Investigate the topic thoroughly. Use the Internet, library, resources from the classroom and any personal knowledge to form a unique personal viewpoint on the subject.
Take notes as the research is completed. If there are any interesting quotes write them on a note card along with the publication's information. This will enable the citing of relevant sources and add credibility to the paper.
Read intensively about the subject. Learn about the topic so that when it comes time to write the paper it is possible to write with a unique interpretation. Become as much of an expert as possible about the topic.
Arrange the paper into highly defined sections: introduction, history, relevant information and conclusion.
Write the introduction. This section should include a thesis and an introduction to the topic. Avoid discussing any of the details in this section. This section should prepare the reader for the rest of the paper.
Write about the history of the assigned topic. This is a good way to show research was completed. Quotes are especially helpful in this section of the paper.
Write several paragraphs about the topic. These paragraphs should contain specific examples, such as discussing the composers involved and detailing the environment that the composer was working in. If the paper is about Beethoven, for example, you could discuss how Napoleon influenced his music.
Include topics that deal with the instruments used, social conditions and effects of the particular music on society.
Write the conclusion to the paper. Give an overview of the topic, and summarize the findings from the paper.