Introduction
There are many music dictionaries and encyclopedias that are relevant for American music research. Depending on the topic you are researching, you may need to consult a specialized one or a more general one. We've highlighted several recommended reference sources for American music topics below to get you started.
If you need any help navigating these sources, don't hesitate to ask a librarian!
- Oxford Music Online This link opens in a new windowOxford Music Online (OMO) is the access-point for Oxford music reference subscriptions and products, including Grove Music Online. This includes: Grove Jazz Dictionary, Grove Dictionary of American Music, New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians, among many others. It should be the first place you look to start your research. It has entries on people, things, and terms covering all areas of music.
Selected Encyclopedias & Dictionaries
Browse the list of selected core dictionaries and encyclopedias below to get started! Remember that you can also search the Library catalog for your topic and "dictionary" or "encyclopedia" (e.g., Gospel music encyclopedia) to see if we have one that is more specific and relevant to your research.
The Grove Dictionary of American Music by Call Number: Online ResourceThe largest, most comprehensive reference publication on American Music.
Biographical Dictionary of American Music by Call Number: MPAL Reference Non-circulating ; ML106.U3 C62Containing the names and brief biographical sketches of only American composers, musicians, singers, teachers, and writers. Coverage is limited to those individuals who were born in the United States, or who came to America and lived and worked here for an extended period of time
Dictionary of American Classical Composers by Call Number: MPAL Reference Non-circulating ; ML106.U3 B872005The Dictionary of American Classical Composers covers over 650 composers active from the 18th century to today. Covering all classical styles, it offers the most comprehensive overview of key composers in the United States available.
Continuum encyclopedia of popular music of the world. Volumes VIII-XIII, Genres; North AmericaCall Number: Online ResourceThis volume discusses the genres of North America in relation to their cultural, historical and geographic origins, technical musical characteristics, and instrumentation. This volume features over 100 in-depth essays on genres ranging from Adult Contemporary to Alternative Rock, from Barbershop to Bebop, and from Disco to Emo.
Encyclopedia of African American Music by Call Number: MPAL Reference Non-circulating ; ML101.U6 E539 2011Showcases all facets of African American music, including folk, religious, concert, and popular styles of today. Illuminates the profound role that African American music has played in American cultural history.
Women and Music in America since 1900 by Call Number: MPAL Reference Non-Circulating ; ML82 W664This two volume, A-to-Z encyclopedia represents the first major effort to describe the role of women in all forms of music in the U.S. since 1900. Entries cover such material as, important individuals, biographical overviews, gender issues, education, music genres, honors and awards, organizations, and professions. The significance of an individual's contribution, rather than their popularity, determined who was featured in this collection.
