Music 345: Music & Value, Popularity & Taste

One good way to search Catalyst for materials about taste and value in music is to use the SUBJECT SEARCH "Music -- Philosophy and aesthetics." This is how catalogers label materials about musical aesthetics.

You can also include a keyword search on the genre, style, or person you are interested in, like this:

Music journals will often include reviews. Some likely databases to search include:

Newspaper databases are also good places to look for reviews. Many of the bigger newspapers, like the New York Times, are easier to if you make an account.  (We pay for the subscription, so it is free for St. Olaf users.)

Many of the magazines are also indexed in music research databases, like Music Index, listed above. But if you'd prefer to work directly a music periodical, here are some good ones to start.  Remember that journals dedicate to your instrument (like Horn Call) or profession (American Music Teacher) will often include reviews.

Strangers' notes on YouTube videos may not be the research you're looking for (unless it is, but that's a conversation to have with your instructor!). Here are some reputable online sources for music reviews.