How to Cite a Music Album or Song in APA Format (7th Edition)
Complete guide to citing music in APA 7. Covers albums, songs, streaming music, and musical compositions.
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Understanding Music Citation Format in APA
Citing music in APA format can seem challenging, but it follows straightforward guidelines that ensure clarity and consistency. In this guide, we will explore the rules for citing music according to the APA 7th edition. We will break down the citation format, explain the importance of following these rules, and provide examples for better understanding.
Basic Author Formatting
In APA 7th edition, the format for authors is consistent across different types of references. For a single author, you will list the last name first, followed by a comma and then the first and middle initials. Each initial should be separated by periods but not spaces. Here’s an example:
- Example: Smith, J.R.
This format helps maintain uniformity across citations, facilitating easier organization in your reference list. The inverted author format is used only in the reference list, which aids in alphabetical ordering.
Two Authors
When citing works with two authors, both names should also be inverted. They are separated by an ampersand (&) rather than the word 'and'. Each author's name should follow the same initial format as previously mentioned. The ampersand should be preceded by a comma. Here is how it looks:
- Example: Smith, J.R., & Johnson, A.B.
In parenthetical citations, you use the ampersand as well, but in narrative citations, you replace it with 'and'. This distinction is crucial for clarity in your writing.
More Than Two Authors
For works with three to 20 authors, list all authors using the same inverted format, separating them with commas and using an ampersand before the final author. For works with 21 or more authors, list the first 19 authors, followed by an ellipsis (...), and then include the final author. The ellipsis should not be italicized or bracketed. Here is an example:
- Example: Smith, J.R., Johnson, A.B., Lee, C.D., Brown, E.F., Davis, G.H., Miller, I.J., Thompson, K.L., White, M.N., Harris, O.P., Jones, Q.R., Green, R.S., Baker, T.U., Hall, V.W., King, W.X., Wright, Y.Z., ... Adams, Z.A.
This approach prevents excessively long citation lists while still giving credit to multiple authors. It enhances readability in your reference list.
Including Author Titles and Suffixes
In your reference list, it is essential to include author titles, suffixes, and other relevant credentials. Suffixes like Jr., Sr., II, and III should follow the initials, separated by commas. Here is an example:
- Example: Smith, J.R., Jr.
However, academic and professional titles such as Dr. or Professor should not be included in reference lists. This rule allows for clear identification without cluttering citations with unnecessary information.
URL Formatting
For citing online sources, including music, APA 7th edition has simplified how URLs are presented. URLs should be provided as live hyperlinks without any special formatting or punctuation. The 'Retrieved from' prefix is no longer required for most URLs. Ensure URLs are in their simplest form, starting with http:// or https://. Here is how you should format a URL:
- Example: https://www.examplemusic.com/songtitle
Do not add a period at the end of the URL, as it may confuse readers about where the URL ends.
Citing Music: An Example
When citing music, you may need to reference albums, songs, or performances. Here is a breakdown of how to cite a song from an album:
-
Format:
Last Name, First Initial. (Year). Title of song. On Title of album. Record Label. URL -
Example:
Swift, T. (2019). You Need to Calm Down. On Lover. Republic Records. https://www.examplemusic.com/youneedtocalmdown
In this example, Taylor Swift is the author, and the song title is italicized. The title of the album follows, along with the record label and the URL. This structure helps readers easily find the original source.
Importance of Following Rules
Adhering to APA citation rules is essential for maintaining academic integrity. Proper citations allow readers to locate your sources, enhancing the credibility of your work. Following the standard format also ensures that your writing is clear and professional. Consistency in citations helps avoid confusion and shows respect for the original creators of the works you reference.
Practical Tips and Common Pitfalls
- Double-check author names: Ensure you have the correct spelling and formatting of authors’ names. This is a common area where mistakes occur.
- Pay attention to punctuation: Misplacing commas or periods can lead to incorrect citations. Always review your citations for proper punctuation.
- Stay updated on rules: The APA guidelines may evolve, so being familiar with the latest editions is crucial.
- Use citation tools carefully: While citation generators can be helpful, always verify their accuracy against the APA guidelines.
Conclusion
Citing music in APA format involves specific rules that ensure clarity and consistency. By following these guidelines, you can create accurate citations that uphold academic integrity. Remember to format author names correctly, use the appropriate symbols for multiple authors, and present URLs clearly. Understanding and applying these rules will enhance your writing and provide proper credit to the original creators of the music you reference.
Step-by-Step Instructions
What You Need
- Access to a music source (such as a CD, vinyl, or digital music platform)
- Information about the music work (title, composer or artist name, publication year, record label, etc.)
- A computer or notepad for writing
- An internet connection (for accessing citation tools or additional resources)
Steps to Create a Music Citation in APA Format
1. Identify the Author(s)
Action: Determine who created the music. This could be a single composer, artist, or a group.
Verification: Check the album cover, music credits, or the digital platform for the artist's name.
Time Estimate: 2 minutes.
Tip for Efficiency: If there are multiple artists, note them all down for later.
2. Gather Necessary Information
Action: Collect all relevant details about the music work. This includes the title of the song or album, the artist's name, the year of release, the record label, and the format (CD, digital, etc.).
Verification: Double-check that you have the correct title and artist. For example, look for the correct spelling of names and any additional details like album titles.
Time Estimate: 5 minutes.
Tip for Efficiency: Create a checklist of required details to ensure nothing is missed.
3. Format the Author(s) Correctly
Action: If it is a single author, list their last name first, followed by a comma and their initials. For example, if the artist is John Doe, you would write it as "Doe, J." For two authors, format as "Doe, J., & Smith, A."
Verification: Review the formatting rules: last name first, initials with periods, and an ampersand for two authors.
Time Estimate: 2 minutes.
Tip for Efficiency: Write down the formatted names in a separate document for easy reference.
4. Include the Year of Release
Action: After the author(s), include the year of publication in parentheses. For example, if the album was released in 2020, write it as "(2020)."
Verification: Ensure that you have the correct year by cross-referencing the source.
Time Estimate: 1 minute.
Tip for Efficiency: Keep track of years for multiple works if you are citing more than one.
5. Add the Title of the Work
Action: Write the title of the song or album in italics. If you are citing a specific song, do not italicize the song title, but do italicize the album title if applicable. For example, "Song Title" (if a specific song), or Album Title (if citing the album).
Verification: Confirm the title matches the original source, paying attention to punctuation and capitalization.
Time Estimate: 3 minutes.
Tip for Efficiency: Use a citation generator tool to help format titles correctly if needed.
6. Include Additional Publication Information
Action: For music citations, include the record label and the format. For example, you could write "Label Name." If it is a digital source, you can include "https://www.source.com" at the end.
Verification: Ensure that the record label and format are accurate, and that the URL is correctly linked.
Time Estimate: 3 minutes.
Tip for Efficiency: Use a template to standardize the information for each citation.
7. Finalize the Citation
Action: Combine all the elements into a single citation. For example: "Doe, J. (2020). Album Title. Record Label. https://www.source.com"
Verification: Review the entire citation for consistency and accuracy in formatting. Ensure all elements are present.
Time Estimate: 2 minutes.
Tip for Efficiency: Save a master document of your citations to streamline future projects.
8. Double-Check Your Work
Action: Go through your citation one last time to ensure it meets all APA formatting rules. Look for proper punctuation, capitalization, and spacing.
Verification: Use an APA citation guide or an online citation tool to confirm your format is correct.
Time Estimate: 5 minutes.
Tip for Efficiency: Consider using citation management software to keep track of your references and automate future citations.
By following these steps, you will create accurate and properly formatted music citations in APA style. Taking the time to verify each component helps ensure the quality of your citations. Happy citing!
Common Errors for Music Citation Citations
Students focus on sentence case rules but forget that proper nouns are always capitalized regardless of case rules
How to Avoid It:- Identify all proper nouns in the title including names of people
- Ensure names of places, organizations, and institutions are capitalized
- Capitalize specific geographic names and locations mentioned
- Maintain capitalization of brand names and historical events referenced
Students forget that subtitles are treated as separate sentences for capitalization purposes
How to Avoid It:- Locate all colons in the title that separate main title from subtitle
- Capitalize the first word immediately following each colon without exception
- Apply sentence case or title case rules to remaining subtitle words appropriately
- Ensure subtitle capitalization matches the type of title case being used
Students don't know when acronyms should be in all capitals versus following sentence case rules
How to Avoid It:- Identify well-known acronyms like CDC, NASA, APA, FBI that are widely recognized
- Keep these acronyms in all capitals regardless of sentence case rules
- For lesser-known acronyms, follow standard usage or title case rules
- Check if acronym is commonly written in all caps in professional contexts
Students partially apply rules but are inconsistent, mixing sentence and title case
How to Avoid It:- Choose correct case type for the source type first
- Apply rules consistently throughout the entire title without exception
- Double-check all words against the chosen case rules
- Review title for consistent application of capitalization throughout
Students focus on sentence case rules but forget the basic rule to always capitalize the first word
How to Avoid It:- Always capitalize the first word of any title without exception
- This applies regardless of sentence case or title case formatting used
- Check the very first character of the title for proper capitalization
- Ensure first word is capitalized even if it's a minor word type
Students extend italics beyond appropriate boundaries or apply them inconsistently
How to Avoid It:- Review italics boundaries carefully in citation formatting
- Italicize only titles and volume numbers in reference lists
- Keep all other elements like publisher location in plain text
- Ensure italics start and stop at appropriate points
Students omit periods after initials, especially when multiple initials are present
How to Avoid It:- Add period after each initial in author name formatting
- Ensure all initials have periods following them consistently
- Check that no initials are missing periods in reference lists
- Verify spacing between initials with periods is correct
Students space initials like regular words, not realizing they should be compact
How to Avoid It:- Remove spaces between initials in author name formatting
- Keep initials together without spacing between them
- Maintain periods after each initial without extra spacing
- Check that initials appear as M.K. not M. K. in citations
Students focus on the year in parentheses but forget the period after closing parenthesis
How to Avoid It:- Add period after closing parenthesis of year in citations
- Ensure year is in parentheses followed by period consistently
- Check that year information is complete with proper period
- Verify spacing between year period and title is correct
Students focus on internal punctuation but forget the citation must end with a period
How to Avoid It:- Add period at the very end of the citation reference
- Ensure citation ends with proper punctuation consistently
- Check that no citation is missing final period in reference list
- Verify that final period is not preceded by extra spacing
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Before submitting your Music Citation citation, verify:
- In APA 7th edition, single authors are formatted with last name followed by a comma and first and middle initials. The initials should be separated by periods but not spaces. This format applies to all reference types including journal articles, books, and webpages. The author's name should be inverted (last name first) in the reference list only. This rule ensures consistency across all citation formats and makes alphabetical ordering more efficient in reference lists.
- For works with two authors, both names should be inverted (last name first) and separated by an ampersand (&) rather than the word 'and'. Each author's name follows the single author format (Last name, initials). The ampersand should be preceded by a comma. This format is used in both reference lists and parenthetical citations, but narrative citations use 'and' instead of '&'. This rule distinguishes APA from other citation styles and maintains consistency across multi-author works.
- For works with 21 or more authors, list the first 19 authors, insert an ellipsis (...), then list the final author. The ellipsis replaces authors 20 through the second-to-last author. All listed authors follow the standard inverted format. This rule prevents extremely long citation lists while still providing key attribution information. The ellipsis should not be italicized or bracketed. This change from APA 6th edition's 7+ author rule provides more comprehensive author listing.
- Author titles, suffixes, and credentials (like Jr., Sr., II, III, Ph.D., M.D.) should be included in the reference list. Suffixes like Jr., Sr., II, and III follow the initials, separated by commas. Academic and professional credentials are generally omitted from reference list entries but may be included in special circumstances. Titles like Dr., Professor, or military ranks are not included in reference list citations. This rule provides complete identification when needed while avoiding unnecessary credential inflation.
- When including URLs for websites, online documents, or other sources without DOIs, present them as live hyperlinks without any special formatting or punctuation. APA 7 removes the 'Retrieved from' prefix that was required in APA 6 for most URLs. URLs should be presented in their simplest form, beginning with http:// or https://, and should be hyperlinks in digital documents. Do not add a period at the end of a URL unless it is part of the original URL. This simplification makes citations cleaner while maintaining functionality for digital access to sources.
- When a URL or DOI leads to a broken or inactive link, APA 7 provides several options for handling the citation. If the source is available through an archive like the Internet Archive, include the archived URL. If the source cannot be located, include as much information as possible and note that the resource is no longer available. For journal articles with broken DOIs, include the DOI but add a note indicating it's inactive. The principle is to provide enough information for readers to locate the source if possible, while acknowledging access limitations. This represents more detailed guidance than APA 6 provided for handling broken links.
Special Cases
Understanding Special and Edge Cases in Music Citations for APA
When citing music in APA style, it is essential to follow specific guidelines laid out in the 7th edition of the APA Publication Manual. Music citations can include various formats, such as albums, songs, or music videos. This guide addresses special and edge cases that may arise when formatting these citations.
General Formatting Guidelines
Before diving into special cases, it is crucial to understand the general formatting rules for music citations in APA 7th edition. The basic structure for citing music typically includes the following elements:
- Author(s): This may be the artist, composer, or performer.
- Date: The year of release or composition.
- Title: The title of the song or album, italicized.
- Source: The medium of distribution, such as a record label, website, or streaming service.
The standard format for a music citation is as follows:
Author, A. A. (Year). Title of work [Type of work]. Source.
Special Cases in Music Citations
1. Multiple Contributors
When a song or album has multiple contributors, such as featured artists or producers, it is essential to recognize each contributor appropriately.
Example:
If you are citing a song with a primary artist and a featured artist, the format would look like this:
Smith, J. (2020). Beautiful melodies [Song]. In Greatest Hits (featuring Brown, A.). Music Label.
In this case, both the primary artist and the featured artist are included to give proper credit. The featured artist is mentioned after the title.
2. Citing Music Videos
When citing a music video, the format changes slightly to reflect the medium. Here is how to cite a music video:
Example:
Doe, J. (2021). Dance like nobody’s watching [Music video]. YouTube. https://youtube.com/example
In this example, the title of the work is still italicized, and the medium is specified as "Music video." The source is the platform where the video is hosted.
Edge Cases in Music Citations
3. Songs with No Clear Author
Sometimes, songs may not have a clear author, especially in cases of traditional or public domain music. In such cases, you can cite the title as the author.
Example:
Amazing Grace. (n.d.). In Traditional Hymns. Music Publisher.
In this citation, "Amazing Grace" is treated as the author because it is a widely recognized traditional piece. The date is noted as "n.d." for "no date," indicating that the original date of composition is unknown.
4. Collaborative Works with Multiple Authors
In cases where a song is written by multiple authors, you should follow the APA format for multiple authors, listing each author in the inverted format and separating them with an ampersand.
Example:
Taylor, S., & West, K. (2022). New horizons [Album]. Music Label.
In this case, both authors are credited for their contributions to the album.
Practical Tips for Citing Music
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Use Reliable Sources: Always gather information from reliable sources to ensure accuracy in your citations. This may include official websites, music databases, or streaming platforms.
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Double-Check Formatting: Pay attention to the details of each citation, such as italics and punctuation. A small error can lead to confusion or misattribution.
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Include URLs Carefully: When adding online sources, ensure that URLs are correctly formatted as live hyperlinks. Do not add periods at the end of URLs unless they are part of the actual link.
Common Pitfalls
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Omitting Contributors: In music citations, it is common to overlook contributors such as producers or featured artists. Always check if these individuals should be credited in your citation.
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Incorrect Author Formatting: Remember to invert authors' names correctly, especially in works with multiple authors. Forgetting to use an ampersand or failing to invert the names can lead to improper citations.
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Ignoring the Medium: Always specify the type of work, such as a song, album, or music video. This detail is crucial for clarity.
Conclusion
Citing music in APA format can involve special and edge cases that require careful attention to detail. Understanding these nuances not only ensures compliance with APA guidelines but also respects the contributions of all individuals involved in the creation of music. By following the principles outlined in this guide, you can confidently create accurate and effective music citations in your academic work. Always remember to refer to the official APA 7th edition manual for the most comprehensive guidelines.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I cite a song in APA format?
To cite a song in APA format, you need to include the songwriter's last name, first initial, the year the song was released, the title of the song in italics, the format, and the publisher. For example, if you are citing a song by Taylor Swift, it would look like this: Swift, T. (2020). Cardigan [Song]. Universal Music Group. If you accessed the song from a specific platform, you can include that information as well. For instance, if you listened to the song on Spotify, you would add it at the end: Retrieved from https://www.spotify.com. For more details on music citations, check the APA Style website.
What if the song has multiple artists? How do I cite it?
When citing a song with multiple artists, you should list the primary artist first, followed by the additional artists after the word 'feat.' For example, if you are citing a song by Post Malone featuring Swae Lee, the citation would look like this: Malone, P. (2018). Sunflower [Song]. Universal Music Group. The 'feat.' artist does not need to be cited separately in this case. If you are citing a collaboration album, list the album title and include all artists involved. For further guidance, refer to the APA citation guidelines for music.
Do I need to include the record label when citing a song?
Yes, including the record label is an important part of citing a song in APA format. The record label provides context about the song's production and distribution. In your citation, you would typically include the record label after the song title and before any retrieval information. For instance, in the citation: Swift, T. (2020). Cardigan [Song]. Universal Music Group. The 'Universal Music Group' is the record label. If you do not know the record label, it is acceptable to omit that information, but it is useful to include it when possible. For more details, visit the APA Style website.
How do I cite a live performance of a song?
Citing a live performance of a song in APA format requires you to provide the name of the artist, the year of the performance, the title of the song, the descriptor 'Live performance', and the venue or event where it took place. For example: Swift, T. (2021). Shake It Off [Live performance]. Coachella Music Festival, Indio, CA. If you accessed a recording of the performance, you would also include the source, such as a video platform, at the end. This helps to clarify the nature of the performance as well as where it can be found for review. For more information, refer to the APA Style guidelines.
What if the song has a music video? Do I need to cite it differently?
If a song has an official music video that you want to cite, the citation will differ slightly from a standard song citation. You should list the artist, the year the video was released, the title of the song in italics, the descriptor 'Music video', and the platform where it can be found. For example: Swift, T. (2020). Cardigan [Music video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/xxxxx. This citation format indicates that you are referencing the visual representation of the song. Always ensure that you provide the correct URL for the music video. For detailed guidance, consult the APA Style website.
Can I cite song lyrics directly in my paper?
Citing song lyrics directly in your paper can be tricky and should be done with care. In APA format, if you want to include a quotation of lyrics, you should include the author's last name, year, and the specific line or verse number, if applicable. For example, you might write: According to Swift (2020), 'You’re a mastermind' (line 3). However, keep in mind that you should only quote lyrics if it is essential to your argument. If you are using a substantial amount of lyrics, you may need to seek permission from the copyright holder. For more information on quoting and copyright issues, visit the APA Style website.
Last Updated: 2025-10-26
Reading Time: 10 minutes
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