how to cite music in mla: exploring the nuances of musical citation styles

MLA Music Citation Style Explained

When it comes to citing music within an academic paper, adhering to the Modern Language Association (MLA) guidelines is crucial for maintaining academic integrity and providing proper credit to the creators of the music. The MLA style offers specific rules for citing various types of sources, including music, which can be slightly different from the standard citation format used for books, articles, and other non-musical texts.

Understanding the Basics of MLA Music Citations

The first step in citing music in MLA style is to determine whether you are citing a physical album or a digital track. For physical albums, the citation should include the artist’s name, the album title, the record label, and the year of release. For digital tracks, the citation should include the artist’s name, the song title, the album title, the record label, the year of release, and the platform where the track was accessed. Here’s an example of how to cite a physical album:

Example:
Smith, John. Album Title. Record Label, Year of Release.

For digital tracks, the citation would look like this:

Example:
Jones, Jane. “Song Title.” Album Title. Record Label, Year of Release. Streaming Service, Date Accessed.

Additional Considerations for MLA Music Citations

When citing multiple tracks from the same album, it is important to note that each track should be cited individually, even if they are from the same album. This helps to avoid confusion and ensures that all contributions to the work are properly acknowledged. Additionally, if you are using a live performance or a cover version of a song, you should include information about the performer or band, as well as any relevant details about the performance or recording session.

MLA Music Citations in Practice

To illustrate how these guidelines play out in practice, let’s consider a hypothetical scenario where you are writing a paper on the influence of jazz on contemporary pop music. You have decided to analyze a particular jazz standard and its various renditions over time. In your paper, you might cite a digital track as follows:

Example:
Brown, Miles. “So What.” Kind of Blue. Columbia Records, 1959. Spotify, January 1, 2023.

And for a live performance, you might write:

Example:
Davis, Miles. “Milestones.” Live at Carnegie Hall. 1958. YouTube, February 22, 2023.

Conclusion

Citing music in MLA style requires attention to detail and a clear understanding of the source material. By following the guidelines provided, you can ensure that your citations are accurate and respectful of the artists and their works. Remember, the goal of citing music is not just to give credit, but also to demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the subject matter.

Related Questions

1. Q: How do I cite a live concert performance in MLA? A: For a live concert performance, you should include the name of the artist, the title of the performance, the venue, the date, and the platform where the performance was accessed. Example: Davis, Miles. “Milestones.” Live at Carnegie Hall. 1958. YouTube, February 22, 2023.

2. Q: Can I cite a music video in MLA? A: Yes, you can cite a music video in MLA style. Include the artist’s name, the song title, the album title, the record label, the year of release, and the platform where the video was accessed. Example: Brown, Miles. “So What.” Kind of Blue. Columbia Records, 1959. Vevo, December 12, 2022.

3. Q: What if I am citing a compilation album with multiple artists? A: When citing a compilation album with multiple artists, you should list the artist(s) who performed the track or tracks you are referencing. If the album is credited to a single entity, include that in the citation as well. Example: Smith, John. Compilation Album Title. Record Label, Year of Release.