Cite Your Sources
Save yourself time and keep your research organized with a citation management program like Zotero:
- Collect the information you'll need to cite your sources (author, title, publication year, etc.) with one click
- Quickly create citations and bibliographies in almost any citation style
- Organize, tag, and annotate your sources
Harvard librarians teach classes in the basics of Zotero. Learn more and check the class schedules.
- Chicago Manual of StyleThe full text of the 18th edition, plus quick style guides and FAQs.
- Harvard Guide to Using SourcesWriting and citation guidelines from the Harvard Writing Program.
- Senior Thesis Style GuideExcerpts from the Music Department's citation style guide for senior theses.
Special Cases
Scores/Sheet Music
Cite printed music like books.
Discographies
Cite print discographies like books.
Sound Recordings
Sound recordings are usually grouped in a separate discography section of your bibliography, and rules for how to cite them are slightly less fixed, especially as you may choose to highlight the work of the person most important to your argument (composer, performer, producer, notes author, etc.).
For more guidelines, see the Chicago Manual of Style Online, Section 14.163.
Citing the Recording
Footnote: James Brown, Say It Loud: I'm Black and I'm Proud, recorded August 17, 1967-October 18, 1968, PolyGram 42284 1992-2, 1996, compact disc.
Bibliography: Brown, James. Say It Loud: I'm Black and I'm Proud. PolyGram 42284 1992-2, 1996, compact disc. Recorded August 17, 1969-October 18, 1968.
Citing the Liner Notes
Footnote: Spencer Richards, “Cecil Taylor Unit,” in accompanying booklet, Cecil Taylor, Live in Vienna, recorded November 7, 1987, Leo LR 174, 1988, compact disc.
Bibliography: Richards, Spencer. “Cecil Taylor Unit.” Essay in accompanying booklet, Cecil Taylor, Live in Vienna. Recorded November 7, 1987. Leo LR 174, 1988, compact disc.
