As a professional research librarian, I’d suggest students start by going into their library and asking a reference librarian. If they’re in a conservatory, they should have a library loaded with information, but even general libraries will have some resources. For example, my public library has the Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians online, and this is a good starting point for a lot of research, particularly if the student knows very little about a topic and needs an introduction.

If they come here asking for “where to find out” type of information, they’re doing alright. But if they come here asking for the answer to their question, then they’re asking the members here to do their homework. And if they do that, I hope they’re at least putting a footnote in their paper saying where the information came from. If they put credit where credit is due, at least they’re not engaging in dishonest research, just sloppy research.