A common criticism leveled at much recent music scholarship is the lack of attention to "the music itself." Moreover, a significant body of research that does consider "the music" focuses on musical "objects" and/or texts, often overlooking important aspects of the processes involved in the creation of musical sounds. With attention to issues of historical and cultural context, this course focuses on the exploration, critique, and development of methodologies for the scholarly study of musical performance. Students will hone research techniques, critical perspectives and writing skills as they engage scholarship on topics including musical improvisation, interaction, perception, performance practice, and memory.