Publication and Presentation Venues for Undergraduate Research in Musicology
I don’t often hear from undergraduates interested in presenting or publishing their research. To be fair, I don’t see this lack as a failure on the part of undergrad students; rather, my sense is that there’s a perception that arts and humanities students do not engage in research in the same way that students in social science and STEM fields do.
In reality, however, many of my students are producing original musicological research—whether they realize it or not. In fact, undergraduate students often delve into areas that are understudied by professional scholars, precisely because those topics are the ones that excite and engage them in their daily lives. But again, because they may not perceive themselves as conducting original research, they may not know how to go about developing their projects beyond the scope of a term paper.
Recently, one of my undergraduate students approached me seeking suggestion as to places where she might further develop and publicize her research project. I had a few ideas, but I also reached out to my academic network on #MusicologyTwitter to ask for suggestions. I’ve taken the liberty of writing them up here. If there’s anything I’m missing, please feel free to leave a comment with your addition to this list.
Opportunities to Present Research
Graduate Student-Led Conferences
Graduate student-organized conferences are often (although not always) welcoming to undergraduate students. After all, graduate students make up a significant percentage of undergraduate course instructors, so they often have opportunities to connect with undergrads. They are also temporally closer to the undergraduate experience and thus may be able to empathize with and encourage undergraduates as they develop their skills.
McGill Graduate Students’ Society Symposium
Held annually in the spring.
Although is organized by graduate students, I’m told reliably that this conference welcomes papers from undergraduate students as well.
University of Toronto Graduate Student Conference
Another annual (spring) graduate-student led conference that is welcoming to undergraduates.
Regional Conferences of Professional Organizations
College Music Society (multiple inter/national and regional conferences)
Colleagues who attended this conference as undergraduates reported good experiences. A regional conference held by CMS might be a good place to start, as regional conferences tend to be less formal.
American Musicological Society (AMS)
Colleagues reported undergraduate students sometimes present their research at regional meetings, which are held throughout the year.
Royal Musical Association Research Students’ Conference
Held annually, but the time of year seems to change depending on the host institution. I presented at RMA as a graduate student and found it to be a friendly environment. Senior colleagues from the UK said they are open to submissions from undergraduates.
Venues Specifically for Undergraduates
Council on Undergraduate Research (CUR)
Hosts not only conferences but also workshops and webinars. DU has an institutional membership so you would not need to join to benefit.
Opportunities to Publish
There are fewer opportunities for undergraduates to publish than present in the arts and humanities, but don’t let that discourage you.
Nota Bene: Canadian Undergraduate Journal of Musicology
Established in 2008 by the music faculty at Western University (formerly the University of Western Ontario), Nota Bene is published annually. The current editors appear to be undergraduate students, but there is a faculty advisory panel and submissions undergo double-blind peer review process with professors as the reviewers. I have no personal experience with this journal, but it looks extremely legit!
Muse: An Undergraduate Research Journal
A new journal published by undergraduate students in musicology at UCLA. I spoke with one of their editors, who tells me they are now welcoming submissions from students at other institutions.
Humanities Undergraduate Quarterly
Founded in 2021 by undergraduate students studying in the UK, Humanities Undergraduate Quarterly is a new interdisciplinary journal for undergraduate research in humanities and social sciences fields. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the journal has understandably not yet published on a quarterly basis, but the first issue is promising. HUQ also publishes blog entries in alternate formats, such as videos or visual art.
Do you know of a journal or conference that welcomes undergraduate researchers in musicology? Please let me know and I’ll update this list.