Citing Music According to ABNT Standards: A Comprehensive Guide

In the realm of academic writing, citing sources is of paramount importance to establish credibility and avoid plagiarism. When it comes to referencing music, the ABNT (Associação Brasileira de Normas Técnicas) guidelines provide a clear and comprehensive framework to ensure proper citation. This article aims to equip you with a detailed understanding of how to cite music according to ABNT standards, guiding you through the intricacies of referencing different types of musical works.

1. Understanding the ABNT Standards for Music Citation

ABNT standards for music citation follow the general principles outlined in NBR 6023, the official Brazilian standard for bibliographic references. These principles emphasize the importance of accuracy, consistency, and clarity in presenting bibliographic information.

2. General Format for Citing Music

The general format for citing music according to ABNT standards includes the following elements:

• Author or composer's name
• Title of the musical work (in italics)
• Performer(s)
• Information about the recording (e.g., label, year)
• Page or track number (optional)

3. Specific Guidelines for Different Types of Musical Works

3.1 Songs

For songs, the composer and lyricist are listed as authors, followed by the title of the song in italics, the name of the performer(s), and the recording information.

3.2 Instrumental Pieces

For instrumental pieces, the composer is listed as the author, followed by the title of the piece in italics, the name of the performer(s), and the recording information.

3.3 Albums

For albums, the artist or band is listed as the author, followed by the title of the album in italics, the year of release, and the recording information.

4. Examples of Music Citations in ABNT Format

Example 1: Song

• In-text citation: (Silva, 2010)
• Reference list entry: Silva, J. (2010). Como uma onda. Interpretação de Maria Rita. [CD]. Universal Music.

Example 2: Instrumental Piece

• In-text citation: (Beethoven, 1803)
• Reference list entry: Beethoven, L. v. (1803). Sonata ao luar. Interpretação de Daniel Barenboim. [CD]. Deutsche Grammophon.

Example 3: Album

• In-text citation: (Arctic Monkeys, 2013)
• Reference list entry: Arctic Monkeys. (2013). AM. [LP]. Domino Recording Company.

5. Citing Music from Online Sources

When citing music from online sources, the general format remains the same. However, it is important to include the URL and access date in the reference list entry.

Example: Song from Spotify

• Reference list entry: Ed Sheeran. (2017). Shape of You. Interpretação de Ed Sheeran. [Streaming]. Spotify. https://open.spotify.com/track/5JH6fN3492DC37392g38Y?si=0787aec684624b3a (acesso em 12/03/2023).

6. Citing Music in Text

When citing music in the text, use the author's last name and the year of publication or release. For example:

• "Silva (2010) emphasizes the importance of melody in Brazilian popular music."
• "Beethoven's Moonlight Sonata (1803) is a classic example of Romantic era instrumental music."

7. Using Reference Management Software

Reference management software such as Zotero or Mendeley can greatly simplify the process of citing music according to ABNT standards. These tools allow you to import references from online databases and automatically generate citations in the correct format.

8. Storytelling with Humor: Tales of Musical Mishaps

Story 1:
A professor accidentally played the wrong recording during a lecture on Baroque music. Instead of Bach's Brandenburg Concerto, students were treated to Lady Gaga's "Poker Face." The laughter that ensued broke the ice and created a memorable learning experience.

Lesson learned: Always double-check the music before playing it in class!

Story 2:
A choir conductor, known for his strict adherence to tempo, was horrified when the accompanist started playing the hymn at a much faster pace. The choir members struggled to keep up, resulting in a chaotic and unintentionally hilarious performance.

Lesson learned: Communication and coordination are essential for successful musical collaborations.

Story 3:
A trumpet player accidentally dropped his instrument during a live performance. The audience gasped, but the musician quickly recovered and continued playing with a makeshift mute: a crumpled-up sheet music. The crowd laughed and applauded, turning a mishap into a moment of triumph.

Lesson learned: Even in the most serious musical settings, humor can arise from unexpected moments.

9. Overview of ABNT Standards for Music Citation: A Table

10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use the same citation format for both printed and online sources? Yes, the general format remains the same, but you need to include the URL and access date for online sources.
2. How do I cite a music video? Use the "Video" document type in the reference list entry and include the director's name.
3. What if I cannot find the year of release? Use "n.d." (no date) in the reference list entry.
4. How many authors should I include in the citation? List up to three authors; for more than three, use "et al." (and others).
5. Do I need to cite music used as background in a presentation? Yes, if the music is essential to the presentation's content.
6. Can I use a short citation style in the text? Yes, you can use the author's last name and the year of publication/release in parentheses.
7. What is the difference between a citation and a reference? A citation is a brief reference to a source within the text, while a reference is the full bibliographic information provided in the reference list.
8. How do I avoid plagiarism when citing music? Always use proper citation to acknowledge the original creator's work and prevent intellectual theft.

Conclusion

Citing music according to ABNT standards is a crucial skill for academic writers. By following the guidelines outlined in this article, you can ensure accurate and consistent referencing of musical works in your research and publications. Remember, proper citation不僅 protects intellectual property rights but also adds credibility to your work and supports the dissemination of knowledge within the academic community.