This is a guide to library resources for graduate students in the School of Music preparing for qualifying examinations (quals) or preliminary exams (prelims).

Use the tabs to the left to navigate the guide and see what resources we have available.

• For suggested reference works and guides to support your research, check out the next page.
• See Finding Music Materials for a refresher on searching for and accessing resources through MPAL, and review Finding Journal Articles for help navigating library databases for scholarly articles.
• If you want to look ahead to writing your dissertation or thesis, check out the last page of this guide or consult our Dissertation and Thesis Research and Writing Guide for Music Students for more information.

The information provided here about exam requirements is intended as a guideline only. Always check with the School of Music if you have any questions. For information about the DMA Qualifying and Prelim exams, please see the School of Music's DMA Exams page and refer to the material published by the School of Music Graduate Academic Affairs (linked below).

Need Research Help?

If you need help with your research or are having trouble tracking down the sources you need, you can make an appointment with a librarian to discuss your research one-on-one. Don't hesitate to reach out or schedule an appointment if you need help! You are also always welcome to ask for assistance at the service desk at MPAL.

Questions About Graduate Requirements?

If you have questions about graduate requirements, you can reach out to the School of Music Graduate Academic Affairs for clarification. They can be reached via email at music-acad-affairs@illinois.edu

We are also including links to the Graduate College Handbook and the Thesis Office below in case you want to consult policies or requirements yourself.