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Music: Scores & Sheet Music

Subject guide for music research, including databases, scores, audio/video
Last Updated: Feb 21, 2024 10:24 AM

Overview

Locations of various types of scores (including solo music and sets of parts) located in the Music Library, and suggestions for selected online collections of freely available digitized scores.

In the Library

Guide to locations as listed in the Catalog with a location in the Music Library. Scores with "M" call numbers are shelved using the Dickinson Classification system. The biggest difference between Dickinson and the Library of Congress classification system is that all class numbers should be read like decimals.

Please see our Guide to Call Numbers for Scores in the Music Library for an explanation of how to read an M call number, an outline of class M, and detailed guides for specific types of music. Items at the Annex should be requested through Delivery+. If you are searching online for scores in the Music Library collection, we recommend using the Catalog.

General Collection

  • What: “regular” scores
  • Where: Large section in the center of the library.
  • Catalog location says: Music Library: General Collection

CIRC parts / aka “Incomplete” parts

  • What: Parts that not sufficiently “complete” for a performance, i.e., parts that require the score in the main collection in order for the work to be performed. For example, the solo violin part for a violin-piano arrangement of a concerto, or the violin and cello parts for a piano trio. These have the same call number as the corresponding score.
  • How to get: Housed in the cabinets opposite the Circulation Desk
  • Catalog location says: Music Library: Circulation Desk

Parts  / aka “Complete” parts

  • What: Sets of chamber music parts sufficient for a performance. For example, the four parts for a string quartet.
  • Where: In file cabinets between the Treasure Room and Seminar Room, north side of library (by track lights). Drawers are unlocked. Oversized sets are at the very end. A few are bound and are shelved after the end of the MTs.
  • Catalog location says: Music Library: Parts Collection

Miniature

  • What: Scores smaller than approximately 23 cm (9 inches), BUT only those that have call numbers that start with M5_ or M6_ and that say “Miniature” in the catalog.
  • Where: Toward the back of the library, after the MTs.
  • Catalog location says: Music Library: General Collection. Call number starts with “Miniature”

Oversize

  • What: Very large scores, at least one edge larger than 44 cm (17.25 in.)
  • Where: back right corner of the library.
  • Catalog location says: Music Library: General Collection. Call number starts with “Oversize”

Reference Scores/Denkmäler/Composer Collected Works

  • What: Composer complete works and Denkmäler, and a few other noncirculating reference scores. Complete works call numbers start with M05. Most, but not all, Denkmäler call numbers have call numbers starting with M01. Reference scores in this area have various M call numbers and are marked with REFM above the M on the call number label.
  • NOTE: These do not circulate. If you need a circulating copy of a particular work, please ask for a librarian at the desk, and we may be able to find an alternate edition. Some volumes have accompanying performance parts—those do circulate.
  • Where: Far left along the windows by the large study tables. The Denkmäler are closer to the front; Complete Works are farther back.
  • Catalog location says: Music Library: Reference Scores

Flat Case                                             

  • What: Oddly shaped or unbound items, housed in envelopes
  • Where: Cases opposite the scanner
  • How to get: These circulate, but drawers are kept locked—ask for access at the desk. You can browse the drawers after we unlock them for you.
  • Catalog location says: Music Library: Flat Case

Treasure Room

  • What: “Special” items
  • How to get: Ask at the desk. Treasure room items can only be retrieved during hours when staff is on duty. You will be asked to sign them out and leave an ID as collateral. Items do not circulate.
  • Catalog location says: Music Library: Treasure Room

Storage

  • Where: Our on-site storage
  • How to get: Ask at the desk. Items from Storage can only be retrieved during hours when staff is on duty. Circulation policies vary by title/item.
  • Catalog location says: Music Library: Storage

Archives

  • What: Archival materials
  • Where: Our on-site storage
  • How to get: By advance arrangement with the music archivist; last-minute item requests are at the discretion of the librarian on duty. If you need a circulating copy of a particular work, please ask for a librarian at the desk--we may be able to find an alternate edition or a non-archival copy.
  • Catalog location says: Music Library: Archive Non_Circulating. Call number starts with “Mus. Arc.”

Online

Online access to scores and sheet music. UB Only as indicated. 

Librarian

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Deborah Chiarella
Contact:
716-829-5753