  • What’s the best way to interpret songs? Describe methods to deconstruct songs and how the music style affects this process.
  • Teufel vs. Sennheiser: the ultimate comparison. German sound equipment manufacturers are known for their cutting-edge technologies . But which brand is the best?
  • What role does harmony play in music composition? Choose several pieces of music and describe how the artists used harmony.
  • How necessary are double bass drums? Do musicians place them on stage just to impress people, or do they have actual use?
  • Compare regular festivals and free ones. Why spend hundreds of dollars on Coachella if you can go to Woodstock for free? In your essay, focus on the differences such as size, participating artists, and general entertainment .
  • A historical analysis of choral music. Singing in groups is a practice common across various cultures . You might choose one or two to work on.
  • How did The Rolling Stones influence British culture? The Rolling Stones are one of the longest-standing rock bands of all time. Naturally, this left significant marks on their home country.
  • How important are regional accents for English-language singers ? When working on this theoretical topic, include some examples and your personal opinion.
  • The world of musical instruments: medieval music . This fun essay can focus on different types of medieval instruments and their evolution.
  • Does the creative process differ for electronic and acoustic music? Look at how artists usually write songs. Do they start with the melody, the rhythm, or the lyrics? Does it depend on the medium?
  • The correlation between poems and medieval songs. Find out how composers were reinventing poetry to create songs.
  • Hip-hop and gender equality . What is the role of women in the development of this music style? Don’t forget to give examples.
  • When politics interferes with art: Eurovision. Analyze the role of the political situation in this song contest. Is there anything left of its original idea?
  • How did Vladimir Vysotsky become a beloved musical figure outside of Soviet Russia? It’s unusual for Russian-language musicians to gain fame outside of their home country. Research how Vysotsky managed to mingle in the USA and have some of his work posthumously released in Europe.
  • K-pop conquers the world . You may narrow the topic down to a specific artist. Focus on the influence of Korean music in other cultures.
  • Music school students vs. amateurs. Discuss the different experiences and outcomes of music school students and those who learn to play instruments at home.
  • Do music choices shape one’s identity , or is it the other way around? It’s an exciting question that lets you dig deep into the psychology of music.
  • The music of dissents. Energizing songs play an essential part in rebellions and revolutions. For example, analyze how protesters used music during the Arab Spring .
  • The development and popularity of electronic music . Starting from the early experiments, analyze the development of this style and its increasing influence
  • How do artists use social media to promote their music? You might want to choose one or two examples to illustrate the tools they use.
  • Organum as one of the oldest written types of music . Study the development of this music style throughout various cultures.
  • The appeal of Metallica’s Nothing Else Matters. Many people consider the song one of their favorites. Examine its structure , melody, and lyrics. What makes it unique?
  • Africa’s hidden musical gems. African music is as diverse as its people. Pick two countries and compare their style. How do they differ from Western art ?
  • Did people’s music tastes improve compared to previous decades? Here, you have the chance to express your views on the evolution of people’s music preferences.
  • Is the life of pop stars as easy as people think? Share your thoughts on whether famous musicians and singers have a leisurely lifestyle.
  • Physiological reactions to different types of music . Study how your body reacts to various beats and tones.
  • Why do people tend to listen to specific songs on certain occasions? In your essay, ponder the effects of love songs or powerful anthems on one’s mood .
  • What does someone’s ringtone say about their personality ? Think about how it affects your perception of a person.
  • The impact of music on the individual’s productivity . Studies suggest a positive effect on people’s performance when they listen to something pleasant while working. But all the noise can get overstimulating. That’s why finding the balance is central.
  • Music is natural. In the depth of nature, there is music. Rain, a bird’s song, or the tapping of a squirrel’s feet melt together to create a beautiful composition . Music is everywhere—one only needs to listen carefully.

If you haven’t found what you’re looking for, you’re welcome to use our topic generator .

✍️ Music Essay: How to Write

So, you have chosen your essay title. Now it’s time to start writing! But before you begin, read the sections below and learn how to organize your work.

How to Describe Music in Writing

You might think that writing about music is like dancing about architecture. Well, it is not an easy task, but we know how to cope with it.

Follow these tips while writing:

  • Make a comparison.  Explain which characteristics of a piece remind you or are identical to those of another one. It’s better to avoid comparing music from different composers in this case. Instead, evaluate and analyze two musical pieces from the same composer.
  • Describe the melody and dynamics.  You may want to use musical terms to show your knowledge and proficiency. Define the genre and what kind of instruments and tones are used.
  • Explain how it makes you feel.  You can use basic human emotions to describe the feelings of a listener. For example, it can be anger, tenderness, irritation, excitement, or nostalgia.
  • Use metaphorical language.  You may try using your imagination to create analogies. Be careful not to make your metaphors overcomplicated, as it may confuse the readers.

Essays about Music: Descriptive Words

Do you want your essay on music to be interesting and expressive? Then you may want to use descriptive vocabulary. Here are some of the terms that you can use in your essay to make it sound more professional:

  • Tempo is the “speed” of music. There are fixed expressions to define tempo—for example, largo, moderate, or presto. You can also describe how fast the music feels.
  • Timbre is the term that evaluates the “color” of music. Even if two instruments play the same note of the same volume, the sound is still different. This is how you can notice the color of the tone. For example, gentle, clear, heavy, or warm can be the adjectives to describe timbre.
  • Dynamics define the volume levels of music. The volume can be the same all the time, for example loud or soft. If the volume of music changes, you can use such expressions as “gradually gets louder” “or suddenly becomes soft.”
  • Harmony characterizes how all the notes and chords sound together. The sequence of chords—chord progression—defines how satisfying the melody is for the listener. For example, if the transitions are smooth, you can use such words as “relaxed” or “warm.”

Music Essay Outline

Like any other assignment, writing about music requires a proper essay outline that will guide you through the writing. The following sections will help you with that.

Before you start, here are some tips that will help you prepare for writing:

  • Do some prior research. Try to learn as much as possible about the piece you will be writing about. It’s also helpful to listen to the music several times with headphones to notice more details.
  • Don’t be afraid of asking questions. Consult your instructor if you’re unsure about your topic or the piece you have chosen.
  • Choose the topic that you like. If you’re passionate about a subject, it is always easier to write about it. Who said that homework could not be interesting?
  • Follow the recommendations that your instructor gives. It includes word limit, formatting style, deadline, and essay type.

Music Essay Introduction

The introduction is the section where you come up with a brief explanation of the topic. You may start it with a quotation, definition, or short statement that catches your reader’s attention and leads them to the essay subject.

A thesis statement is usually the last sentence of the introduction that defines the content of body paragraphs. It needs to be specific and not longer than two sentences. If you decide to shift the focus of your essay while writing, it’s crucial to change your thesis too.

Different types of essays require different thesis statements. Let’s take a closer look:

Music Essay Body

Your essay’s body is the most significant part of your writing. Here, you provide evidence and explanations of your claims.

The typical body paragraph structure includes:

  • A topic sentence explaining the argument for a particular paragraph.
  • An introduction to the evidence you gathered to support an argument.
  • Quotes and facts (don’t forget about proper citation!) and their explanation.
  • A connection between the evidence and the essay topic.
  • Paragraph transitions  leading your reader to the next section.

Topic Sentence about Music

Topic sentences can be used as a roadmap to writing your essay. Each body paragraph begins with a topic sentence that defines what the paragraph is about. It introduces the argument or main thought that will be explained. It’s also connected with the thesis statement.

It’s essential to make your thesis easy to understand, so it’s better not to overcomplicate it. For example, here’s an unsuccessful topic sentence with unnecessary words:

As stated above, the guitar is an essential musical instrument in rock music that defines how it sounds.

Instead, you can formulate it like this:

The guitar is the most iconic musical instrument in rock music that defines how it sounds.

Music Essay Conclusion

When writing a conclusion for your essay on music, you can use the following structure:

  • Summarize the text in a few sentences.
  • Review the key points of your paper.
  • Paraphrase the thesis.

To make your essay conclusion more effective, avoid the following:

📑 What Music Means to Me: Essay Example

Now you know all about writing an essay on music! To make it even easier for you, we’ve prepared an essay sample that you can use for inspiration. Check it out:

Now all you need is to turn the music on and get down to writing! We hope you liked this guide. If you did, don’t hesitate to share it with your friends.

Further reading:

  • How to Write a Good Critique Paper: Killer Tips + Examples
  • How to Write an Art Critique Essay: Guidelines and Examples
  • How to Write a Movie Critique Paper: Top Tips + Example
  • Modern Fairy Tale Essay: How to Write, Topics and Ideas
  • 200 Creative Topics for Opinion Essays
  • 182 Free Ideas for Argumentative or Persuasive Essay Topics
  • 180 Excellent Evaluation Essay Topics

✏️ Music Essay FAQ

Music is a vast topic. An essay might deal with anything ranging from trends in the 1950s to the best guitarists of all time. Writing an introduction to certain music styles or bands is also possible. In any case, the paper should be well-structured, logical, and cohesive.

Writing about music doesn’t necessarily require any specific skills. If you’re not familiar with the theory of music and can’t play musical instruments, you can just write about the music you like. Here are some topic ideas: favorite music band, style, or how you perceive music.

You can interpret music as a topic in various ways. If you are getting a degree in this field, you might want to write something more specific and technical. If your essay aims to merely inform and entertain, write about your favorite music style or band.

If you are writing an essay for school, a good choice would be an expository essay. It doesn’t require any specific knowledge of the music industry. Title suggestions might be: “My perception of music,” “My favorite band,” “How music can change the world.”

  • What is the Music Industry? Definition and Facts: Study.com
  • What Music Do You Write To?: Writers & Artists
  • A Music Review: British Council
  • Music: UNC Writing Center: University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
  • Sound and Sense: Writing about Music: Colorado State University
  • Music analysis Research Papers: Academia.edu
  • The Power of Music Therapy: Belmont University
  • Musicology: Northwestern Bienen School of Music
  • Musicology: Areas of Study: Indiana State University
  • Music Facts: Facts.net
  • Music History from Primary Sources: Library of Congress
  • Music: Encyclopedia Britannica
  • A History of Classical Music: Part 1: The List
  • What Is Jazz: Smithsonian Institution
  • The 50 Greatest Composers of All Time: Classical Music
  • Musical Terms and Concepts: SUNY Potsdam
  • Ethnomusicology: University of Oxford
  • Music Research Process: Syracuse University
  • Journal of Popular Music Studies: University of California Press
  • The History of Pop Music in 5 Defining Decades: The Culture Trip
  • Music of the 20 th Century: Lumen Learning
  • Explainer: Indie Music: The Conversation
  • Your Brain on Music: University of Central Florida
  • Music and Health: Harvard University
  • The Psychological Function of Music Listening: NIH
  • Essays that Worked: Hamilton
  • Writing in Music: Writing Thesis Statements: The City University of New York
  • Academic Writing about Music: University of Denver
  • How to Write Song Lyrics: Berklee
  • Essay Introduction: University of Maryland
  • Tips and Examples for Writing Thesis Statements: Purdue University
  • Writing Body Paragraphs: Monash University
  • Some Tips for Writing Efficient, Effective Body Paragraphs: University of California, Berkeley
  • Writing a Paper: Conclusions: Walden University
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Thank you very much for this post on music essay writing! You don’t know how long I looked for the helpful information on writing music essays!

Music takes an important part in my life. I wake up and go to bed listening to music. And now when I’m writing my music essay, I also listen to music. And it’s also a pleasure to read an article on how to write an essay on music!

Good Hooks for Essays: 14 Hook Ideas with Examples

Now here’s the clue.

If you want to wow your teacher, polish the introduction. Add something interesting, funny, shocking, or intriguing. Good essay hooks help you build an emotional connection right from the start. Think of an essay hook as bait for your readers.

Our expert team has prepared numerous examples of hooks for essays. You’ll find hook examples for an argumentative essay, personal story, history essay, and other types of papers.

For 100% clarity, we provided examples using each hook tactic. And a short part about how to write a good hook.

Teacher: "I won't forgive you for this essay."  Student: "But you gave me an A. What's wrong with it?"  Teacher: "I couldn't stop reading it, and I burned my dinner."

  • 💎 What Exactly Is a Hook & How to Write a Good One
  • 📜 Examples of Classical Essay Hooks
  • 💡 Try Some Informative Essay Hooks
  • 🦄 Here are the Most Uncommon Essay Hooks

✅ Good Hooks for Essays: Bonus Tips

  • 🔗 References for More Information

We highly recommend reading all the methods and examples, so you don’t have any questions.

💎 How to Write a Hook That Will Work for Your Essay?

The hook of your essay usually appears in the very first sentence.

The average length of an essay hook should be 3-7 sentences, depending on the topic.

But first, let’s quickly go through the key questions.

What Is an Essay Hook?

An essay hook (or narrative hook) is a literary technique that writers use to keep their readers engaged. It shows that the content below is worth reading.

The hook can have different lengths. Some writers make it last for several pages. Though, it better be a short paragraph or even a sentence.

Why Do You Need a Good Essay Hook?

Writing the right hook is essential for a few reasons:

  • It heats up your readers’ interest. If you did it right, they read the whole piece.
  • It shows off your skills . A right hook presents you as an expert in your field.
  • It attracts target audience. Only the readers you want will keep reading.
  • It keeps the tension on the right level. Use an intriguing question, and a reader dies to find out the answer.
  • It makes a good introduction. Starting your essay off a boring fact is simply not a good idea.

How to Write a Good Hook: Ideas and Examples

Next, we will discuss these hook types in more detail. We’ll also provide essay hook examples of less common yet intriguing types: dialogue, story, contradiction, comparison, definition, metaphor, puzzle, announcement, and background information hooks.

💬 The Famous Quote Hook

Use a famous quote as a hook for your essay on history, literature, or even social sciences. It will present you as an established writer. It shows how knowledgeable you are and motivates the readers to engage in the text.

⬇️ Check out examples below ⬇️

Quote Hook Example: Political Science

Hilary Clinton once said that "there cannot be true democracy unless women's voices are heard." Which creates a discussion about how perfect democracy should look like. If it is a form of government that considers all opinions, why are women silenced so often even nowadays? The truth is that we need to ensure completely equal opportunities for women in politics before we talk about establishing the correct version of democracy. And even the most developed and progressive countries are still struggling to get to that level of equality. It can be achieved by various methods, even though they might only work in certain countries.

Social Sciences

"Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country." These words of wisdom from John Kennedy reflect the perspective we need to teach the younger generations. For some reason, it has become popular to blame the government for any problem arising in society. Is it their fault that we don't think about waste and keep trashing our home? Social responsibility is a real thing. The well-being of our countries starts with the actions of every separate individual. It is not entirely right to wait until the government fixes all the issues for us. The best strategy is to start thinking about what we can do as a community to make our home even a better place.

And excellent sources of quotes for you:

  • Brainyquote.com – you can search quotes by topic or by author.
  • Goodreads.com is not only a great collection of e-books but also quotes.
  • Quoteland.com has plenty of brilliant words for all imaginable situations.
  • Quotationspage.com – more than 30,000 quotations for unique essay hooks.

❓Rhetorical Question Essay Hooks

It doesn’t have to be rhetorical – any type of question addressed to your audience will do its job. Such a universal kind of hook can spike the interest of your readers immediately.

Some useful patterns of rhetorical questions:

  • What could be more important than…?
  • What if there was only one… (chance/day/hour)?
  • Who wouldn’t like to… (be a cat/turn visitors into clients)?
  • Why bother about… (inequality/imperfect education system)?
  • Which is more important: … (making money or realizing potential)?

And more in examples:

Example of a Question Hook on Education

Wouldn't free access to education for everyone be wonderful? The answer would most likely be positive. However, it is not as simple as it seems. As much as the governments try to achieve this goal, there are still many uneducated people. On the bright side, in the era of technology, learning has never been so easy. Of course, some young adults just prefer the shortcut option of taking a student loan. Other ways are much more challenging and require a lot of responsibility and patience. Finding free educational resources online and gaining experience with the help of video tutorials might sound unprofessional. Still, you will be surprised how many experts hired in different fields only received this type of education.

Question Hook Example: Health

Is there anything that can help you lose weight fast? You have probably heard of this magical keto diet that is getting more and more popular worldwide. People claim that it helps them shred those excess pounds in unbelievably short terms. But how healthy is it, and does it suit anyone? The truth is that no diet is universal, and thanks to our differences, some weight-loss methods can even be harmful. Keto diet, for example, leads your body into the state of ketosis. What happens is that you don't receive carbohydrates, and in this state, fat is used as the primary source of energy instead them. However, it carries potential threats.

😂 Anecdotal Essay Hooks

This type would usually be more suitable for literary pieces or personal stories. So, don’t use it for formal topics, such as business and economics. Note that this hook type can be much longer than one sentence. It usually appears as the whole first paragraph itself.

It wouldn't be Kate if she didn't do something weird, so she took a stranger for her best friend this time. There is nothing wrong with it; mistakes like that happen all the time. However, during only five minutes that Kate spent with the stranger, she blabbed too much. Thinking that she sat down at the table that her friend took, Kate was so busy starting on her phone that she didn't notice that it wasn't her friend at all. Sure enough, the naive girl started talking about every little detail of her last night that she spent with her date. It was too much for the ears of an old lady. Kate realized she took the wrong table only when it was too late.

Literature (personal story)

Do not ever underestimate the power of raccoons! Those little furry animals that may look overly cute are too smart and evil. It only takes one box of pizza left outside your house by the delivery person for the disaster to begin. When they smell that delicious pizza, no doors can stop them. They will join the forces to find a hole in your house to squeeze into. Even if it's a window crack four feet above the ground, they know how to get to it. Using their fellow raccoons as the ladder, they get inside the house. They sneak into the kitchen and steal your pizza in front of your eyes and your scared-to-death dog. Not the best first day in the new home, is it? 

📈 Fact or Statistic Hook

Looking deeper into your essay topic, you might find some numbers that are quite amusing or shocking. They can serve as perfect hooks for economics- and business-oriented writings. Also, it is better if they are less known.

Business/social sciences

The UAE workforce is culturally diverse since around 20% of employees (usually called expatriates) come from different countries. Ex-pats tend to take managerial positions, which makes communication within companies quite tricky. The training focused on raising cultural awareness is getting more common, but such educational strategies as games (or gamification) are still rarely applied in the UAE companies. Yet, gamification was a useful tool in other places, making it an attractive UAE team building method. It can significantly help integrate ex-pats and create a more culturally aware environment.

The full version of this paper is here: Gamification and Cross-Cultural Communication in Dubai

Statistic Hook Example in Economics

The United Arab Emirate's debt has been rising drastically in past years, from about US$17 billion in 2003, which is almost 19 percent of GDP, to US$184 billion in 2009. Only a small proportion of the debt can be tracked directly to the public sector. A report by UBS bank shows that most of the debt comes from the corporate sector. Most of the companies that hold the main section of the debt are financial institutions. The public sector partly owns them. Banks in the UAE have been accumulating their debt amounts in the years mentioned above and could now account for 75 percent of the total foreign debt. The discussion is about the reasons why the UAE debt has been rising at an alarming rate.

Check the whole essay Debts in the United Arab Emirates .

Some good sources for statistics

  • Finance.yahoo.com is perfect for business papers.
  • Usa.gov/statistics is an easy-to-use governmental engine for searching data and stats.
  • Unstats.un.org provides a massive collection of statistics published by UN organizations
  • Oecd-ilibrary.org is the online library of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), featuring its books, papers, and statistics and is a gateway to the OECD’s analysis and data.

🤯 Shocking Facts are Very Good Hooks for Essays

Very similar to a statistical hook, a fact can serve as a perfect engaging introduction. Search your field for some shocking phenomenon and gently insert it in the beginning.

Don’t forget to include a reliable source reinforcing your words!

Fact Hook Example in Economics

Nowadays, much attention is paid to the problem of shark finning around the world. Millions of sharks are killed annually for their fins, and many of them are dropped back to the ocean finless, where they die because of suffocation. In many countries, the idea of shark finning remains illegal and unethical, but the possibility of earning huge money cannot be ignored (Dell'Apa et al. 151). Regarding available technologies, market economies, trade relations, and cheap employment, it does not take much time to organize special trips for shark hunting. The Trade of shark fins is alive and well developed in countries like the United States and China. However, the number of people who are eager to try shark fin soup has considerably decreased during the last several years because of the popularity of anti-shark fin soup campaigns and laws supported worldwide (Mosbergen). The situation continues to change in China.

Read the full paper about China Southern Airlines being against shark finning .

Daniel Stacey and Ross Kelly observed that long lines and a new gray market trend for bigger screen phones marked Apple's new iPhones debut. As expected, new phone models drew Apple fans outside retail stores (Stacey and Kelly). Global critics, however, noted that this year's lines were generally longer relative to previous periods mainly because of the developing gray market for Apple products. The new Apple's iPhones have larger screens than the previous models. Also, they boast of improved battery life, faster processors, and an enhanced camera. Tim Cook called them "mother of all upgrades" (Stacey and Kelly).

For the whole text, go to Apple’s New iPhones Start Selling in Stores” by Stacey and Kelly

Sources to look for reliable facts:

  • Buzzfeed.com – news, videos, quizzes.
  • Cracked.com – a website full of funny stuff, like articles, videos, pictures, etc.
  • Webmd.com – an incredible collection of medical facts you will love.
  • Livescience.com – discoveries hitting on a broad range of fields.
  • National Geographic – needs no introduction.
  • Mental Floss answers life’s big questions, a compilation of fascinating facts and incredible stories.

🗣️ Dialogue as a Catchy Hook for Essays

Dialogue is another type of hooks that goes perfectly with pieces of literature and stories. It can even make your short essay stand out if you include it at the beginning. But don’t forget that it only concerns specific topics such as literature and history.

Here it is:

Dialogue Hook Example in Literature

– Why did you do it? – I don't know anymore… That's why I'm leaving for a little bit right now. I need time to think.

With these words, Anna stepped back into the train car and waved goodbye to Trevor. She couldn’t even find the right words to explain why she ran away on her wedding day. It wasn’t that she didn’t love Trevor, but there was this deep, natural, and unexplored feeling that told her it wasn’t time yet. But the only thing Anna realized was that the city made her sick. That day, she took off her wedding dress, bought a ticket on the next flight leaving that afternoon, and hopped on the train taking her to the airport. She couldn’t even remember the country’s name she was going to so blurry everything was from her tears.

Dialogue Hook for History Essay

– If we still had inquisition, we could probably set him on fire. – Some dark magic, indeed, my friend! It would have probably been a real dialogue if we knew who was the first automobile inventor for sure. People were undoubtedly shocked to see the cars moving by themselves without horses. However, since they started appearing around the globe around the same time, it is almost impossible to identify who was the original creator of the idea and the first automobile itself. The credit was usually given to Karl Benz from Germany, who created a gasoline car in 1885-1886. But there are also much earlier records of a gentleman named Nicolas-Joseph Cugnot, who built the first vehicle powered by steam in France in 1769.

🔮 A Story Looks Like an Extremely Good Essay Hook

A universal essay hook is a story. You can use this trick pretty much anywhere. The main challenge is to be as authentic as possible, try to tell something fresh and engaging. The more specific and narrow the story, the more chances for a successful introduction.

Story Hook Example for an Essay on Business

Dell started fast and strong. The original company was founded in 1984 when the founder was only a 19-year-old student at the University of Texas. Four years after the inception of the company, Michael Dell became the Entrepreneur of the Year. Eight years after he started the company from his dorm room's comfort, Dell was chosen as the Man of the Year by PC Magazine. […] The company was acknowledged as the world's leading direct marketer of personal computers. At the same time, Dell was known as one of the top five PC vendors on the planet (Hunger 9). […] However, the company's journey encountered a major hurdle down the road. Even after recovering from an economic recession in 2010, the company continued to experience declining sales.

Continue reading Dell Technologies Mission, Vision, and Values .

🦚 Contradictory Statement – Queen of Good Hooks

Everybody loves to start an argument by contradicting some facts. Therefore, you simply need to add a controversial statement at the beginning of your essay. People of all ages and beliefs will not be able to stop reading it!

Challenging your readers works well for social sciences, business, and psychology topics.

Examples of contradictory statements essay hooks:

If you think being a manager is a calm and relatively easy task, try surviving on five cups of coffee, a sandwich, and two packs of cigarettes a day. You would rather believe that managers only walk around the office and give their staff orders, wouldn't you? Unfortunately, the reality is much harsher than such rainbowy dreams. The use of the internet in academic contexts is on the rise, and its role in learning is hotly debated. For many teachers who did not grow up with this technology, its effects seem alarming and potentially harmful. A whole set of personal qualities and professional skills must keep up with the successful strategic planning, assessment, and development. All the tasks the managers need to attend to are nerve-wracking and sometimes almost impossible to do. The stress from the demanding managerial position is often overlooked or underestimated.

Social sciences

Video games have been ruining our kids' lives and leading to an increase in crime. Since the gaming industry's development in recent years, the fear of its adverse effects on the younger generations' brains has become a significant concern. There is such a wide variety of games, ranging from educational to violent shooters and horrors. Almost immediately, caring parents jumped on the latter category, claiming that its impact is too significant and children become more aggressive and uncontrollable. Some supporters of this theory went even further. They decided to link real-life crimes to the effects of violent video games on child and adult behavior. However, as we will see later in this article, there is no or little scientific evidence supporting those ideas.

🔁 Vivid Comparison Essay Hook

Introducing your topic with an engaging, vivid comparison is a universal strategy. It is suitable for any kind of writing. The main idea is to grab your readers’ attention by showing them your unique perspective on the topic. Try to make the comparison amusing and exciting.

Comparison Essay Hook Options:

  • Comparison with daily chores (e.g., Proofreading your essays is like cleaning your teeth.)
  • Comparison with something everyone hates (e.g., Learning grammar is like going to the dentist.)
  • Comparison with something everyone loves (e.g., John was happy like a child eating a free vanilla ice cream.)
  • Comparison of modern and old-school phenomena (e.g., Modern email has much in common with pigeon post.)
  • Funny comparison (e.g., Justin Bieber is the Michael Jackson of his time)

Check out examples:

Environment

For many people, flying feels like a dream come true. More and more people take their first-ever flight thanks to the rapidly developing aviation technologies. Aircraft and airports are advancing, and air traveling is getting cheaper. However, except for transporting eager travel addicted and business people, planes are used in other ways. It appears that the whole economies across the world depend on the effectiveness and efficiency of airlines. Import and export demand this kind of transportation to work at all times. Aviation development seems like a great thing. However, just like any other technological breakthrough, it comes with a price. Environmental issues did not wait too long to show up.

Social sciences/psychology

Leaving home for the first time as a freshman can only be compared to the level of stress you had in childhood when your mother left you in the line at the checkout for too long. Indeed, becoming a student and moving out of the parent's house comes with a great deal of stress. All the unknown that lies ahead makes youngsters too anxious. Then, the difficulties of financial planning and increased academic pressure come as additional sources of worries. However, it does not have to be such a negative experience. Particular techniques can help students overcome their stress related to the separation from their parents.

📄 Definitions = Easy & Good Hooks for Essays

Another versatile essay hook option is introducing a qualitative definition. Try to make it capacious, and don’t fall into verbal jungles. This narrative hook is perfect for short scientific papers where there is only one focus subject.

Business Ethics

White-collar crime refers to the peaceful offense committed with the intention of gaining unlawful monetary benefits. There are several white-collar crimes that can be executed. They include extortion, insider trading, money laundering, racketeering, securities fraud, and tax evasion. Enron Company was an American based energy company. It was the largest supplier of natural gas in America in the early 1990s. The company had a stunning performance in the 1990s. Despite the excellent performance, stakeholders of the company were concerned about the complexity of the financial statements. The company's management used the complex nature of the financial statements and the accounting standards' weaknesses to manipulate the financial records. The white-collar crime was characterized by inflating the asset values, overstating the reported cash flow, and failure to disclose the financial records' liabilities. This paper carries out an analysis of the Enron scandal as an example of white-collar crime as discussed in the video, The Smartest Guys in the Room.

Go to see the full text here: Enron Company’s Business Ethics .

Motivation is the act of influencing someone to take any action to achieve a particular goal (Montana& Chanov, 2008). Employees' motivation depends on the job's nature, the company's organizational culture, and personal characteristics. In this case study, various theories influence and show how employees can be motivated in the workplace.

Continue reading this paper about Motivation Role in Management .

📚 Metaphor Hook for Essays

Naturally, using a metaphor as a hook for your essay comes with some limitations. You should only use this type in literature and sometimes in psychology. However, it serves as a great attention grabber if it’s engaging enough.

Let’s see how you can use a metaphor:

When life gives you dirt, don't try to squeeze the juice out of it. It's better to leave it alone and let it dry out a bit. Kate decided to follow this philosophy since nothing else seemed to work. After the painful divorce process, last week's ridiculous work assignments and managing two kids alone almost drove her crazy. No polite discussions, arguing, or bribing helped take care of seemingly a million tasks these little women had to deal with. Even letting out the anger just like her phycologist recommended did not help much. Instead, Kate referred to the last remedy. She put all the issues aside with the hope that it would get better later.

The recipe is relatively easy – take a cup of self-respect, two cups of unconditional love, half a cup of good health, a pinch of new positive experiences, and mix it all for a perfect state of happiness! We all wish it would be possible, right? However, the mystery of this state of being happy is still unsolved. The concept and its perception considerably change depending on time and values. Happiness is so complicated that there is even no universal definition of it. Besides, humans are social creatures, so associating your level of success with others is not unusual. Therefore, being happy means achieving a certain level of several aspects.

🧩 Puzzle? Yes! Amazing Hook for Your Essay

Doesn’t a good riddle grab your attention? Sometimes you just want to find out the answer. The other times, you want to figure out how it is related to the topic. Such a hook would be great for writings on psychology and even economics or business.

Here are the examples:

How many Google office employees you need to destroy a box of fresh donuts? Google is indeed famous for some of the most accommodating and unique working places around the whole world. However, the success of the company does not only appear from treats for employees. It seems that the organizational culture has many effects on business decisions and overall performance. All the staff working in Google share the same visions and values, helping them cooperate and lead the company to success. However, there is one aspect to consider. The organizational culture needs to be adapted to the ever-changing business environment.

Who survives on dirt-like substance, is never joyful, and only returns to the cave to sleep? It sounds horrible, but the correct answer is human. Nowadays, the demands for any kind of workers are rising, which brings tremendous effects on people. As the number of duties increases, it is getting harder for employees not to chug on coffee and come back home in time for a family dinner. The work-life balance is disturbed, leading to anxiety, relationship issues, and even health problems. Social life appears to be as important as making money. Therefore, the correct distribution of time between personal life and work duties is necessary for happiness.

📢 Announcement Is Also a Good Essay Hook Option

Announcements could be suitable for literary pieces and historical essays.

Such a hook doesn’t have to be too long. It should be significant enough to persuade your readers to stick to your writing. Make sure it aligns with your topic as well.

Ways to use announcements as essay hooks:

It was a revolution! The Beatle's first song came out in 1962, and almost immediately, hordes of fans pledged their loyalty to this new band. Nearly all youngsters became obsessed with their music. No one can deny that the Beatles are still considered the creators of some of the best songs in history. However, the arrival of the British band influences culture as well. Many photos depict girls going crazy on live concerts and guys shaping their haircuts after the Beatles' members. The revolution that the band brought left an impact, evidence that we can still trace in modern British culture and music.

I will never go to Starbucks again! Oh, no, mind me. I love their coffee. At some point in my life, I even thought I had an addiction and had to ask my friends to watch my consumption of Pumpkin Spice Latte. Then, the wind of change turned everything upside down. On my usual Starbucks morning run, I noticed a homeless man holding a paper cup begging for money. At first, I didn't pay much attention since it's a usual occurrence in our area. However, one day, I recognized my old neighbor in him. The only cash I had on me, I usually spent on my cup of coffee, but I decided it was not much of a sacrifice. From that moment, I only showed up on that street to shove a few bucks into that poor guy's cup. One day, to my surprise, he talked to me.

ℹ️ Background Information Essay Hook

Last but not least, give background information on your subject to make a good intro. Such an essay hook is effortless and suitable for practically any paper. Try to find the most unobvious angle to the background information. At the same time, keep it short and substantive.

Here are the ways to use background information essay hooks:

Air Arabia is among the leading low-cost carriers in the global airline industry. The airline is mainly based at the Sharjah International Airport in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) (Air Arabia, 2012). The airline came into inception in 2003 after His Highness Dr. Sheik Mohammed Al Qassimi, the Ruler of Sharjah, issued an Emiri Decree. Later, Air Arabia was transformed into a limited liability company. For nearly a decade, Air Arabia has witnessed tremendous growth, resulting in increased fleet size and improved sales revenues. At the same time, Air Arabia has created a renowned brand that offers reliable and safe services (Dubai Media Incorporated, 2012). Air Arabia identifies itself as a low-cost carrier by providing low fares in the industry. Some of the key strengths of the airline include punctuality and safety. This aims to ensure that the airline serves its customers most efficiently by observing its safety requirements and adhering to the landing and takeoff schedules (De Kluyver, 2010).

Read the full text here: Air Arabia Company Analysis.

Walmart was founded by Sam Walton in the Arkansas United States in 1962 as a grocery store. The company, which operates a chain of over 8,000 stores in fifteen countries, is estimated to employ over two million employees from diverse backgrounds. Wal-Mart was incorporated in 1969 and started trading in the New York Stock Exchange in 1972. […] Although the company can leave its consumers with a saving due to its low-price policy, it has faced some sharp criticisms over how it treats its employees and other stakeholders. Wal-Mart boasts of its ability to save its customers' money, an average of $950 per year. This, however, has been criticized as harming the community. Also, the feminists' activists have focused on Walmart's misconduct in offering low prices. (Fraedrich, Ferrell & Ferrell 440)

Now we won’t keep you for long. Let’s just go through simple points of essay hook writing.

Someone may think that you have to write your hook first. It comes first in the paper, right?

In reality, though, you can wait until your entire essay is nearly finished. Then go back and rewrite the very first paragraph. This way, you can have a fresh look at what you’ve written in the beginning.

Here’s a simple plan you can follow.

  • First, write a basic version of your thesis statement.
  • Then, provide supporting evidence for your thesis in every body paragraph.
  • After that, reword your thesis statement and write your concluding paragraph.
  • Finally, search for an attention-grabbing fact, statistic, or anything from the list above to serve as an engaging essay hook.

Add this essay hook to the beginning of your introduction. Make sure that your ideas still flow naturally into your thesis statement.

⚠️ Pro tip: choose various hooks and play around, adding each hook to your introduction paragraph. Like this, you can determine which one makes the most impressive beginning to your paper.

Some of your choices may sound interesting but may not lead to your essay’s main point. Don’t panic! Paper writing always involves trial and error. Just keep trying your essay hook ideas until one fits perfectly.

That’s it 😊

Good luck with your work!

🔗 References

  • Hook – Examples and Definition of Hook
  • How to Engage the Reader in the Opening Paragraph – BBC
  • Hooks and Attention Grabbers; George Brown College Writing Centre
  • Hook Examples and Definition; Literary Devices
  • What Is a Narrative Hook? Video
  • How to: Writing Hooks or Attention-Getting Openings-YouTube

Research Paper Analysis: How to Analyze a Research Article + Example

Film analysis: example, format, and outline + topics & prompts.

hooks for an essay about music

How to Write a Hook: Start Off Your Essay Strong with This Guide

hooks for an essay about music

What is a Hook for an Essay: Importance and Purpose

Which section of your essay can make your readers dip their toes into your writing? Is it the body paragraphs where all the analysis is laid out? Or maybe the introduction, where you present your thesis statement and voice your perspective on the subject? Well, if you think it is the latter, then we must agree with your decision. However, let's get more specific; if we take the introductory paragraph to pieces, which piece gets the most recognition? You must have guessed from the article's title that we're talking about a hook. But first, let's define what is a hook for an essay before we walk you through the reasons why it deserves our pat on the back.

The hook is the initial sentence in a written work. Whether you're asking how to write a hook for a song, blog post, or term paper, know that the purpose of any effective hook is to seize the reader's attention. It can be one sentence long, often for shorter pieces, or composed of several lines - usually for larger pieces. Making the reader want to keep reading is what an essay hook accomplishes for your paper, just as an intriguing introduction does for any piece.

Our main emphasis in this guide is on creating a good hook for an essay. Nonetheless, these fundamental guidelines apply to nearly every format for communicating with your audience. Whether writing a personal statement, a speech, or a presentation, making a solid first impression is crucial to spur your readers into action.

How to Write a Hook for Different Kinds of Writing

Although it is a tough skill to master, understanding how to write a hook is crucial for academic writing success. By reviewing the most prevalent kinds of essay hooks, you can discover how to effectively captivate readers from the start and generate a hook that is ideal for your article. To do so, let's head over to the following sections prepared by our dissertation writers .

essay hooks

How to Write a Hook for a College Essay?

By mastering how to write a hook for a college essay, you have the opportunity to stand out from the hundreds of applicants with identical academic portfolios to yours in your college essay. It should shed light on who you are, represent your true nature, and show your individuality. But first, you need an attention-grabbing start if you want the admissions committee to read more of yours than theirs. For this, you'll require a strong hook.

Set the Scene

When wondering how to write a good hook for an essay, consider setting the scene. Open in the middle of a key moment, plunge in with vivid details and conversation to keep your essay flowing and attract the reader. Make the reader feel like they are seeing a moment from your life and have just tuned in.

Open with an Example

Starting with a specific example is also a great idea if you're explaining how you acquired a particular skill or unique accomplishment. Then, similar to how you established the scenario above, you may return to this point later and discuss its significance throughout the remaining sections.

Open with an Anecdote

Using an anecdotal hook doesn't necessarily mean that your essay should also be humorous. The joke should be short and well-aimed to achieve the best results. To assist the reader in visualizing the situation and understanding what you are up against when tackling a task or overcoming a challenge, you might also use a funny irony. And if this sounds too overwhelming to compose, buy an essay on our platform and let our expert writers convey your unmatched story!

How to Write a Hook for an Argumentative Essay?

If you write a strong hook, your instructor will be compelled to read your argument in the following paragraphs. So, put your creative thinking cap on while crafting the hook, and write in a way that entices readers to continue reading the essay.

Use Statistics

Statistics serve as a useful hook because they encourage research. When used in argumentative writing, statistics can introduce readers to previously undiscovered details and data. That can greatly increase their desire to read your article from start to finish. You can also consider this advice when unsure how to write a good hook for a research paper. Especially if you're conducting a quantitative study, a statistic hook can be a solid start.

Use a Common Misconception

Another answer to your 'how to write a hook for an argumentative essay' question is to use a common misconception. What could be a better way to construct an interesting hook, which should grab readers' attention, than to incorporate a widely held misconception? A widespread false belief is one that many people hold to be true. When you create a hook with a misinterpretation, you startle your readers and immediately capture their interest.

How to Write a Hook for a Persuasive Essay?

The finest hooks for a persuasive essay capture the reader's interest while leading them to almost unconsciously support your position even before they are aware of it. You can accomplish this by employing the following hook ideas for an essay:

Ask a Rhetorical Question

By posing a query at the outset of your essay, you may engage the reader's critical thinking and whet their appetite for the solution you won't provide until later. Try to formulate a question wide enough for them to not immediately know the answer and detailed enough to avoid becoming a generic hook.

Use an Emotional Appeal

This is a fantastic approach to arouse sympathy and draw the reader into your cause. By appealing to the reader's emotions, you may establish a bond that encourages them to read more and get invested in the subject you cover.

Using these strategies, you won't have to wonder how to write a hook for a persuasive essay anymore!

How to Write a Hook for a Literary Analysis Essay?

Finding strong essay openers might be particularly challenging when writing a literary analysis. Coming up with something very remarkable on your own while writing about someone else's work is no easy feat. But we have some expert solutions below:

Use Literary Quotes

Using a literary quote sounds like the best option when unsure how to write a hook for a literary analysis essay. Nonetheless, its use is not restricted to that and is mostly determined by the style and meaning of the quotes. Still, when employing literary quotes, it's crucial to show two things at once: first, how well you understand the textual information. And second, you know how to capture the reader's interest right away.

Employ Quotes from Famous People

This is another style of hook that is frequently employed in literary analysis. But if you wonder how to write a good essay hook without sounding boring, choose a historical person with notable accomplishments and keep your readers intrigued and inspired to read more.

How to Write a Hook for an Informative Essay?

In an informative essay, your ultimate goal is to not only educate your audience but also engage and keep them interested from the very beginning. For this, consider the following:

Start with a Fact or Definition

You might begin your essay with an interesting fact or by giving a definition related to your subject. The same standard applies here for most types mentioned above: it must be intriguing, surprising, and/or alarming.

Ask Questions that Relate to Your Topic

Another solution to 'How to write a hook for an informative essay?' is to introduce your essay with a relevant question. This hook lets you pique a reader's interest in your essay and urge them to keep reading as they ponder the answer.

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Expert-Approved Tips for Writing an Essay Hook

Are you still struggling with the ideal opening sentence for your essay? Check out some advice from our essay helper on how to write a hook sentence and make your opening stand out.

good essay hook

  • Keep your essay type in mind . Remember to keep your hook relevant. An effective hook for an argumentative or descriptive essay format will differ greatly. Therefore, the relevancy of the hook might be even more important than the content it conveys.
  • Decide on the purpose of your hook . When unsure how to write a hook for an essay, try asking the following questions: What result are you hoping to get from it? Would you like your readers to be curious? Or, even better, surprised? Perhaps even somewhat caught off guard? Determine the effect you wish to accomplish before selecting a hook.
  • Choose a hook at the end of the writing process. Even though it should be the first sentence of your paper, it doesn't mean you should write your hook first. Writing an essay is a long and creative process. So, if you can't think of an effective hook at the beginning, just keep writing according to your plan, and it will eventually come into your head. If you were lucky enough to concoct your hook immediately, double-check your writing to see if it still fits into the whole text and its style once you've finished writing.
  • Make it short . The shorter, the better – this rule works for essay hooks. Keeping your hook to a minimum size will ensure that readers will read it at the same moment they start looking at your essay. Even before thinking if they want or don't want to read it, their attention will be captured, and their curiosity will get the best of them. So, they will continue reading the entire text to discover as much as possible.

Now you know how to write a good hook and understand that a solid hook is the difference between someone delving further into your work or abandoning it immediately. With our hook examples for an essay, you can do more than just write a great paper. We do not doubt that you can even write a winning term paper example right away!

Try to become an even better writer with the help of our paper writing service . Give them the freedom to write superior hooks and full essays for you so you may learn from them!

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What Is A Good Hook For An Essay?

How to write a hook for an essay, what is a good hook for an argumentative essay, related articles.

How to Write a Summary of a Book with an Example

How to Write a Hook for an Essay: Expert Manual

  • Essay Writing Guides

writing a hook for essay

It is impossible to change the first impression no matter what we deal with. The statement ‘You will never have a second chance to make the first impression!’ is true when you invent good hooks for an essay. The first sentence in the essay after a title has a unique and crucial task to draw attention to the covered topic and make the reader keep reading the text in a single breath. Here, you will find the answer to the essay hook and how to master the art of breathtaking writing.

What Is a Hook for an Essay?

Wondering how to write a hook for an essay, it is worth finding out what it is. A hook is like the opening act of a captivating performance that grabs the audience’s attention from the beginning. In the context of an essay, a hook serves as a compelling introduction designed to intrigue, engage, and entice readers to continue reading. It sets the tone for the rest of the essay, creating an anticipation that something interesting, thought-provoking, or even surprising lies ahead.

Like a fisherman uses an irresistible bait to catch fish, an essayist employs a hook to lure readers into their work. A successful hook captures attention and establishes the writer’s credibility and expertise, giving readers a reason to trust and invest time in exploring the essay further.

Finding ideal hooks for an essay requires creativity, a deep understanding of the subject, and a clear understanding of the target audience. It should be carefully tailored to match the tone and purpose of the essay, leaving an indelible impression in the readers’ minds. Ultimately, a strong hook sets the stage for a remarkable essay, ensuring that readers are captivated from the very first sentence until the very last.

Types of Hooks for an Essay to Work with

A well-crafted hook can take various forms depending on the topic and style of writing. It could be a thought-provoking question, a fascinating anecdote, a powerful quote, a vivid description, etc. The purpose is to create an instant connection with the audience, making them feel emotionally invested or intellectually curious about the subject. The most commonly used and winning are the following types of hooks for an essay:

  • Question Hook. A question hook poses a thought-provoking query to spark curiosity in the minds of your readers. You engage them actively and encourage them to think critically by asking a compelling question. This hook style sets the stage for an essay that seeks to answer the question comprehensively.
  • Statistic Hook. Utilizing a statistical hook involves starting your essay with a striking fact or figure, instantly capturing readers’ attention by presenting them with concise, verifiable information. This type of hook is particularly effective when discussing current events, controversial topics, or areas with relevant data.
  • Anecdotal Hook. Another bright hook for an essay example is a funny phrase that grabs readers’ attention by narrating a compelling and relevant story. You can achieve an emotional bond with the target audience by opening with a short, captivating anecdote. This hook invites them to explore the rest of your essay to understand how the story relates to the topic.
  • Do not underestimate starting the essay with an explanation or description of issues you will investigate in your writing, especially if it is specific or unknown to your audience. In such a way, you will help the reader feel on top of things.
  • Personal story. Depending on the situation, your personal experience may become a winning example of a good hook for an essay. It may assist in hastening your readers to you and make them feel more friendly and knowledgeable.

Hooks breathe life into an essay, igniting the readers’ curiosity and ensuring they remain invested in your work until the very last word. Each hook type serves a unique purpose ― from facilitating emotional connections to arousing thoughtful contemplation. Experimenting with these varieties empowers you to craft compelling introductions, setting the stage for a memorable and captivating essay.

Good Hooks for an Essay: Effective Hints

A hook is a crucial element in any essay as it acts as the first impression, grabbing the reader’s attention and enticing them to continue reading. A well-crafted hook sets the tone for your essay and establishes your credibility as a writer. We will explore various techniques to help you clarify how to write a hook for an essay.

  • Understand your audience. Before crafting a hook, it is essential to consider your target audience. Is your essay formal or informal? Are you writing for academics or a general audience? Understanding your reader’s interests will help you tailor your hook to their nations and expectations.
  • Consider the essay type. When inventing a hook for an essay, you should clearly define the type of essay since starting an official investigation with an anecdotal hook is inappropriate. Instead, using your life story or joke is possible when working on a personal opinion essay.
  • Experiment with Different Hooks. Remember, there is no all-purpose approach to writing hooks. Experiment with the abovementioned techniques and find what works best for your essay. Don’t be afraid to revise and refine your hook until it achieves the desired impact.

Write a hook for an essay engaging a large audience since it is an essential skill for any writer. By understanding your audience, employing creative techniques, and experimenting with different approaches, you can capture your readers’ attention right from the start. A persuasive hook sets the stage for a captivating essay, making it more likely to leave a lasting impression on your audience.

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Winning Tips to Consider When Writing an Essay Hook

Even knowing how to write a hook for an essay, it will not be superfluous to familiarize yourself with proven tips that assist with hook invention and time minimization. Do not underestimate the role of hook for essay success since it may leave a long-lasting impression, especially when you pass entrance exams or other decisive papers and must submit your writing. So, if you are looking for intriguing ideas for an essay hook, turn to the following tips.

  • Investigate the area you deal with; maybe some unexpected facts will interest your reader.
  • Brainstorm the ideas; you may remember exciting facts, look for impressive statistics, or cite topic-related individuals.
  • Consider the hook’s purpose, whether you will provide background information, engage in dull topic reading, or touch the inner strings of the soul.
  • Delay with the hook until the end of writing if you are unsure or lack hook ideas for an essay.
  • Pay attention to the hook length, avoid discouraging the audience, and do not exceed the limits of the introduction scope.

Do not neglect to devote time to hook inventing since it is a starting point or a ‘gate’ to your creation. And it depends on you whether the reader wishes to enter or pass by.

Excellent Examples of Hooks for an Essay

Depending on the required essay type and selected hook, you may start your writing using the following examples of hooks for an essay.

  • Have you ever wondered that …?
  • Do you still hesitate/believe/rely….?
  • One scientist once said, ‘…
  • The quote… confirms …
  • According to the latest statistics
  • The fact … proves…
  • It is never too late to …
  • The event that turned my life upside down …

Of course, you may adhere to your strategy on how to write a good hook for an essay, but remember it must be well-aimed and laconic.

Where to Take Hook Ideas for an Essay?

When it comes to finding hook ideas for an essay, there are several avenues you can explore to capture your reader’s attention right from the beginning. Here are a few sources where you can draw inspiration for writing a hook for an essay:

  • Reflect on your life or significant moments related to your essay topic. Whether it’s an intriguing anecdote, a thought-provoking question, or a powerful statement, sharing a personal story can effectively engage your readers.
  • Look back at significant historical events related to your essay’s subject matter.
  • Keep up with the latest news and trends. Find connections between your essay topic and ongoing events, controversial issues, or current debates.
  • Explore famous literature, books, poems, or speeches touching your essay’s theme.
  • Research statistical data or unconventional facts related to your essay topic.
  • Pose thought-provoking questions related to your essay’s subject matter.

Tailor your hook to your essay’s specific topic and angle to make it stand out and leave a lasting impression on your readers.

Comprehending how to write a hook for an essay will significantly contribute to the excitement and elevate the level of interest in your creation. In addition, the right hook may leave an unforgettable first impression and be a memorable and thought-provoking creation touching the most delicate strings of the soul.

What is the purpose of the essay hook?

The essay hook aims to draw the reader’s attention and make them interested in reading the rest of the essay. It serves as the opening statement or a compelling opening line that immediately captivates the audience. A well-crafted essay hook can be a thought-provoking question, a surprising statistic, an intriguing anecdote, or a vivid description that entices the reader and sets the tone for the entire essay.

What are the types of essay hooks?

Several types of essay hooks effectively grab the readers’ attention and interest them in further reading. Some common types of essay hooks include:

  • Anecdotal hooks
  • Question hooks
  • Statistical hooks
  • Quotation hooks
  • Descriptive hooks
  • Personal stories, etc.

Remember, the choice of essay hook depends on the topic, type, tone, and purpose of the essay. Experimenting with different hooks can help you find the most effective way to engage your readers from the beginning.

What is a hook for an essay?

By incorporating hooks into essays, writers can establish relevance, context, and emotional resonance. Moreover, hooks act as a bridge between the writer and the reader, fostering a sense of rapport and engagement. They create an initial bond, forging a connection that makes the reader more receptive to the essay’s message.

How to create a good hook?

Remember, crafting a good hook takes practice. Experiment with different approaches and learn from the feedback you receive. With time and refinement, you’ll develop a skill for creating attention-grabbing hooks.

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How to Write the Ultimate Essay Hook

How to Write the Ultimate Essay Hook

4-minute read

  • 6th May 2023

Never underestimate the power of an essay hook . This opening statement is meant to grab the reader’s attention and convince them to keep reading. But how do you write one that’ll pack a punch? In this article, we’ll break this down.

What Is an Essay Hook?

An essay hook is the first thing your audience will read. If it doesn’t hook them right off the bat, they might decide not to keep reading. It’s important that your opening statement is impactful while not being too wordy or presumptuous.

It’s also crucial that it clearly relates to your topic. You don’t want to mislead your readers into thinking your essay is about something it’s not. So, what kind of essay hook should you write? Here are seven ideas to choose from:

1.   Story

Everyone likes a good story. If an interesting story or anecdote relates to your essay topic, the hook is a great place to include it. For example:

The key to a good story hook is keeping it short and sweet. You’re not writing a novel in addition to an essay!

2.   Fact

Another great essay hook idea is to lay out a compelling fact or statistic. For example:

There are a few things to keep in mind when doing this. Make sure it’s relevant to your topic, accurate, and something your audience will care about. And, of course, be sure to cite your sources properly.

3.   Metaphor or Simile

If you want to get a little more creative with your essay hook, try using a metaphor or simile . A metaphor states that something is something else in a figurative sense, while a simile states that something is like something else.

Metaphors and similes are effective because they provide a visual for your readers, making them think about a concept in a different way. However, be careful not to make them too far-fetched or overly exaggerated.

4.   Question

Asking your audience a question is a great way to hook them. Not only does it make them think, but they’ll also want to keep reading because you will have sparked their curiosity. For example:

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Try to avoid using questions that start with something along the lines of “Have you ever wondered…?” Instead, try to think of a question they may never have wondered about. And be sure not to answer it right away, at least not fully. Use your essay to do that!

5.   Declaration

Making a bold statement or declaring a strong opinion can immediately catch people’s attention. For example:

Regardless of whether your reader agrees with you, they’ll probably want to keep reading to find out how you will back up your claim. Just make sure your declaration isn’t too controversial, or you might scare readers away!

6.   Common Misconception

Laying out a common misconception is another useful way to hook your reader. For example:

If your readers don’t know that a common belief is actually a misconception, they’ll likely be interested in learning more. And if they are already aware, it’s probably a topic they’re interested in, so they’ll want to read more.

7.   Description

You can put your descriptive powers into action with your essay hook. Creating interesting or compelling imagery places your reader into a scene, making the words come alive.

A description can be something beautiful and appealing or emotionally charged and provoking. Either way, descriptive writing is a powerful way to immerse your audience and keep them reading.

When writing an essay, don’t skimp on the essay hook! The opening statement has the potential to convince your audience to hear what you have to say or to let them walk away. We hope our ideas have given you some inspiration.

And once you finish writing your essay, make sure to send it to our editors. We’ll check it for grammar, spelling, word choice, references, and more. Try it out for free today with a 500-word sample !

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Unlocking the Power of Lyrical Hooks in Songwriting: A Comprehensive Guide

hooks for an essay about music

Every great song has a secret weapon, a melodic nugget that embeds itself in your mind and refuses to let go. It’s that irresistible phrase or catchy line that has you humming along, even when the music has stopped. This magical element is what we call a “lyrical hook,” and it’s the heartbeat of any unforgettable song.

In the world of songwriting, lyrical hooks are the holy grail. They are the difference between a song that’s quickly forgotten and one that resonates with audiences for generations. From “I Want to Hold Your Hand” by The Beatles to “Shape of You” by Ed Sheeran, lyrical hooks have been the cornerstone of countless chart-toppers, weaving their way into the fabric of our lives.

But what exactly are lyrical hooks, and how can you harness their power to elevate your songwriting? This comprehensive guide aims to demystify the art of crafting lyrical hooks and provide you with the tools to make your songs stand out.

In this blog post, we will explore the concept of lyrical hooks from every angle. We’ll delve into the science behind what makes these hooks so irresistible, uncover the creative processes that lead to their creation, and offer practical tips and techniques to help you craft your own memorable hooks. You’ll also learn how to structure your songs to maximize the impact of your lyrical hooks and harmonize them seamlessly with melody.

Whether you’re a seasoned songwriter looking to refine your skills or a budding artist taking your first steps into the world of songcraft, this guide is here to help you unlock the power of lyrical hooks. By the end of this journey, you’ll understand how to infuse your compositions with hooks that captivate, resonate, and stand the test of time. Get ready to transform your songwriting and leave your listeners humming your tunes long after the music fades away. Let’s dive in!

What Are Lyrical Hooks?

Before we embark on the journey to master the art of crafting lyrical hooks, it’s crucial to grasp what lyrical hooks are and why they are the lifeblood of exceptional songwriting.

A. Defining Lyrical Hooks

Lyrical hooks are those captivating, memorable, and often repeated lines or phrases in a song that draw the listener in and refuse to let go. These hooks are like the “earworms” that burrow into your mind, making the song stick with you long after it’s over. They can manifest in various forms, from simple, catchy slogans to emotionally charged and profound statements.

B. Types of Lyrical Hooks

  • Catchy Hooks: These hooks are characterized by their sheer infectiousness. They are often simple, repetitive, and instantly engaging. Think of lines like “Baby, baby, baby, oh” from Justin Bieber’s “Baby.” They’re easy to sing along with and impossible to forget.
  • Emotional Hooks: Emotional hooks tap into the heart of the listener. They can be poignant, heartfelt, or raw, evoking deep feelings. For example, “Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away” from The Beatles’ “Yesterday” strikes a chord with its emotional depth.
  • Clever Hooks: Clever hooks are known for their wordplay, puns, or creative use of language. These hooks can be intriguing and intellectually stimulating. Consider “I’m just a girl, standing in front of a boy, asking him to love her” from the movie “Notting Hill,” which inspired many songwriters.

C. Real-World Examples of Famous Lyrical Hooks

To truly understand the power of lyrical hooks, let’s delve into some iconic examples from the world of music:

  • “I came in like a wrecking ball” from Miley Cyrus’ “Wrecking Ball”: A catchy and vivid hook that immediately conjures up a striking visual.
  • “You can’t always get what you want” from The Rolling Stones’ “You Can’t Always Get What You Want”: An enduring and philosophical phrase that resonates with listeners.
  • “I got my mind on my money and my money on my mind” from Snoop Dogg’s “Gin and Juice”: An example of a clever hook with a memorable twist of language.
  • “Oh, the weather outside is frightful, but the fire is so delightful” from “Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!”: A classic, holiday-themed emotional hook that captures the warmth of the season.

The Science of Lyrical Hooks

Lyrical hooks have a profound impact on our brains and emotions. They’re not just random words; they’re carefully crafted to resonate with listeners, and there’s a science behind their effectiveness.

A. How the Human Brain Responds to Catchy Lyrics

The human brain is wired to seek patterns and familiarity. Catchy lyrics create patterns that our brains easily latch onto. When we hear a repetitive or memorable phrase, our brains find it satisfying and pleasurable. It’s like solving a simple puzzle, and this satisfaction keeps us engaged with the song.

Neuroscientists have studied the brain’s response to music and found that certain musical and lyrical patterns trigger the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter associated with pleasure and reward. This release of dopamine can make a song more enjoyable and memorable.

B. The Role of Repetition and Familiarity in Hooks

Repetition is a fundamental element of lyrical hooks. When a phrase or line is repeated throughout a song, it reinforces the listener’s memory of it. This repetition creates a sense of familiarity, making the listener feel more connected to the song. Familiarity is a key factor in whether a song becomes a favorite or not.

C. The Emotional Impact of Well-Crafted Lyrical Hooks

Beyond the cognitive aspect, well-crafted lyrical hooks can tap into our emotions. Whether it’s a heart-wrenching breakup line or an uplifting, optimistic statement, the right lyrical hook can evoke powerful feelings. It’s this emotional connection that often makes songs feel personal to us, as if they’re speaking directly to our experiences and emotions.

The Creative Process

Creating memorable lyrical hooks is both an art and a craft. It’s about channeling your creativity while adhering to certain principles. In this section, we’ll explore how to get your creative juices flowing and transform your ideas into compelling lyrical hooks.

A. Finding Inspiration for Lyrical Hooks

  • Life Experiences: Draw from your own life experiences, emotions, and observations. Many great hooks emerge from genuine feelings and moments.
  • Storytelling: Craft hooks that tell a story or convey a message. Consider what you want to communicate with your song and let that guide your lyrics.
  • Wordplay: Experiment with wordplay, metaphors, and clever language. Playing with words can lead to hooks that are both catchy and thought-provoking.

B. Techniques for Brainstorming and Generating Ideas

  • Free Writing: Set aside time to write without any constraints. Let your thoughts flow and see what lyrical gems emerge.
  • Mind Mapping: Use mind maps to visualize ideas and connections. This can help you explore different angles and concepts for your song.
  • Collaboration: Don’t be afraid to collaborate with others. Co-writing can bring fresh perspectives and ideas to the table.

C. Turning Ideas into Compelling Lyrics

  • Editing and Refining: Once you have a pool of ideas, edit and refine them. Experiment with different phrasings and structures to see what works best.
  • Emotional Resonance: Ensure that your lyrics carry emotional weight. Your hooks should resonate with listeners on a personal level.
  • Melody Integration: Keep in mind that your hooks need to work harmoniously with the melody of your song. The rhythm and tone of your words should complement the music.

Crafting Memorable Lyrical Hooks

Once you’ve gathered inspiration and ideas for your lyrical hooks, the next step is crafting those ideas into memorable lines that captivate your audience. In this section, we’ll delve into the art of turning concepts into compelling hooks.

A. The Power of Simplicity

Simplicity is often the key to an effective lyrical hook. Simple phrases are easier for listeners to remember, and they have a way of cutting straight to the heart of a song’s message. Consider lines like “I want to hold your hand” from The Beatles or “Don’t stop believing” from Journey. These hooks are straightforward, yet they resonate deeply with audiences.

B. Balancing Universality and Originality

While simplicity is crucial, it’s also important to strike a balance between universality and originality. Your hooks should feel relatable to a broad audience, but they should also offer a unique perspective. Avoid clichés and tired expressions, and seek out fresh ways to convey your message.

C. Using Vivid Imagery and Storytelling

Great hooks often paint a vivid picture or tell a story. They create a mental image that draws the listener in. Consider adding sensory details, evocative language, or narrative elements to your hooks. This can make your lyrics more engaging and memorable.

For example, in the song “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen, the hook “Scaramouche, Scaramouche, will you do the Fandango?” uses vivid and whimsical imagery that contributes to the song’s enduring appeal.

Structuring Your Song Around the Hook

Crafting a lyrical hook is just the beginning. To truly maximize its impact, you need to structure your song effectively to highlight and enhance the hook. In this section, we’ll explore various song structures and how they interact with hooks.

A. Verse-Chorus Song Structure

The most common structure for popular songs is the verse-chorus structure. In this format, the verse sets up the narrative or story, while the chorus features the main hook. This repetition of the chorus with the hook is what makes the song catchy and memorable.

B. Pre-Choruses and Post-Choruses

To further emphasize your hook, consider adding a pre-chorus or post-chorus section. These are transitional segments that build anticipation before the chorus or provide an extra punch after it. These sections often include hints of the hook or elements that lead into the main lyrical hook.

C. Bridge Sections and How They Interact with Hooks

Bridges can add contrast and depth to your song. They provide a break from the repetition of verses and choruses and often introduce new elements or perspectives. When incorporating a bridge, consider how it connects to the hook. Does it build tension that culminates in a powerful reiteration of the hook, or does it provide a fresh perspective that enhances the hook’s meaning?

In the song “Billie Jean” by Michael Jackson, the bridge serves to intensify the anticipation before the final chorus, making the return of the main lyrical hook even more impactful.

Lyrics and Melody: A Harmonious Duo

In songwriting, lyrics and melody are like inseparable partners in a dance. To create an unforgettable lyrical hook, you need to ensure that your lyrics and melody work in harmony. In this section, we’ll explore the dynamic between these two essential elements.

How Melody and Lyrics Work Together in a Hook

When crafting a lyrical hook, it’s essential to consider how the melody complements the lyrics. The melody is the musical backbone that carries your words, so they need to fit together seamlessly. Pay attention to the rhythm and pacing of your lyrics, as well as how they align with the melody’s phrasing.

Tips for Ensuring Your Lyrics Fit the Melody

Word Stress: Pay attention to word stress in your lyrics. Some words naturally carry more emphasis due to their syllables and meaning. Align these stressed words with the strong beats in the melody to create a powerful impact.

Rhyme Scheme: If your song has a rhyme scheme, make sure the lyrics and melody work together to maintain consistency. Rhymes can enhance the catchiness of your hook.

Emotion and Tone: Consider how the melody can convey the emotion and tone of your lyrics. A melancholic lyric hook, for instance, might be best served by a slower, more contemplative melody.

Case Studies of Well-Matched Lyrics and Melodies

To better understand the relationship between lyrics and melody, we’ll delve into case studies of songs that have effectively integrated their lyrical hooks with melody. We’ll examine how artists have used this synergy to create iconic and impactful songs.

For instance, in “Imagine” by John Lennon, the simplicity of the lyrical hook, “Imagine all the people,” is perfectly complemented by the serene and dreamy melody. The two elements combine to create a powerful and unforgettable message.

Editing and Refining Your Lyrical Hooks

Creating a captivating lyrical hook is a craft that often requires refinement and careful editing. In this section, we’ll explore the importance of the editing process and provide you with the tools and techniques to polish your hooks to perfection.

The Importance of Revision

Great songwriters understand that writing is rewriting. The initial inspiration may produce a raw lyrical hook, but the real magic often happens during the editing process. Revising your lyrics allows you to clarify your message, enhance the catchiness, and ensure that the hook aligns with the overall theme of your song.

Getting Feedback and Constructive Criticism

Don’t be afraid to share your work with others, whether it’s fellow songwriters, musicians, or trusted friends. Feedback can offer fresh perspectives and help identify areas for improvement. Constructive criticism can be invaluable in the editing process.

Tools and Techniques for Self-Editing

  • Consistency: Ensure that your lyrical hook is consistent in its message, tone, and style with the rest of the song. A jarring shift in the hook can disrupt the flow of the composition.
  • Clarity: Review your hook to ensure that it’s clear and easy to understand. Avoid overly cryptic or ambiguous language unless it’s intentional and serves the song’s theme.
  • Eliminate Redundancy: Redundant words or ideas can weaken a hook. Edit out unnecessary repetition and focus on delivering a concise and impactful message.
  • Pronunciation: Consider how your hook will be sung or spoken. Are there any words or phrases that are challenging to enunciate clearly? If so, make adjustments to improve pronunciation.

In the world of songwriting, lyrical hooks are the keys that unlock the hearts and minds of your audience. They are the phrases that linger in our memories, the lines we sing in the shower, and the words that touch our souls. Through this comprehensive guide, we’ve embarked on a journey to master the art of crafting lyrical hooks.

Here are the key takeaways from our exploration:

Lyrical Hooks Matter : Lyrical hooks are the core of any unforgettable song. They are the phrases that capture attention and leave a lasting impression.

Simplicity and Creativity : Crafting a hook involves striking a balance between simplicity and originality. Simple phrases are easy to remember, but adding a unique twist or clever wordplay can make your hook truly stand out.

Structure and Melody : The structure of your song plays a vital role in highlighting your hook. Verse-chorus formats, pre-choruses, and post-choruses are all tools that can help enhance your hook’s impact. Furthermore, the relationship between your lyrics and melody is crucial for creating a cohesive, memorable song.

Editing and Feedback : The editing process is where your lyrical hook can transform from good to great. Seek feedback from trusted sources and be open to constructive criticism. Pay attention to consistency, clarity, and eliminating redundancy.

Analyzing Successful Hooks : Learning from hit songs and successful songwriters can provide valuable insights into what makes a hook work. Emotional connection, catchiness, and clever wordplay are key factors in the anatomy of a hit hook.

As you continue your songwriting journey, remember that crafting lyrical hooks is both an art and a science. It’s a process that requires dedication, creativity, and a commitment to refining your skills. Experiment, explore, and continue to develop your ability to captivate your audience with words and melodies.

We hope this guide has provided you with the tools and knowledge you need to elevate your songwriting and create hooks that resonate with the world. The power to craft unforgettable lyrical hooks is now in your hands. So, go forth, create, and leave your listeners humming your tunes long after the music has faded away. Happy songwriting!

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A Poet on Taylor Swift’s Complicated Embrace of Tortured Poets

hooks for an essay about music

W ho was the first tortured poet? Maybe the ancient Egyptian who wrote, sometime in the 15th century BCE, "My beloved stirs my heart with his voice. He causes illness to seize me.... My heart is smitten." Maybe the poet Catullus, whose heartbreaks lit up ancient Rome: "I hate and love," he explained in Latin, "and it's excruciating," or (depending on the translator) "it crucifies me." Petrarch's sonnets, in 14th century Italy, complained that love both scorched and chilled. Mary Wroth, a contemporary of Shakespeare, agreed: love made her "burn and yet freeze: better in hell to be."

All those poets felt tortured by erotic love—and their strife sometimes hurt other people, too, if they came too close. The trope of the tortured poet whose gifts would destroy him (or, less often, her) came about later, when European writers began to see poets as especially sensitive, anguished, or fragile. "We poets in our youth begin in gladness," William Wordsworth mused in 1802, "But thereof in the end come despondency and madness." That second line lengthens as if unfolding hard truth. A genuine poet in France might be a "poète maudit" ("cursed poet"), like Charles Baudelaire or Arthur Rimbaud, marked by fate, mental illness, or alcohol addiction. By the 20th century the type (or stereotype, really) could fit all manner of wild and self-destructive creators, especially men, from Dylan Thomas to the Doors' Jim Morrison.

By calling her new album The Tortured Poets Department, Taylor Swift points back to this tradition. She also makes fun of it, comments on it, and rejects it, as the prose that accompanied the album implies. "There is nothing to avenge, no scores to settle once wounds have healed," Swift wrote in an Instagram post. "Our tears become holy in the form of ink on a page. Once we have spoken our saddest story, we can be free of it."

Seeing her work as ink on a page, not only as song in the air, Swift claims herself as a literary writer—the modern age’s most notorious poet. Fans first speculated that she appropriated the "tortured" mantle from the group chat co-run by her ex-boyfriend Joe Alwyn, which Alwyn called "The Tortured Man Club.” Could be—but it’s so much more than that, and it might also point to other recent relationships . Taylor creates some distance between herself and the stereotype she invokes. "You're not Dylan Thomas, I'm not Patti Smith," Swift's title track declares. "This ain't the Chelsea Hotel. We're modern idiots." He's not that gifted, and she's not that dramatic. Or rather she's dramatic in a different, far more deliberate way: one that fits her own, always thoughtful, but rarely raw, art.

Read More: All the References in Taylor Swift’s Title Track ‘The Tortured Poets Department’

Swift also takes back for herself—and for other women artists—the power that supposedly comes from chronic distress, from feeling like a tortured mess. "You wouldn't last an hour in the asylum where they raised me," Swift warns on "Who's Afraid of Little Old Me?" If she feels tortured and reacts with poetry, that's not endemic to poets; it's the logical consequence of a romance gone wrong and a live lived in public. "I was tame, I was gentle till the circus life made me mean,” she sings. “You caged me and then you called me crazy/ I am what I am 'cause you trained me.”

But if Swift has become the chair of the Tortured Poets Department, she didn't get there by being born this way: the rest of the department did it to her. Her barbed words, sharp hooks, and sarcastic replies are more like Wroth's burning and freezing than they are like Baudelaire's doom. They share, and make fun, of her own emotional extremes. "Whether I'm gonna be your wife or gonna smash up your bike I don't know yet," she explains on “imgunnagetyouback,” punningly. "But I'm gonna get you back”—either get you to come back to me, or get back at you. Her phrases present a feminist revenge, turning her pain into (what else?) song. "I cry a lot but I am so productive it's an art," she croons on one of the most upbeat new tracks “I Can Do It With a Broken Heart.” "You know you're good when you can even do it with a broken heart."

Like all Swift's albums, The Tortured Poet Department contains multitudes and multiple takes on the same situation, just as it contain several pop styles, from the 1980s-style synths in the album’s single “Fortnight,” composed with Post Malone, to the acoustic guitar and string sweeps of "The Albatross," created with reference to Samuel Taylor Coleridge (Wordsworth's ex-friend, a self-sabotaging poet for the ages). In "But Daddy I Love Him" Swift strikes back, with extra reverb, at fans who insist on telling her who to date and how. In "Down Bad" she encapsulates her toughest, most immature moments in elegant half-rhyme: "everything comes out teenage petulance. I might just die, it would make no difference." But Swift for most of the album, for all her passion and all her pain, knows better than to blow up her life for love. Like her character in "The Bolter," she knows how to save herself, even when love feels like drowning.

The tortured modern poet—the poète maudit—the trope that Swift's new album takes up and plays with and against, remains a powerful metaphor (she is no authority on literal torture, and never pretends to be one). Listeners who have been sorting through The Tortured Poets Department since both halves of it dropped, two hours apart, have already found our own favorites, mirrors for our own falls through thin ice.

Read More: Taylor Swift Is Embracing the 5 Stages of Grief. Should You?

It's surprising, even staggering, to see the range of her responses to love, to poetry, and to "torture." Sometimes she magnifies, even celebrates, her own and her characters' emotional turmoil. Other times (as in the title track) she makes fun of the way they, as would-be "tortured poets," cannot get out of their own heads. And sometimes—to quote another poet, William Butler Yeats—she mocks mockers after that, telling us to stop telling her what to do.

Always, though, she shows us the craft she shares with the great poets, and songwriters, of times past: the ability, as Yeats also put it, "to articulate sweet sounds together," and to "work harder than all these"—harder than anybody—at turning all those feelings into art.

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Taylor Swift’s ‘Poets’ Arrives With a Promotional Blitz (and a Second LP)

The pop superstar’s latest album was preceded by a satellite radio channel, a word game, a return to TikTok and an actual library. For her fans, more is always welcome.

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The album cover for Taylor Swift’s “The Tortured Poets Department,” which depicts the star lying on pillows in sleepwear, draping her arms over her body.

By Ben Sisario

Taylor Swift was already the most ubiquitous pop star in the galaxy, her presence dominating the music charts, the concert calendar, the Super Bowl, the Grammys.

Then it came time for her to promote a new album.

In the days leading up to the release of “The Tortured Poets Department” on Friday, Swift became all but inescapable, online and seemingly everywhere else. Her lyrics were the basis for an Apple Music word game . A Spotify-sponsored, Swift-branded “ library installation ,” in muted pink and gray, popped up in a shopping complex in Los Angeles. In Chicago, a QR code painted on a brick wall directed fans to another Easter egg on YouTube. Videos on Swift’s social media accounts, showing antique typewriters and globes with pins, were dissected for clues about her music. SiriusXM added a Swift radio station; of course it’s called Channel 13 (Taylor’s Version).

About the only thing Swift didn’t do was an interview with a journalist.

At this stage in Swift’s career, an album release is more than just a moment to sell music; it’s all but a given that “The Tortured Poets Department” will open with gigantic sales numbers, many of them for “ghost white,” “phantom clear” and other collector-ready vinyl variants . More than that, the album’s arrival is a test of the celebrity-industrial complex overall, with tech platforms and media outlets racing to capture whatever piece of the fan frenzy they can get.

Threads, the newish social media platform from Meta, primed Swifties for their idol’s arrival there, and offered fans who shared Swift’s first Threads post a custom badge. Swift stunned the music industry last week by breaking ranks with her record label, Universal, and returning her music to TikTok, which Universal and other industry groups have said pays far too little in royalties. Overnight, TikTok unveiled “The Ultimate Taylor Swift In-App Experience,” offering fans digital goodies like a “Tortured Poets-inspired animation” on their feed.

Before the album’s release on Friday, Swift revealed that a music video — for “Fortnight,” the first single, featuring Post Malone — would arrive on Friday at 8 p.m. Eastern time. At 2 a.m., she had another surprise: 15 more songs. “I’d written so much tortured poetry in the past 2 years and wanted to share it all with you,” she wrote in a social media post , bringing “The Anthology” edition of the album to 31 tracks.

“The Tortured Poets Department,” which Swift, 34, announced in a Grammy acceptance speech in February — she had the Instagram post ready to go — lands as Swift’s profile continues to rise to ever-higher levels of cultural saturation.

Her Eras Tour , begun last year, has been a global phenomenon, crashing Ticketmaster and lifting local economies ; by some estimates, it might bring in as much as $2 billion in ticket sales — by far a new record — before it ends later this year. Swift’s romance with the Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce has been breathlessly tracked from its first flirtations last summer to their smooch on the Super Bowl field in February. The mere thought that Swift might endorse a presidential candidate this year sent conspiracy-minded politicos reeling .

“The Tortured Poets Department” — don’t even ask about the missing apostrophe — arrived accompanied by a poem written by Stevie Nicks that begins, “He was in love with her/Or at least she thought so.” That establishes what many fans correctly anticipated as the album’s theme of heartbreak and relationship rot, Swift’s signature topic. “I love you/It’s ruining my life,” she sings on “Fortnight.”

Fans were especially primed for the fifth track, “So Long, London,” given that (1) Swift has said she often sequences her most vulnerable and emotionally intense songs fifth on an LP, and (2) the title suggested it may be about Joe Alwyn, the English actor who was Swift’s boyfriend for about six years, reportedly until early 2023 . Indeed, “So Long” is an epic breakup tune, with lines like “You left me at the house by the heath” and “I’m pissed off you let me give you all that youth for free.” Tracks from the album leaked on Wednesday, and fans have also interpreted some songs as being about Matty Healy , the frontman of the band the 1975, whom Swift was briefly linked to last year.

The album’s title song starts with a classic Swift detail of a memento from a lost love: “You left your typewriter at my apartment/Straight from the tortured poets department.” It also name-drops Dylan Thomas, Patti Smith and, somewhat surprisingly given that company, Charlie Puth, the singer-songwriter who crooned the hook on Wiz Khalifa’s “See You Again,” a No. 1 hit in 2015. (Swift has praised Wiz Khalifa and that song in the past.)

Other big moments include “Florida!!!,” featuring Florence Welch of Florence + the Machine, in which Swift declares — after seven big percussive bangs — that the state “is one hell of a drug.” Jack Antonoff and Aaron Dessner, the producers and songwriters who have been Swift’s primary collaborators in recent years, both worked on “Tortured Poets,” bringing their signature mix of moody, pulsating electronic tracks and delicate acoustic moments, like a bare piano on “Loml” (as in “love of my life”).

As the ninth LP Swift has released in five years, “Tortured Poets” is the latest entry in a remarkable creative streak. That includes five new studio albums and four rerecordings of her old music — each of which sailed to No. 1. When Swift played SoFi Stadium near Los Angeles in August, she spoke from the stage about her recording spurt, saying that the forced break from touring during the Covid-19 pandemic had spurred her to connect with fans by releasing more music.

“And so I decided, in order to keep that connection going,” she said , “if I couldn’t play live shows with you, I was going to make and release as many albums as humanly possible.”

That was two albums ago.

Ben Sisario covers the music industry. He has been writing for The Times since 1998. More about Ben Sisario

Inside the World of Taylor Swift

A Triumph at the Grammys: Taylor Swift made history  by winning her fourth album of the year at the 2024 edition of the awards, an event that saw women take many of the top awards .

‘The T ortured Poets Department’: Poets reacted to Swift’s new album name , weighing in on the pertinent question: What do the tortured poets think ?  

In the Public Eye: The budding romance between Swift and the football player Travis Kelce created a monocultural vortex that reached its apex  at the Super Bowl in Las Vegas. Ahead of kickoff, we revisited some key moments in their relationship .

Politics (Taylor’s Version): After months of anticipation, Swift made her first foray into the 2024 election for Super Tuesday with a bipartisan message on Instagram . The singer, who some believe has enough influence  to affect the result of the election , has yet to endorse a presidential candidate.

Conspiracy Theories: In recent months, conspiracy theories about Swift and her relationship with Kelce have proliferated , largely driven by supporters of former President Donald Trump . The pop star's fans are shaking them off .

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Taylor Swift Drops 15 Surprise Songs, Announces ‘The Tortured Poets Department’ Is a Double Album

Taylor Swift

Two hours after releasing her highly anticipated album, “ The Tortured Poets Department ,” Taylor Swift announced a big surprise: It’s a double album.

“I’d written so much tortured poetry in the past 2 years and wanted to share it all with you, so here’s the second installment of TTPD: The Anthology. 15 extra songs,” Swift posted on Instagram at 2 a.m. ET. “And now the story isn’t mine anymore… it’s all yours.”

Popular on Variety

Upon a deep dive into the new tracks’ lyrics, a few songs stood out. One track titled “thanK you aIMee” is styled with a capital K, I and M, leading many on social media to believe the diss track is about Kim Kardashian and their longtime public feud, despite the lyrics alluding to a much older acquaintance. Swift sings, “Your kid comes home singin’ a song that only us two is gonna know is about you.”

Below is the tracklist for the surprise second half:

“The Black Dog” “imgonnagetyouback” “The Albatross” “Chloe or Sam or Sophia or Marcus” “How Did It End?” “So High School” “I Hate It Here” “thanK you aIMee” “I Look in People’s Windows” “The Prophecy” “Cassandra” “Peter” “The Bolter” “Robin” “The Manuscript”

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