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University Library, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Jazz

This guide is designed to provide an overview of jazz resources available at the Music & Performing Arts Library.

Introduction

To search for printed music, conducting a keyword search in the library catalog for a composer, instrument, or style is always a great place to start. Use the "Material Type" filter on the advanced search screen to limit your results to "Scores." For more help, see our Finding Music Materials guide.

Remember that you can always use the topics listed in the record to find similar materials (just as you would for books!).

This page includes some suggested subject headings to help you browse the online catalog as well as call numbers to help you browse the shelves in person.

Helpful Topics for Browsing the Catalog

Recommended subject headings for jazz scores:

  • Improvisation (Music)
  • Jazz
  • Jazz--Instruction and study
  • Jazz--Lead sheets
  • Jazz vocals
  • Piano music (Jazz)*

* Note that "Piano" can be switched with other instruments and ensembles - e.g., Guitar music (Jazz), etc. 

Suggested Call Numbers for Browsing

The following call numbers can be used as a starting point to help you to browse the shelves for printed music located in the Music & Performing Arts Library.

The score collection is located on the second floor of MPAL, but please not that method books (call numbers that start with "MT" will be located on the first floor). If you have trouble finding what you need, ask at the service desk and someone can direct you or walk you to the right shelf.

  • M6-M175.5 - Music for solo instruments (jazz is shelves with other music for solo instruments)
  • M1366 - Jazz music for 2 or more instruments
  • M1630.18 - Fake books
  • MT68 - Improvisation (methods)

** Please note that these are only LC call numbers. Some of the collection is cataloged with Dewey call numbers, so always make sure you also search in the library catalog.