As a university-level student of music, you must learn how to express critical ideas about music in polished English, using proper and consistent techniques of visual presentation and of documentation. This style guide is intended to assist you in preparing essays and term papers. It deals with several common stylistic and technical issues that arise when you research and write essays about music. By no means is it complete or exhaustive, however, and you should also consult the guides cited on the Other Guides page of this guide.
Style guides sometimes differ in the technical protocols they recommend. The conventions advocated in the present guide are sound, and unless your course instructor tells you differently, you should follow them. Doing so should ensure clarity and consistency in your presentation.