This guide is designed to help you navigate research assignments that focus on music. You can move through the tabs on the left in order, or skip around to the sections that interest you most.
Think of this guide as a supplement to—not a substitute for—working with MJC research librarians. We’re available to consult with you by chat, text, email, or Zoom.
Click the Ask a Librarian link below to get started.
Research is an integral part of college. Assignments often ask you to explore ideas, analyze issues, solve problems, or make arguments based on existing knowledge. Developing strong research skills is essential not only for academic success but also for lifelong learning.
Key skills you’ll practice include:
Understanding the goals and guidelines of research assignments
Choosing and developing thesis-driven topics
Formulating research questions to guide your inquiry
Locating credible sources to support your thesis
Using sources effectively and ethically in your work
At Modesto Junior College, research librarians are here to help you get started. They can introduce you to these skills and guide you as you begin putting them into practice.
If you’d like one-on-one help with your project, simply click the Ask a Librarian button below. For more details on the full range of support available, visit the Get Help page at the end of this guide.
