Music Research Lens Guide
Year 12 Music Studies Research Assignment Support Five Critical Lenses for Analysis
Why Research Lenses Matter
Lenses help you see beyond surface level Each lens reveals different aspects of music Critical for achieving Excellence in AS91276 Essential for understanding music's social impact Connects music to wider New Zealand context
Research Success Formula
Choose your lens → Ask the right questions → Find evidence → Make connections → Evaluate significance
🔍 Race Lens Overview
Examines how race and ethnicity shape music Considers cultural representation and identity Looks at barriers and discrimination Explores community connections Essential for understanding NZ's diverse music scene
🔍 Race Lens Questions
How does race or ethnicity influence this artist/genre/group's identity or message? Has this artist or group experienced racial barriers, stereotypes, or discrimination? How? How is culture (e.g. Māori, Pacific, immigrant, Pākehā, etc.) represented in the music? Who is the music speaking to? Does it represent a specific community? Why is this music important for racial representation in New Zealand?
🕰 Time Lens Overview
Examines historical context and era influence Considers social and political events Tracks changes over time Compares past and present contexts Reveals music's historical significance
🕰 Time Lens Questions
When did this artist/genre/group emerge, and what was happening in NZ at that time? How did social or political events influence the music? Has the music changed over time? What caused that change? How would this music be different if it was created today? Why is this music significant in its time period?
⛪ Religion/Belief Lens Overview
Explores spiritual and moral influences Examines faith traditions in music Considers religious spaces and practices Looks at values and belief systems Important for understanding purpose and meaning
⛪ Religion/Belief Lens Questions
Does religion or spirituality influence the themes or style of the music? Does this artist/group reflect church, cultural faith traditions, or moral values? Is the music used in religious spaces or influenced by them (e.g. gospel, church harmonies)? How does belief shape the message or purpose of the music? Why is this music important within religious or belief communities in NZ?
👩🏽🤝👨🏿 Gender Lens Overview
Examines gender roles and expectations Considers industry treatment and barriers Explores masculinity and femininity themes Looks at gender representation Important for understanding equality issues
👩🏽🤝👨🏿 Gender Lens Questions
How does gender influence how this artist/group is treated in the industry? Are traditional gender roles challenged or reinforced in the music? Does the artist speak about masculinity, femininity, or identity? How? Are there barriers faced because of gender? Why is this artist/group significant in terms of gender representation in NZ music?
💰 Class Lens Overview
Examines wealth and social status influence Considers economic backgrounds Looks at access and opportunity barriers Explores audience and platform access Important for understanding social justice themes
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