Stewart Library - Weber State University

Research Guide:

MUSC 1040: Music of World Cultures

Finding Music Recordings and Scores

Using Catalogs: Use the library's online catalog to find musical recordings and scores. When you search by keyword, be sure to limit your search by Format to Audio Recordings (musical) when searching for recordings, and to Music scores when searching for scores. You can also do an alphabetical search by author (includes composer), title or subject; note that the Format limits mentioned above do not work when doing alphabetical searches. Use World Cat to find music in other libraries. For home or off campus access please use your WSU Login.

Audio recordings are located in the Media/Reserve collection on the Lower Level. Music scores are located under the call number M section on the Top Level.

From the Internet: Many different types of music are available on the Internet. These can be stored in many different file types. Use the Web Resources links below and Search Engines to search for audio files on the Internet. Try using Hotbot and do an advanced search and limit to real media and/or audio, or  try AltaVista's Advanced Audio Search.

Interlibrary Loan:  If we do not own a particular CD, Video or other media needed, we can try to borrow it for you from another library through Interlibrary Loan. Be aware that it is often difficult to order media as many libraries do not lend audio tapes, CD's or videos.

Finding Books

Using Catalogs: Use the library's online catalog, to find books on music, musical instruments, musicians, music education, and other music topics. You can search by keyword or search alphabetically by author, title and subject. Use World Cat to find books in other libraries. 

Music Books: Most music books are found in the General Collection under the call number M on the Top Level. It is useful to browse the shelves to get an overview of the music collection. 

Useful call number areas for music are:
  • M 1 - M 1490 -- instrumental music 
    • scores -- most scores are located in this area, the exact call number depends on the number of instruments.
  • ML 1 - 3930 -- literature on music
  • ML 100 - ML 158 -- reference works on music
  • ML 159 - ML 3739 -- history and criticism
  • ML 385 - ML 429 -- biography
  • ML 430 - ML 455 -- composition
  • ML 650 - ML747 -- piano, clavichord, harpsichord, etc.
  • ML 3930 -- literature on music for children
  • MT 1 -- MT 960 -- musical instruction and study
  • MT 1 -- pedagogics
  • MT 2 - MT 5 -- history and criticism
  • MT 7 -- music theory
  • MT 20 - MT 32 -- special methods
  • MT 40 - MT 67 -- composition
  • MT 170- MT 810 -- instrumental techniques

Interlibrary Loan: If we do not own a particular book or article you need, we will borrow it for you from another library through Interlibrary Loan.

Reference Resources

Reference resources include encyclopedias, dictionaries and other materials you use to "refer" to. Use these resources for background information on a topic. For home or off campus access please use your WSU Login.

ONLINE REFERENCE RESOURCES

PRINT REFERENCE RESOURCES (Encyclopedias and Dictionaries)

Listed below are some selected examples. Use the catalog or browse the shelves to see many more reference books on Music.

  • New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians (REF Table 3A, Middle Level) -This contains long articles on a wide variety of subjects. Each article has a bibliography. Included in Grove Music Online.
  • New Grove Dictionary of Musical Instruments and Instrument Makers (REF Table 3A) - Information on instruments, their history and evolution. Included in Grove Music Online.
  • Gale Encyclopedia of World Music (REF Table 3A, Middle Level) - Provides comprehensive coverage of world music by region.
  • Continuum Encyclopedia of Popular Music of the World (Refefernce Shelves, Middle Level: ML 102.P66C66 2003) - Provides coverage of popular music throughout the world.

Finding Articles

ARTICLE DATABASES

To find articles on your topic you need to use article databases, also known as periodical indexes. Each database usually covers a group of subject related journals. Search by subject or keyword in these indexes. For home or off campus access please use your WSU Login.

BROWSING CURRENT PERIODICALS

Current magazines and journals on music and music education can be browsed in the Current Periodicals Area in the M section.

Bound volumes of older issues are found in the General Collection on the Top Level.

ELECTRONIC JOURNALS AND MAGAZINES

Web Resources

Here are some WWW sites to get you started. Most of these will take you to other links, so explore!

  • All Music Guide: World Music - Basic information on a wide range of world music artists and genres.
  • Ethnomusicology, Folk Music, and World Music - A research-oriented site, with links to Web sites for world music organizations, institutions, archives, and research centers; world music bibliography, periodicals & online publications; world music recording labels and distributors; and world music sites by geographical region.

  • Ethnomusicology Resources on the Web - This web directory provides access to music throughout the world.  It has a geographic arrangement as well as links to academic resources as well.

  • National Geographic World Music - Basic information on world music, including some free sound files.

  • National, International, and World Music - Created by the William and Gayle Cook Music Library Indiana University School of Music, this web directory provides

  • access to general ethnomusicology resources as well as music of other countries.

  • The Society for Ethnomusicology - Links to ethnomusicology resources maintained by the Society.

Research Tips

Updated February 13, 2008 . Please send comments to Carol Hansen
Weber State University, Stewart Library. Copyright © 2008 All Rights Reserved.