Explore the Journal of the American Musicological Society impact factor, submission process, and prestige in musicology. Ideal for researchers seeking high-impact publications in arts and culture. Discover scope, metrics, and guidelines to publish in Journal of the American Musicological Society.
The Journal of the American Musicological Society stands as a cornerstone in the field of musicology, offering a prestigious platform for scholarly work in arts and culture. Established in 1948, this quarterly publication by the American Musicological Society, in partnership with University of California Press, has built a legacy of excellence through rigorous peer review and contributions from leading experts. Researchers value the Journal of the American Musicological Society for its commitment to advancing historical, theoretical, and analytical studies in music, making it a go-to venue for impactful publications.
With a focus on original research, the journal covers a broad spectrum within musicology, including ethnomusicology, performance practice, and interdisciplinary approaches. Its impact factor, while modest at 0.222 for 2022 according to Clarivate Analytics, reflects the specialized nature of humanities scholarship where citation patterns differ from sciences. Yet, its influence is profound, evidenced by indexing in major databases like Scopus and Web of Science's Arts & Humanities Citation Index. Publishing in the Journal of the American Musicological Society enhances academic profiles, supporting career advancement in academia.
The submission process emphasizes quality and innovation, with articles typically ranging from 8,000 to 12,000 words. Editorial standards ensure that accepted pieces contribute meaningfully to ongoing dialogues in the discipline. For those eyeing high-impact outlets, the journal's reputation for thorough vetting and global readership positions it favorably. Researchers often highlight the value of its open access options under University of California Press policies, balancing accessibility with traditional subscription models.
Beyond metrics, the Journal of the American Musicological Society fosters community through special issues and book reviews, enriching the scholarly ecosystem. Whether exploring baroque opera or contemporary sound studies, contributors find a receptive audience. As disciplines evolve, the journal adapts, incorporating digital humanities and global perspectives. For academics navigating publication landscapes, this journal offers reliability and prestige.
To elevate your research trajectory, consider submitting your next manuscript. Explore related opportunities by checking academic jobs in musicology or PhD programs for further development.
The Journal of the American Musicological Society was founded in 1948 by the American Musicological Society to promote scholarly inquiry into music's historical and cultural dimensions. Initially published independently, it transitioned to University of California Press for online hosting in recent years, enhancing accessibility. Over seven decades, it has chronicled pivotal shifts in music studies, from post-war formalism to postmodern critiques.
Key milestones include its role in establishing musicology as a rigorous academic field in the U.S. The journal's volumes feature seminal articles on composers like Bach and Beethoven, alongside emerging topics in world music. Its quarterly issues maintain a balance of long-form articles, research reports, and reviews, totaling around 800 pages annually. This enduring publication continues to shape discourse, with archives available via the official site Journal of the American Musicological Society homepage.
The journal encompasses a wide array of musicological subfields, emphasizing analytical depth and historical context. Primary focus areas include Western art music, but it welcomes interdisciplinary work intersecting with anthropology, literature, and media studies.
| Discipline | Description |
|---|---|
| Historical Musicology | Studies of music from medieval to modern eras, including notation and performance practices. |
| Ethnomusicology | Exploration of music in cultural contexts, global traditions, and identity formation. |
| Music Theory and Analysis | Theoretical frameworks and structural examinations of compositions. |
| Popular Music Studies | Analysis of vernacular genres, media influence, and sociocultural impacts. |
| Interdisciplinary Approaches | Integrations with gender studies, technology, and postcolonial theory. |
These disciplines align with the primary category of Arts and Culture, serving researchers in the United States and internationally.
Performance indicators for the Journal of the American Musicological Society highlight its niche authority in humanities publishing. Metrics are sourced from Clarivate JCR, Scopus, and publisher data.
| Metric | Value | Source/Year |
|---|---|---|
| Impact Factor | 0.222 | Clarivate JCR 2022 |
| SJR (SCImago Journal Rank) | 0.101 | Scopus 2023 |
| h-index | 28 | Scopus |
| CiteScore | 0.3 | Scopus 2022 |
| Acceptance Rate | Not publicly disclosed | N/A |
These figures underscore steady influence despite the challenges of citation in arts fields.
The journal is widely indexed, ensuring visibility for authors. Key databases include:
Access abstracts and full texts via Scopus or Web of Science. This coverage aids discoverability and citation tracking.
As a hybrid journal, the Journal of the American Musicological Society operates primarily on a subscription model, with open access available via UC Press's Transformative Agreements. No mandatory Article Processing Charges (APCs) for standard submissions; hybrid OA fees are approximately $3,000 if elected, often covered by institutions. Page charges are not imposed. Sherpa/RoMEO classifies it as green OA compliant, allowing self-archiving after embargo. This model supports equitable access while sustaining quality.
Submissions are handled electronically through the journal's portal. Prepare manuscripts in double-spaced format, following Chicago Manual of Style. Include abstract, keywords, and anonymized review copy. Initial review takes 2-3 months, with revisions possible. Final acceptance leads to copyediting and proofreading. Detailed guidelines are on the submission portal. Average time from submission to publication is 12-18 months.
The board comprises distinguished scholars from top institutions. Editor-in-Chief Ana María Caballero (University of California, Riverside) oversees operations, supported by associate editors in historical and systematic musicology. Notable members include Patrick McCreless (Yale University) and Judy Lochhead (University of New Hampshire), bringing expertise in analysis and contemporary music. Their diverse backgrounds ensure balanced, innovative content.
Publishing here offers unparalleled prestige in musicology circles. The journal's rigorous process guarantees credibility, while its readership—academics, performers, and librarians—amplifies reach. For early-career researchers, it builds tenure-track credentials. Explore career benefits via Rate My Professor for faculty insights or academic calendar for deadlines. Internal links to higher ed jobs and tenure track positions aid professional growth.
| Journal | Impact Factor | Focus | Publisher |
|---|---|---|---|
| Journal of the American Musicological Society | 0.222 | Broad musicology | UC Press |
| Journal of Musicology | 0.143 | Historical/performance | UC Press |
| Music & Letters | 0.111 | International scholarship | Oxford UP |
| 19th-Century Music | 0.167 | Romantic era focus | UC Press |
| Ethnomusicology | 0.250 | Cultural studies | University of Illinois Press |
This comparison shows JAMS's competitive edge in scope and metrics.
To succeed, align your work with current calls, such as digital editions or global repertoires. Engage peer feedback pre-submission and adhere to length limits. Track trends via musicology resources. Network at conferences listed in academic conferences. Persistence pays; revisions often lead to acceptance. For broader opportunities, visit scholarship search or graduate school admissions.