Bibliometric study of the scientific production on music education in Spain (1978–2022)

Abstract

This work aims to identify the principal journals with the most scientific production on music education by Spanish authors, to establish a ranking of the most cited articles and Spanish authors with the most scientific con-tributions, and to determine the most researched trends in music education over time in Spain. The sample comprises all articles by Spanish authors listed in the WoS and Scopus databases (peer-reviewed) from 1978 to 2022. The final sample comprises 1001 articles, 1372 authors, and 293 journals. The analysis of the information is based on productivity and dispersion indicators (Price’s, Bradford’s, and Lotka’s bibliometric laws), impact indicators (JIF, H index) and collaboration, scientific map-ping, and multivariate multiple correspondence factor analysis. The results show an annual rate of increase of music research by Spanish authors of 11.96%, with growth increasing from 2000 and becoming exponen-tial since 2010. Asymmetrical productivity was found in journals and authors, with many articles being concen-trated in a small group of journals and authors. It was also observed that the most relevant research trends in music education up to 2022 related to methodology, teacher training, technology, creativity, innovation, per-formance, emotions, music therapy, interculturality and inclusive education.