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Music: Getting Started

Welcome!

This guide is designed to help you locate resources about music. Use the tabs across the top to get information about different resources you can utilize. As always, if you have questions, please contact a Librarian. We're here to help!

Need help?

Talk to us! 

Call us: 507-537-6176

Email us: askref@smsu.edu 

Visit the Research Help Desk (on the third floor)

Finding a Book

Really want to dig into your composer's life and times? Get familiar with the "M" section of the Library. 

On the 4th floor, find the call numbers starting with M

The Library of Congress classification system divides out music books the following ways: 

M= musical scores
ML= music literature
MT= music technique, music education, and music appreciation

If you know what book you're looking for, and its call number, always be sure and check around that book to see if there are others that you might also find relevant to your research. 

Electronic Reference Sources

Print Reference Sources

A great place to start your research is in Reference Books. These are kept on the 3rd floor of the SMSU McFarland Library and cannot be taken from the library building-- though you can make copies or scans. A Reference Librarian is available to assist you most hours the library is open. Below are just a few of the many books you'll find:

  • The Harvard Dictionary of Music
    Location: REF ML100 .N485 2003
     
  • The Business of Entertainment
    Location: REF PN1584 .B87 2009