Online Reference Resources
- Grove Music Online This link opens in a new windowSearch this encyclopedia for background information on all genres of music and musicians (best for classical and jazz). The database does include dictionaries like The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians, among others. (Oxford)
- Music Online: The Garland Encyclopedia of World Music This link opens in a new windowSearch this database for background information on musical cultures of the world's peoples. Each of the 9 volumes are devoted to a specific region, plus a tenth volume on general perspectives and reference tools. The regional volumes contain an overview; a survey of the regional heritage, traditions, and themes; and descriptions of specific musical genres, practices, and performances. (Alexander Street Press)
- All Music GuideAn enormous site that includes biographies and discographies of musicians in all genres. Best for popular music.
QUICK TIPS
Reference books are shelved in the reading room. Reference scores are at the beginning of the scores stack area, where the section labels are yellow. Call numbers in these areas are preceded by "REF."
Information about composers' collected editions (which pieces are in which volumes) can often be found in the composer's entry in Grove Music Online. Look for the "Works" section of the entry.