How do I search for music scores?
To find printed editions of music scores, type words from the title, the composer's name, instrument, or other keywords in the main search box on the Library homepage. When viewing results, the filters on the left side of the library discovery search tool offer an easy way to customize the results you see.
In this example, an initial search returns over 200 results. The highlighted filter on the left under "Material Type" will show only scores. There are other filters such as "Available in the Library" that displays only items on library shelves (not checked out).
These filtered search results are limited only to scores.
Select an item to view more details about it—information such as the composer, publisher, edition, description, and possibly table of contents. Note the call number location. It works like an address to determine an item's location on the shelf.
Items are arranged by subject on Library shelves according to the Library of Congress Classification System. The tables below give an overview of the call number sections where you can find performance materials. See also the Library of Congress Classification Outline for Music.
| Instrument | Call Number Range |
|---|---|
| Organ | M6 – M19 |
| Piano | M20 – M39 |
| Violin | M40 – M44 |
| Viola | M45 – M49 |
| Violoncello | M50 – M54 |
| Double-Bass | M55 – M58 |
| Flute | M60 – M64 |
| Oboe | M65 – M69 |
| Clarinet | M70 – M74 |
| Bassoon | M75 – M79 |
| Horn | M80 – M84 |
| Trumpet and Cornet | M85 – M89 |
| Trombone | M90 – M94 |
| Tuba | M95 – M99 |
| Saxophone | M105 – M109 |
| Harp | M115 – M119 |
| Guitar | M125 – M129 |
| Drums | M146 |
| Type or Format | Call Number Range |
|---|---|
| Full Orchestra | M1000 – M1075 |
| Symphonies | M1001 |
| Symphonic Poems | M1002 |
| Suites, Partitas, etc. | M1003 |
| Overtures, Preludes, etc. | M1004 |
| Concertos | M1005 – M1041 |
| String orchestra | M1100 – M1160 |
| Band | M1200 – M1270 |
| Other Ensembles | M1350 – M1366 |
| Instrumental music for children | M1375 – M1420 |
| Vocal Music | Call Number Range |
|---|---|
| Secular | M1497 – M1998 |
| Dramatic | M1500 – M1527 |
| Secular choral music, part songs, etc. | M40 – M44 |
| Secular songs for solo voice | M1611 – M1626 |
| National, folk, patriotic | M1627 – M1853 |
| Secular music for children | M1990 – M1998 |
| Sacred vocal music | M1999 – M2199 |
| Oratorios, masses, services, etc. | M2000 – M2017 |
| Cantatas, anthems, part songs | M2018 – M2099 |
| Sacred songs for solo voice | M2102 – M2114 |
| Hymns, psalms, and choral books | M2115 – M2146 |
| Liturgy and ritual | M2147 – M2188 |
| Sacred music for children | M2190 – M2196 |
| Popular religious and devotional music | M2198 – M2199 |