Encyclopedias & Reference Tools
For classical music topics, this is a scholarly encyclopedia containing background information about composers and music historical genres. This is the best resource for background information on any classical music topic.
Includes access to Grove Music Online, the Oxford Dictionary of Music, and the Oxford Companion to Music. Comprehensive resource covering all musical topics.
Video Tutorial
Contains Oxford music reference tools, including Larkin’s Encyclopedia of Popular Music, Grove Dictionary of American Music, Grove Book of Operas, Dictionary of Opera Characters, and more.
(print only, 6 volumes)
The Oxford History of Western Music offers a comprehensive account of the evolution of Western Classical music. Find in the Music Library’s Reference section at ML 160 T18 2005
(print only, 10 volumes, compact disc)
The first comprehensive resource devoted to music research of all the world’s peoples. More than 9,000 pages of material, combined with entries by more than 700 expert contributors from all over the world, make this the most complete body of work focused on world music. Find in the Music Library’s Reference section at ML 100 G16 1998
Discover research materials: The catalog's unique search interface allows patrons to simultaneously search several article databases, catalogs, and other data sources for books, journal articles, videos, scores, maps, and more!
Shared catalog: As a shared catalog for the Orbis Cascade Alliance (Summit), which is a consortium of 38 academic libraries across Oregon, Washington, and Idaho, OneSearch contains 8.8 million titles and over 26 million resources.
Request materials at point-of-need: You can request an item through the catalog, or submit an Interlibrary Loan request.
Thousands of libraries may be searched from this one catalog: Interlibrary Loan requests can also be made.
Citations of music manuscripts written 1600 to ca.1850; information about their composers; information about libraries worldwide with RISM-relevant holdings.
RISM is an international, non-profit organization which aims for comprehensive documentation of extant musical sources worldwide. These primary sources are manuscripts or printed music, writings on music theory, and libretti. These materials are housed in libraries, archives, monasteries, schools and private collections.
Started in 2006, IMSLP, also known as the Petrucci Music Library, is a virtual library of public domain musical scores. Currently, IMSLP contains 130,282 works, 426,309 scores, 49,415 recordings, representing 16,134 composers and 467 performers.
A repository and live streaming service for arts performances, documentaries, and other educational videos. Includes opera, dance, and concert performances.
Tip: Users may create individual accounts, see individual account instructions.
An index to publications about music and musicians, including performance reviews, obituaries, periodicals, and book reviews.
Tip: A print version is available in the Music Library reference area (ML 118 .M84).
by Jonathan Bellman
Written in a clear and conversational style, this book examines a wide range of writing assignments and includes writing samples as a means to illustrate effective writing.
Find in the Music Library’s Reference section at ML 3797.B4 2007
This is a guide to style, usage, and grammar in an accessible online format, describing citing books and scores, journals, dictionaries and encyclopedias, audio & visual, and websites.
Guide developed by Monica Morton, WWU Distinguished Student Employee
