MUSIC & LETTERS

Scope & Guideline

Decoding the Symphony of Literature and Music

Introduction

Delve into the academic richness of MUSIC & LETTERS with our guidelines, detailing its aims and scope. Our resource identifies emerging and trending topics paving the way for new academic progress. We also provide insights into declining or waning topics, helping you stay informed about changing research landscapes. Evaluate highly cited topics and recent publications within these guidelines to align your work with influential scholarly trends.
LanguageEnglish
ISSN0027-4224
PublisherOXFORD UNIV PRESS
Support Open AccessNo
CountryUnited Kingdom
TypeJournal
Convergefrom 1920 to 1987, from 1989 to 2024
AbbreviationMUSIC LETT / Music Lett.
Frequency4 issues/year
Time To First Decision-
Time To Acceptance-
Acceptance Rate-
Home Page-
AddressGREAT CLARENDON ST, OXFORD OX2 6DP, ENGLAND

Aims and Scopes

The journal 'Music & Letters' serves as a prominent platform for scholarly discourse in the field of musicology. Its aims and scopes encompass a diverse range of topics that explore the intersections of music with cultural, historical, and social contexts. The journal emphasizes innovative methodologies and interdisciplinary approaches, making significant contributions to the understanding of music's role in various dimensions of human experience.
  1. Musicology and Historical Contexts:
    The journal focuses on the study of music within its historical contexts, examining how music has interacted with cultural, social, and political factors throughout history.
  2. Interdisciplinary Research:
    It encourages interdisciplinary approaches that link musicology with areas such as philosophy, literature, history, and sociology, thereby broadening the scope of music studies.
  3. Analysis of Musical Works:
    A significant portion of the research involves detailed analysis of musical compositions, exploring aspects such as structure, style, and performance practices.
  4. Cultural and Social Commentary:
    The journal includes discussions on the cultural significance of music, addressing how music reflects and shapes societal values and norms.
  5. Focus on Global Perspectives:
    'Music & Letters' aims to incorporate global perspectives in music studies, highlighting diverse musical traditions and their socio-political implications.
Recent publications in 'Music & Letters' reveal emerging themes and trends that reflect the journal's responsiveness to contemporary issues in music scholarship. These themes highlight the journal's commitment to exploring new areas of inquiry and adapting to the evolving landscape of music studies.
  1. Music and Politics:
    An increasing number of articles explore the relationship between music and political movements, emphasizing how music serves as a form of activism and social commentary.
  2. Cultural Memory and Identity:
    There is a growing focus on the themes of cultural memory and identity, examining how music contributes to the construction and expression of identity in various contexts.
  3. Intermediality in Music:
    Emerging studies are examining the intermedial relationships between music and other art forms, such as literature, visual arts, and digital media, reflecting the contemporary blending of artistic practices.
  4. Music and Technology:
    The intersection of music and technology is increasingly prominent, with research addressing topics such as digital music production, sound engineering, and the impact of technology on musical practices.
  5. Music and Ecologies:
    A new trend is emerging around the ecological aspects of music, including the exploration of soundscapes, environmental impacts of music production, and music's role in ecological activism.

Declining or Waning

While 'Music & Letters' continues to be a vibrant forum for musicological research, certain themes have begun to decline in prominence over recent years. This waning interest reflects shifts in scholarly focus and the evolving landscape of music studies.
  1. Traditional Music Forms:
    There appears to be a decreasing emphasis on traditional music forms and practices, as contemporary scholarship increasingly prioritizes modern and experimental music.
  2. Biographical Studies of Composers:
    Research centered solely on the biographies of individual composers has become less frequent, as scholars seek to contextualize music within broader cultural and theoretical frameworks.
  3. Historical Performance Practice:
    There is a noticeable decline in papers focusing exclusively on historical performance practices, suggesting a shift towards more integrative and theoretical approaches to performance.

Similar Journals

MUSICAL TIMES

Advancing Knowledge in Music Studies
Publisher: MUSICAL TIMES PUBLICATIONS LTDISSN: 0027-4666Frequency: 4 issues/year

MUSICAL TIMES is a distinguished journal dedicated to the exploration and dissemination of scholarly works in the realm of music, serving as an essential resource for researchers, professionals, and students alike. Published by MUSICAL TIMES PUBLICATIONS LTD, this journal has built a robust reputation within the arts and humanities, specifically focusing on music studies, with an impactful reach indicated by its Scopus ranking at #73 out of 106 in the field. Though access to this journal is not open, its curated content, which spans various facets of musicology and contemporary music discourse, enriches the academic community by encouraging insightful discussions and critical analyses. With its historical roots tracing back to its inception, MUSICAL TIMES aims to foster a deeper understanding of music's cultural, social, and artistic dimensions, making it a valued publication for those engaged in the scholarly pursuit of music.

REVUE DE MUSICOLOGIE

Fostering Scholarly Dialogue on Music's Legacy
Publisher: EDITIONS TRANSATLANTIQUESISSN: 0035-1601Frequency: 2 issues/year

REVUE DE MUSICOLOGIE is a prominent academic journal dedicated to the diverse field of musicology, published by EDITIONS TRANSATLANTIQUES in France. With an ISSN of 0035-1601, this journal has been a key platform for researchers and scholars since its inception, fostering scholarly discourse and advancing the understanding of music's cultural, theoretical, and historical dimensions. Although it currently holds a Q4 category in Music according to the 2023 quartiles and is ranked #140 in the Scopus Arts and Humanities Music category, REVUE DE MUSICOLOGIE continues to publish valuable insights that contribute to the global musicological landscape. The journal does not offer open access, adhering to standard subscription models. Its primary objective is to provide a rigorous forum for original research articles, reviews, and theoretical discussions, making it an essential resource for academics, professionals, and students in the field of musicology. Located at 50 RUE JOSEPH DE MAISTRE, 75018 PARIS, FRANCE, it promises to remain a vital part of music research through 2023 and beyond.

JOURNAL OF MUSICOLOGICAL RESEARCH

Celebrating the Intersection of Music and Academia
Publisher: TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 0141-1896Frequency: 4 issues/year

JOURNAL OF MUSICOLOGICAL RESEARCH, published by Taylor & Francis Ltd, is an esteemed platform that delves into the field of musicology, contributing to the ongoing dialogue in music research and scholarship since its establishment in 1979. With an ISSN of 0141-1896 and an E-ISSN of 1547-7304, this journal serves as a vital resource for researchers, professionals, and students, offering insights into diverse musicological topics. Although currently categorized in Q4 in Music with Scopus rankings placing it at #110 out of 180 in the Arts and Humanities field, its commitment to excellence and broader discourses in music studies is evident. The journal does not have Open Access options, yet it provides accessible content through reputable academic channels, fostering scholarly exchanges within the community. It aims to publish high-quality research that advances understanding of musical practices and cultural implications, making it a critical resource for those passionate about music and its myriad influences.

EARLY MUSIC HISTORY

Exploring the Resonance of the Past
Publisher: CAMBRIDGE UNIV PRESSISSN: 0261-1279Frequency: 1 issue/year

EARLY MUSIC HISTORY is an esteemed academic journal published by Cambridge University Press, specializing in the rich and diverse field of early music, providing a vital platform for research and discourse since its inception. With an ISSN of 0261-1279 and an E-ISSN of 1474-0559, the journal operates from its headquarters in Cambridge, United Kingdom. Known for its scholarly rigor, EARLY MUSIC HISTORY is ranked within the Q2 category in Music, illustrating its significant contribution to the field. The journal covers a broad time frame, examining musical developments from the medieval to the early modern period, and features articles that seek to illuminate historical contexts and contemporary implications of early music practices. Despite lacking the Open Access option, it remains a valued resource for researchers and professionals seeking to advance their understanding of this dynamic area of study. The journal not only fosters a deeper appreciation of early music history but also positions itself as a pivotal contributor to ongoing academic dialogue, making it essential reading for scholars in the arts and humanities.

Empirical Musicology Review

Empowering Scholars to Transform Music Research with Open Access
Publisher: OHIO STATE UNIV, SCH MUSICISSN: 1559-5749Frequency: 4 issues/year

Empirical Musicology Review is a pioneering journal in the field of musicology, published by the Ohio State University School of Music. Established as an open access journal since 2006, it aims to foster interdisciplinary research by providing a platform for scholars to disseminate empirical studies and analyses related to music. With ISSN 1559-5749, this journal plays a crucial role in expanding the understanding of music through methodological rigor and innovative practices, catering to researchers, professionals, and students alike. By promoting the accessibility of high-quality research, Empirical Musicology Review significantly contributes to the evolving landscape of music studies and enhances the global dialogue surrounding music's theoretical and practical dimensions. The journal's commitment to open access ensures that its valuable insights reach a broad audience, encouraging further exploration and collaboration within the musicology community.

RIVISTA ITALIANA DI MUSICOLOGIA

Unveiling the Rich Tapestry of Musical Knowledge
Publisher: ITALIAN SOC MUSICOLOGYISSN: 0035-6867Frequency: 2 issues/year

RIVISTA ITALIANA DI MUSICOLOGIA, published by the Italian Society of Musicology, is a distinguished journal dedicated to the field of musicology, offering a platform for scholarly research and discourse on a wide array of musical topics. With an ISSN of 0035-6867 and an E-ISSN of 2036-5586, this journal has contributed significantly to the understanding of music in cultural and historical contexts. Although the scope of coverage was marked from 2003 to 2008 in renowned databases like Scopus, the journal continues to serve as an invaluable resource for researchers, educators, and students embroiled in music studies. Its emphasis on rigorous research and critical analysis makes it a vital asset for anyone seeking to deepen their knowledge of musicological inquiry. While not an open-access publication, the RIVISTA ITALIANA DI MUSICOLOGIA remains a prestigious outlet for scholarly contributions that reach audiences eager to explore the complexities of musical heritage.

MUSICAL QUARTERLY

Exploring the Rich Tapestry of Music Scholarship
Publisher: OXFORD UNIV PRESS INCISSN: 0027-4631Frequency: 4 issues/year

MUSICAL QUARTERLY, published by Oxford University Press Inc, is a distinguished journal in the field of music, with a publication history that stretches back to 1915. This esteemed journal, identifiable by its ISSN 0027-4631 and E-ISSN 1741-8399, provides a critical platform for scholarly discourse, analysis, and research in musicology and related disciplines, facilitating an understanding of both historical and contemporary musical practices. Although it operates without open access, it continues to attract a diverse readership of researchers, educators, and students alike, thanks to its well-curated articles and reviews that engage with music theory, history, and ethnomusicology. With a current Scopus rank of #119 out of 180 in the Arts and Humanities category and a 34th percentile ranking in Music, MUSICAL QUARTERLY plays a vital role in advancing knowledge and fostering collaboration within the music academic community. Its commitment to high-quality scholarship is reflected in its ongoing efforts to address the evolving landscape of music studies, making it an essential resource for anyone serious about exploring the rich tapestry of music scholarship.

Muzikoloski Zbornik

Advancing the Boundaries of Musicology
Publisher: UNIV LJUBLJANAISSN: 0580-373XFrequency: 1 issue/year

Muzikoloski Zbornik is a prominent open-access journal in the field of musicology, published by the esteemed University of Ljubljana Press since 1965. Hailing from Slovenia, this journal has been dedicated to advancing the study of musical heritage, theory, and practice, serving as a vital platform for researchers, professionals, and students alike. With a notable Q2 category ranking in the field of music and a Scopus ranking of 109 out of 180 in Arts and Humanities, Muzikoloski Zbornik showcases high-quality research, fostering discourse and collaboration among scholars globally. The journal embraces a diverse range of topics, from ethnomusicology to music education, ensuring its relevance in an ever-evolving academic landscape. By providing unrestricted access to its content, it champions the dissemination of knowledge and supports the growth of the musicology discipline.

Ethnomusicology Forum

Connecting Cultures Through the Language of Music
Publisher: ROUTLEDGE JOURNALS, TAYLOR & FRANCIS LTDISSN: 1741-1912Frequency: 3 issues/year

Ethnomusicology Forum is a premier journal dedicated to the interdisciplinary study of music within its cultural contexts, published by Routledge Journals, Taylor & Francis Ltd. With an ISSN of 1741-1912 and an E-ISSN of 1741-1920, this journal plays a crucial role in advancing the field of ethnomusicology, offering insights into the diverse musical expressions found across the globe. As part of the academic landscape in the United Kingdom, the journal has established a commendable reputation, achieving Q2 rankings in both Anthropology and Music categories in 2023. Also noteworthy is its Scopus ranking, placing it in the 76th percentile in the Arts and Humanities category for Music and the 57th percentile in Social Sciences for Anthropology, reflecting its impact and scholarly importance. The Ethnomusicology Forum seeks to engage researchers, professionals, and students alike, providing a platform for innovative approaches to understanding music's role in society. Published annually and designated for a wide range of scholarly articles, the journal is essential for anyone looking to deepen their knowledge of music's cultural significance and its anthropological implications.

JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL MUSICAL ASSOCIATION

Fostering scholarly insights in music studies.
Publisher: CAMBRIDGE UNIV PRESSISSN: 0269-0403Frequency: 2 issues/year

JOURNAL OF THE ROYAL MUSICAL ASSOCIATION, published by Cambridge University Press, stands as a significant repository for innovative research and scholarly discourse within the field of music studies. Recognized for its contributions to the understanding of musical practices, theory, and history, this esteemed journal offers a platform for academics and researchers to disseminate their findings to a broad audience. With an ISSN of 0269-0403 and E-ISSN of 1471-6933, the journal has maintained a notable presence since its inception, merging insights from both traditional and contemporary musicology. It currently occupies a Q4 ranking in Music within the Scopus database, reflecting its inclusion within the arts and humanities landscape. While the journal traditionally operates under subscription access, its continuing commitment to advancing music scholarship ensures that it remains an essential resource for students, scholars, and practitioners alike, fostering greater understanding and appreciation of musical artistry from 1987 to the current era.