Library

facebook twitter youtube mobile website

Culture and Creative Arts - Music

Find journal articles, newspaper articles, book reviews etc.

Note: the search above won't find every article, for a more comprehensive search see the information below on databases.

To find relevant and good quality information for your assignments searching databases is the most effective method. The Library offers you free access to a range of databases though you may need your GUID and associated password to use some of them, especially if you are off campus. Databases usually contain the full text of (or details of) quality-assessed journal articles on particular topics (as well as in some cases books, theses and conference papers). We also have a database offering online music streaming (Naxos Music Library). Below are listings for the key databases relevant to Music and for all databases that may be relevant to Music. If you are looking at an interdisciplinary topic there may be additional databases that could be useful - see Databases by Subject to check what's available in other subject areas.

While using databases you may find out about publications which we don't have in the Library. If you are doing a dissertation or project you may want to get hold of publications we don't have. Through our Inter Library Loan service you can order books and journal articles free of charge. See the Need Something We Don't Have section on the web site.

Databases

Internet sites

There are many useful web sites related to Music. This is a small selection of useful sites.

Centres, Institutions and Organisations

Freely available Catalogues and Databases

  • Bodleian Library Broadside Ballads: The Bodleian Library holds over 30,000 ballads in several major collections. These have been gathered into a single catalogue which is now presented, along with a scanned image of each ballad sheet, in the Broadside Ballads Project. A search facility is provided and you can also browse an index of the ballads.
  • Canadian Music Periodical Index: CMPI is an index to Canadian music periodical literature which provides bibliographic sources for information on all aspects of musical activity in Canada. The CMPI database includes nearly 37,000 entries on articles dating from the late-19th century to the present day. 630 Canadian music journals, newsletters and magazines are represented.
  • Cecilia: A database that helps users to identify where music collections are held in UK libraries. You cannot search the database for individual items, but you can find out e.g. where the papers of a particular composer are held or which libraries have strong collections on particular areas of music.
  • Concert Programmes Database: This freely available database allows you to search for information about collections of concert programmes held in UK institutions. Note that it is not possible for search for individual programmes. You can search by geographical coverage and concert venues, time periods, subjects, and names of performers, concert venues, ensembles, promoters, and collectors.
  • Doctoral Dissertations in Musicology: DDM is an international database of bibliographic records for completed dissertations and new dissertation topics in the fields of musicology, music theory, and ethnomusicology, as well as in related musical, scientific, and humanistic disciplines. Currently contains over 14,000 records.
  • Encore!: Database providing details of sets of vocal scores and orchestral sets held in UK libraries (public, academic and conservatoire). Not all UK libraries are currently included. Note that it is not possible to borrow sets of scores online - this must be done via the Inter Library Loan system.
  • London Music Trades 1750-1800 database: This is a database providing basic biographical information about people working in all branches of the music business (composers, performers, publishers, instrument makers etc.) in London in the period 1750–1800.
  • Operabase: A wide range of information and resources including searchable databases of opera performances and festivals around the world, news and reviews, and links to opera resources on the web.
  • RISM (Répertoire International des Sources Musicales (UK) database: This database holds details of pre-1850 music sources preserved in libraries and archives in the UK and Ireland. It includes manuscripts from national, public and academic libraries, county and city record offices, cathedral and chapel libraries and some private collections. Note that not all UK sources of manuscripts (including the University of Glasgow Library) have been included in the database yet.

Buying CDs and Sheet Music

  • Crotchet: UK based online CD shop. Particularly good for classical CDs and DVDs.
  • Sheet Music Hound: UK based online sheet music store. Useful for checking which editions are available as well as cost. The publication details are sometimes less then comprehensive (e.g. it is not always indicated if a score and parts are included rather than just a score).

How to find music scores in the Library

  • How do I search for a score or piece of sheet music?
  • Types of score
  • Finding a score on the shelves 
  • Borrowing scores and sheet music
  • More information about scores and sheet music
  • Can't find what you're looking for?

How do I search for a score or piece of sheet music?

Using Quick Search on the Library home page type the details of the piece of music you are looking for into the search box, e.g. composer and title. If the title of the work is unusual (e.g. ‘The Lark ascending’) you may not need to include the composer, but if you are looking for a work such as a symphony, a quartet or a concerto it’s best to include the composer name too. You can also include the number of the work, opus number and key signature. However, initially it’s best to keep your search simple.

Tip: use the * symbol to pick up different forms of a word. e.g. symphon* will find symphony, symphonie and symphonies.

Click on Music scores under the Format option on the left of the screen. This will refine your search so that only scores and sheet music are displayed.Click on any of the titles to see more detail.

You can also search for scores and sheet music by choosing the Music scores search on the Search For section of the website. This enables you to search specifically for scores and sheet music. This option also enables to you search specifically by author (composer) or by the title of a work – use the tabs to choose the type of search you want.

Types of score

When you are looking for scores  you may come across some with a shelf-mark like this: Music mTM800.525 299-GER. The small m at the start of the shelf-mark tells you that it is a miniature score. These scores are smaller than normal scores, and are kept at the end of the main score section. You would use them to study the music - they are generally too small to play from. You will find that a lot of orchestral works come in the form of miniature scores.

There are a few very large scores which are known as folios (e.g. Music fM5:A40 ROM). Folios always have a small f at the start of their shelf mark. They are kept on a separate shelving unit - see the map of Level 4 to locate this.

Finding a score on the shelves

Once you have found the score that you want, write down the shelf mark e.g. Music SS300.520 667-BRE. Use the range guides at the end of each shelf and the map of Level 4 to locate the right area. If you have problems locating a score on the shelves, please ask for help.

Borrowing scores and sheet music

Most scores can be borrowed as if they were books – the normal loan period for students is 4 weeks. Some scores may occasionally be marked ‘For Reference Only’ or ‘For Consultation Only’ – this means that you can only use them within the Library.

More information about scores and sheet music

For more detail about any individual scores click on the title. To find out if a score also has parts that you can play from look at the Physical description (Phys. Descr.) information, e.g. 1 score 5 parts. You will find that the Library does not always hold performing parts for all works - sometimes only a score will be available. The Physical Description will also indicate if the score is a miniature score.

Can't find what you're looking for?

We will usually have at least one copy of most standard works, unless they are very uncommon

  • Try searching again and use fewer search terms
  • Check that you are using the correct spelling

If you still can’t find what you are looking for, remember that you may find the work in the composer Collected Editions section. These are multi-volume sets of works, sometimes of a specific composer and sometimes a specific genre of music. An example is Friedrich Chopin’s Werke which is at Music LC400 1878. This set contains the complete works of Chopin. Often you will find that they contain works which we do not have individual scores of. The main thing to know about them is that in many cases the individual volumes of collected editions are not listed separately. To find out how to locate works within collected editions see the information within this subject guide on Collected Editions.

How do I search for a sound recording or DVD?

Using Quick Search on the Library home page type the details of the piece of music you are looking for into the search box, e.g. composer and title. If the title of the work is unusual (e.g. ‘The Lark ascending’) you may not need to include the composer, but if you are looking for a work such as a symphony, a quartet or a concerto it’s best to include the composer name too. You can also include the number of the work, opus number and key signature. However, initially it’s best to keep your search simple.

Tip: use the * symbol to pick up different forms of a word. e.g. symphon* will find symphony, symphonie and symphonies.

Click on Sounds under the Format option on the left of the screen. This will refine your search so that only CDs and LPs are displayed. Click on any of the titles to see more detail.

Check that a recording includes the work you need before going to look for it. Some of your searches may result in false hits, e.g. the details you have entered do appear in the record for a CD, but they may relate to different works. You can also search for sounds recordings by choosing Search For on the Library home page. Choosing the Sounds recordings search enables you to search specifically for CDs and LPs. This option also enables to you search specifically by author (composer) or by the title of a work – use the tabs to choose the type of search you want.

It’s not possible to restrict your search to CDs only, but if you click on the sort by date option at the top of the screen the CDs will usually be displayed first in the list.If you are looking for a DVD simply type the name of the film and/or director or performers into Quick Search. Click on Video under the Format option on the left of the screen. This will refine your search so that only DVDs and videos are displayed. Click on any of the titles to see more detail.It’s not possible to restrict your search to DVDs only, but if you click on the sort by date option at the top of the screen the DVDs will usually be displayed first in the list.CDs and LP records are located on special shelves within the Music section on level 4. CDs have a small ‘d’ in their shelf-mark, e.g. Music dTB260.100 VIR.Shelf-marks are usually on the front of the CD box. Use the blue range guides within the CD shelves to find the CD you want. Records have a small ‘g’ in their shelf-mark, e.g. Music gTB260.100 92-ROW. DVDs and videos are located behind the Lending Desk on level 2. You'll need to go and ask for them, so have the shelf-mark ready. DVDs have a small 'x' at the start of their shelf-mark, e.g. Music xPV400.010 T7-OPU , and videos have a small 'v' at the start of their shelf-mark, e.g. Music vPV400.010 T7-HAI.

Where do I find AV material in the Library?

There are a number of listening booths on level 4 - you can use them to listen to CDs, LP records and tapes. There are instructions in each booth explaining how to use the equipment. If you discover a fault with any of the equipment you can report it to Enquiries at the Welcome Desk on level 2.Once you have finished listening to a CD or LP you can put it on the shelving trolley next to the CD shelves. You're welcome to put items back on the shelf, but please put them in the right place so other people can find them!

There are also DVD and video players on level 4. DVDs and videos can only be used within the Library - they are not available for borrowing.

Borrowing AV material

CDs can be borrowed for one week. It is safe to use the self-issue machines to borrow them. Records cannot be borrowed, but can be used within the Library in the AV area on level 4. When you bring CDs back to the Library please hand them in to the Lending Desk if you can rather than putting them in the book return boxes (so that the cases are not damaged). DVDs and videos are for use in the Library only (with the exception of DVDs and videos in the Education section).

Other facilities

A number of electronic piano keyboards are available on level 4. They are located behind the AV equipment next to the window. Please report any faults with the keyboards to Enquiries at the Welcome Desk on level 2.

 

 

 

What are collected editions?

Collected editions are sets of musical works, usually published in a number of volumes. In general there are two types of collected edition: 1) the complete works of an individual composer, and 2) works of various composers, usually brought together by time period, geographical region or genre. Examples of 1) are Liszt Neue Ausgabe samtlicher Werke (New edition of the complete works) and Le opere complete di Giovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina. Examples of 2) are Musica Britannica and Denkmaler der Tonkunst in Osterrich (works composed in a particular geographical area) and Recent Researches in the Music of the Baroque Era (works composed during a particular time period). You will generally find that complete works only exist for relatively well known composers. For lesser composers you will usually only find their works in a collected edition such as those described in 2) above. Collected editions are put together by specialists who examine manuscripts and early printed sources in an effort to determine a definitive version of a work that most accurately represents the composer’s intentions. They are usually published over a number of years, and some run to over 100 volumes. Collected editions tend to be used as a source for study rather than performance.

Why would I need to use collected editions?

You will find that the Library does not always have individual scores of some of the works that you need to study. However, these works may be contained within a collected edition - either in the complete works of the composer in question, or in a series such as Denkmaler deutscher Tonkunst. In other words, the only place you may be able to find some works is within a collected edition.

Where are they kept in the Library?

The collected editions in the Library are kept at the beginning of the score section (or, in other words, at the end of the book section). Collections such as Musica Britannica all have a shelf mark beginning with K (e.g. Music K215 1951-MUS). Collected editions of an individual composer’s works have a  shelf mark beginning with L (e.g. the collected works of Buxtehude, Dietrich Buxtehudes Werke has the shelf mark Music LB960 1925).

Can I search and find individual works within collected editions?

Not always. We catalogue individual volumes of collected editions  themed by period/geographical area/genre (e.g. Recent researches in the music of the Baroque era) but we until recently we have not catalogued individual volumes of composer collected editions. So you will be able to find the general shelf mark for, e.g. the collected works of Bach, but the not the details of what is in each individual volume.

So how do I find individual works within collected editions?

First search normally using Quick Search or the specific Music scores search.

If you cannot find the work by searching there are two books you can use to try and establish which collected edition a work is contained within:

You can use a book by Anna Heyer called Historical sets, collected editions and monuments of music: a guide to their contents. The shelf mark for this is Music Bibliog K10 1980-H. This has two volumes. Use volume 1 if you think there is likely to be a collected edition containing the complete works of a composer. Use Volume 2 if you this is not the case.

Volume 1 consists of a list of composers names. Listed for each composer is the title of the collected editions of their work, followed by the contents of each volume. Note that for some composers there is more than one edition of their complete works. (Also note that the Library will usually only have one edition of a composers complete works, so make sure that we have the collected edition in question by doing a search for the overall title.) So if you looked up Mozart, you could find out which volume of his collected works contains the Symphony no.15 by browsing through the list. Some pieces may not be listed specifically, but more generally, e.g. Heyer may just say that Volume 7 of a particular collected edition contains cantatas (without listing the individual titles of the cantatas). Volume 1 does lists the contents of collected editions such as Musica Britannica, but it would take a long time to browse through this. If you think a piece is likely to be in a collected edition such as Musica Britannica or Denkmaler der Tonkunst in Osterrich, you should use Volume 2 instead.

Volume 2 is also a list of composers’ names. This time each of their works or types of works is listed alongside an indication of which collected edition you will find that work in. Use volume 2 if you are not sure which collected edition to look in for a work. Volume 2 is generally more useful for less well known composers, as you can quickly match a specific piece to a specific collected edition.

In some cases you will find that a piece is contained within more than one collected edition. However, the Library does not have all of the collected editions available, so remember to search for the overall title to make sure that we have it.

Finally the book by Anna Heyer was published in 1980, so volumes of collected editions published since then will not be mentioned. An alternative book is one by Hill and Stephens called Collected editions, historical series and sets and monuments of music: a bibliography (Music Bibliog K10 1997-H). This is not as comprehensive as the Heyer book, but it is more up to date, and will include more recently published volumes of collected editions.

You can also use Grove Music Online to locate works within collected editions. To do this, look up the composer by surname. For most composers there is a works list at the end of the dictionary entry. If the complete works of a composer have been published, the entry will often give the details of the collected edition followed by a list of the works. Alongside each work is a section indicating which volume of the collected edition the work is in. In some cases there will be more than one set of complete works, so each set is given an abbreviation (e.g. in the case of Schubert, NS and NAS - if the entry was 2 ; iv 3 this would mean that in the NS edition the work was in vol. 2 and in the NAS edition it was in vol. iv.3.

If the complete works of a composer have not been published, Grove usually indicates which collected editions a composer’s works can be found in. Again, collected editions are given an abbreviation and the volume numbers are indicated.

If the composer is not prolific or well know there may be no work list in Groves. If this is the case you will have to use the Heyer book instead.

In the case of the collected works of a specific composer, you will often find that there is an index at the front of each volume which gives a general indication of what types of work are in which volume. You can then find the work you want without looking up either of the books mentioned above. However, it’s a good idea to use these books, as otherwise it may take you much longer to find what you are looking for!

Does the Library have the collected edition I need?

Once you know a collected edition exists you can use Quick Search to check if we have it - just search by composer's name and the overall title of the collected edition you need, e.g. Brahms Samtliche Werke.

 

What is referencing?

Referencing is the acknowledgement of items you have read and used while creating a written piece of work for your essay, dissertation, article or thesis.

It is important to keep an exact and complete record of the details of all the sources of information that you use for coursework, essays, dissertations or publications. Sources can include books, journal articles, web pages, scores and CDs. If you don’t keep a precise record you will have difficulty (and a lot more work) when you need to list the sources in your reference list.

Citations

When writing an essay, report or dissertation, it is usual to cite [mention] the sources that you used, referred to, or took quotes from. These references might describe journal or newspaper articles, books, government reports, web pages

Citing accurate references is important for the following reasons:

  • To give credit to concepts and ideas from other authors
  • To provide evidence of the extent of your reading
  • To use other work to support the arguments you make
  • To allow the user to locate the cited references easily
  • To help you avoid plagiarism

Which style of referencing should I use?

There are many styles for references. There is no University wide policy on the style you should use, so it's best to check with your lecturer or supervisor One style commonly used within Music is Chicago. For more information on using this style have a look at The Chicago Manual of Style Online.

Managing your references using Reference Manager or EndNote software

Reference Manager and Endnote - These are reference management software programs [available locally] which help you to record and store references to books or journal articles and many other sources while you are working on a project. You can then use the stored information to generate bibliographies for your essay, thesis or article using a wide range of styles.

How do I get help with using referencing programs?

See our local Support web pages    
IT Services also runs introductory courses where you can make an online booking to attend a training session on an advertised date

Plagiarism – what is it and how to avoid it

You must always acknowledge the sources you use. Use of material without acknowledgement of the sources is called plagiarism which is considered to be an act of fraudulence and an offence against University discipline - see the University Plagiarism webpages
TurnitinUK – in University of Glasgow, Turnitin is a program used by some departments to detect plagiarism in student work submitted for assessment.

 

Roma ThompsonCollege Support Librarian for Music

Roma Thompson
Roma.Thompson@glasgow.ac.uk
0141-330-6797
Room 813 (Level 8) 

I'm the College Librarian responsible for Music. I work on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. Get in touch with me if you need advice on using the Library's Music collections or help with finding information for assignments, projects or dissertations.

For more general information on using the Library have a look at the Information for students/staff/subscription members pages.

An Introduction to the Library for Music Students course is also available via Moodle.