As an upcoming musician you want to know what music is, how it works, how to improve as a player/singer and how to benefit from experiences of other people.

Within contextual studies we spend time at doing research on topics of your own choice (!) by using the different knowledge domains.

This research results in the writing of contextual essays (read the guide). And don't forget to check the different working models that can get and keep you going.

What is important while doing research?

1. Ask relevant and good questions
2. Track key terms (concepts) en map relations between them
3. Search in a sensible way by using a search strategy
4. Keep track of what you find
5. Constantly relate the relevance of search results to the asked questions

Systematic working

To keep on track it can be helpful to use a research cycle. That is perfectly ok as long as the cycle remains a tool and does not become the goal of your activities...

An example from Leiden University.