Writing a report : how to prepare, write and present powerful reports 5th ed by 
The easy essay handbook : a guide to writing for today's students by 
Essay savvy : a step by step guide to writing that dreaded essay by Both essays and reports are documents written with a purpose - to communicate a viewpoint, supported by analysis. The analysis includes discussion of evidence.
Essays are usually thematic, with an organic narrative structure. They have clear introductory and concluding paragraphs. But in between, they may describe points of view, compare and contrast different views, meander into examples, then return to the main theme.
Reports usually have clearly marked sections, perhaps with numbered headings. The headings may be hierarchical. A report will often start with a title page, and offer an executive summary. It will waste little time before marching into the introduction, background facts and methods (methods used to research or analyse the issues), then discussion and conclusion. Different disciplines (such as science and business) will have their own conventional formats.
A list of references used is essential to essays and reports prepared as higher education assignments.
You'll find a LibGuide on referencing in music and music business at http://libguides.bhtafe.edu.au/music-referencing
