Where do you look?
	Essay approach
	A useful framework

WHERE DO YOU LOOK? 

	Reference books;
	Encyclopedias;
	Known text-books e.g. New Grove, New Oxford History, Prentice Hall series, Dent Series;
	Dictionaries
	Biographies (especially Master Musician series and others as available);
	Look in bibliographies at back of books;
	Journals (either dip in to such as the 'Musical Times' or - if time - chase through the 'Music Index'. Usually bibliographies will point you to the most important articles).

- Do not forget to ask the Librarians and/or tutors for help (but see if you can get the sources on your own first!)

- Listen out for any tips given in lectures/tutorials.

- KEEP A LIST of your sources: do not forget that you MUST give full credit to all material used.

- PLAGIARISM IS FORBIDDEN.

-Try to avoid discussing essays too much with your colleagues unless it is 'intelligent' discussion. Do not feel that because so - and - so is doing/using/saying such-and-such they are necessarily correct!

- Learn the importance of the courage of your convictions.

ESSAY APPROACH

1. Aims

Ascertain what the essay is asking for (is it general / specific / a broad outline / detailed / asking for you own opinions or simply asking you to research or increase your knowledge?).

2. Research

Collect your material:

a) Look for widest variety of sources.

b) Do not just browse but read purposefully.

c) Think up a few related questions to help your research.

d) Start early: everybody else will be after the same books!

Illustration (both music and text) are important to substantiate your arguments.

3. PLAN your essay:

a) Weigh up and select researched material. Discard the trivial / obscure / waffle / padding / anything you do not understand / any half truths!

AVOID IRRELEVANCE

b) Look for (and make sure you've listened to) examples to back your argument.

c) Arrange your ideas logically:

	sort out main ideas.
	do not omit anything important.
	do not repeat yourself.
	aim for a good flow of material rather than listing fact after fact.

A] INTRODUCTION comment on essay subject outline the aspects you intend to deal with                    B] MAIN BODY OF ESSAY develop your line of argument support each idea with examples / illustrations                    C] CONCLUSIONS summary of main ideas answer the essay question or comment on the essay topic indicate any wider implications / trends / scope for further consideration.