"This classic reference work includes articles that range from clear, concise definitions of musical ideas and terms to extended surveys of musical forms and styles, with specialist coverage of virtually every musical subject. "

Explores the ways in which the discipline of cultural psychology can contribute to our understanding of how music development occurs in a range of cultural settings, and the subsequent implications of such understanding for the theory and practice of music education.

Includes over 14,000 entries on musical terms, musical works, musical instruments and their history, composers, librettists, musicians, singers, and orchestras. It also boasts comprehensive works lists for major composers. Fully revised and updated, the 5th edition contains over 200 new entries, including information on approximately 150 new performers.

"This encyclopedia's 30,000 entries cover all genres and periods of popular music from 1900 to the present day, including jazz, country, folk, rap, reggae, techno, musicals, and world music. The expanded Fourth Edition includes thousands of new entries on trends, styles, record labels, venues, and music festivals. Key dates, biographies, and further reading are provided for artists covered, along with complete discographies that include record labels, release dates, and a 5-star album rating system"