Finding a particular piece of music can be a challenge since many pieces are published in collections, known by multiple titles, sometimes in multiple languages, and often use generic titles based on their musical form.

Here are some search tips that can help you:

• The AUTHOR search [which includes composers and performers] is especially useful in finding a musical piece that does not have a distinctive title (e.g. symphonies, sonatas, concertos, etc.).

• If you only want a recording, remember to adjust the search menu setting to CDs/Cassettes/Videos/DVDs.

• If you search under a composers name and retrieve a large list, click MODIFY SEARCH menu option. You can then limit by language, material type (MUSIC SCORES), where it is located (COMPACT DISC, DVD, etc.), and year. You can also move rapidly through a long list using the LOCATE IN RESULTS window or the RESULT PAGE numbers, both located near the bottom of the search screen.

• The TITLE search is useful when a musical piece has a distinctive title (e.g. Phantom of the Opera, Appalachian Spring, Exile on Main St., etc.)

• The KEYWORD search is a good backup search to try if you have not found what you need using other searches. KEYWORD searches performing group names, titles, subjects, and contents notes. Many times, the name of an individual piece can ONLY be found listed in a CONTENTS note through using a KEYWORD search.

• When you cannot find a title listed separately using author, title, or keyword searches, ALWAYS try looking for a COLLECTION which may include the piece. Do an author search under the composer's name, then scan the list for general titles such as "Works", "Selections", "Songs", "Piano music", etc.

Danette Cook Adamson
dcadamson@csupomona.edu
8/06

 

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