Music (classical & jazz) & Music Technology: Finding Music
Image credit: BCU Assets
On this page you will find information about searching for music, finding music on the library shelves and how to request items we may not stock.
Searching for Music
The easiest way find Sheet Music and Scores provided by the Library is to start by using the Library Search, we recommend using this first to check if an item is available. You can also access our e-Book collections via library search.
Searching the catalogue for sheet music is not as straightforward as searching for books.
Often the same piece will have different titles depending upon the language:
- Symphony, Symphonie, Sinfonia;
- Quartet, Quartette, Quatuor, etc.
- Or it's nickname e.g. pastoral, Moonlight, Emperor, etc.
When we catalogue an item we try to give it a standardised title to make it easier to find but please ask for advice if you need help.
If you are looking for an particular song it may not have been catalogued individually.
If you can't find what you are looking for visit our search help pages, 24/7 chat is also available.
If we do not have it then e-mail Francis who may be able to order it for you or complete the request form.
If you are a member of staff who wishes to recommend material to be purchased you may e-mail Francis or complete the request form.
Some music may only be hired. Francis should be able to advise and help with this.
Physical Sheet Music and Scores available in Curzon Library
Sheet music in Curzon Library is shelved in room C018.
Scores serve different functions and the Library tries to meet all of these needs:
Full; Study; Facsimile Scores; Collected Works
- Full orchestral scores for study or use in conducting. These are shelved at Q780.84 (Extra large ones at QQ780.84).
- Miniature / study scores for study or to follow music to which you are listening. These are shelved at 780.84 and are in room C001 with CDs, LPs, DVDs.
- Facsimiles of composer's manuscripts or or first/early printed editions. These are shelved at 780.81
- Scores of the collected works or a composer. These are shelved at 780.81
- Scores of works by more than one composer (or series such as Musica Britannica). These are shelved at 780.82
Request or suggest that the Library buy Music or a Musical Score
Suggest a piece of music or a musical score for purchase by the Library which you wish to perform or study but we do not have in stock - we will be happy to consider your suggestion.
Alternatively you may e-mail Francis directly to request that a score or piece of music be purchased.
Library of Birmingham
As a student in Birmingham you are entitled to join and borrow from the Library of Birmingham, one of the UK's largest music libraries.
Before going it is worth using their catalogue to check that they have what you want although it does not appear to list everything which they hold.
