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University Library, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

Electronic and Digital Music Guide

This guide includes search tips and recommended print, online, and archival resources for researching electronic and digital music.

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 electronic and digital music scores are:

  • Electronic Music
  • Computer Music
  • Music for Percussion and Electronics
  • Avant-garde Music
  • Aleatoric Music
  • Film Music
  • Music for Piano and Electronics
  • Musique Concrete

Make sure you've limited "Material Type" to "Scores"

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.

  • Orchestral Electronic Music: M1045
  • Percussion with Electronic Tape: M175
  • Electronic Music: M1473
  • Film Music: M1527
  • Instruments with Electronic Tape: M298
  • Chance Compositions: M1470
  • Music for Tape: M285.E
  • Dance Music: M1450

Online Resources for Scores

Need to look for scores online? Check out the digital resources below for a place to start.