The ECR's research projects focus on the study of materials and structures, as well as the musical functions of musical instruments and how they have evolved. They aim to identify the initial methods and objectives of their implementation, to reveal the know-how of an era and a place, and find their direct applications in the design and implementation of conservation choices, particularly concerning the maintenance of playing condition. These research projects are organised around the following seven main themes:

• Archaeometry
• History of non-western collections
• The imaginary of music in painting
• The king's music
• Stamp enrichirers
• The great dynasties
• Vibrations mecanics and modelling

In addition, applied conservation-restoration research work is carried out in the ECR, some of it in collaboration with the CRCC team; the spin-offs from this work concern both the Musée de la musique collection and heritage works in general.