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Music Research Guide

Find Books 


Looking for books and/or eBooks?  Maybe a specific title, or maybe just "books about..."?  You're in the right place! 

If you need recommendations, or if you ultimately can't find what you're looking for through the guidance and tools on this page, just reach out to Performing Arts Librarian, Sam Crawford (scrawford@calarts.edu).

Search the Library Catalog

The CalArts Library offers an incredibly wide range of resources — from books, eBooks, music scores, and sound recordings, to films, periodicals (journals, magazines, newspapers) and more.  Many of the Library's resources are accesible through Special Collections, Artists' Books, Film Services, Reference, Library Reserves, and other distinct collections.  Explore the CalArts Library catalog (feel free to use the search bar below!) to get started!

Not sure how? Watch the video tutorial below the search bar to learn!

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Finding Books in the CalArts Library: Video Tutorial

Library of Congress Call Number Range for Music Literature

The following Library of Congress Call Number (LCCN) guide can assist you when browsing for music-focused books and teaching materials in the CalArts Library's print collections; a more detailed guide to Class 'M' within the Library of Congress Classification (LCC) system can be accessed here


Music Literature (ML)

  • ML 49-50  Libretti
  • ML 100-109  Encyclopedias and Dictionaries
  • ML 112-158  Bibliographies
  • ML 159-360  Music History and Criticism
  • ML 385-429  Composer/Musician Biographies
  • ML 430-455  Composition and Performance
  • ML 459-1380  Instruments and Instrumental Music
  • ML 1400-3275  Vocal Music  
  • ML 3300-3930  Program Music, Dance Music, Music Industry, Aesthetics

Music Instruction and Study (MT) 

  • MT 1-5  Theory and History of Music Education
  • MT 35-67  Notation, Composition, Forms, and Genres
  • MT 170-810  Instrumental Techniques
  • MT 820-949  Singing

How to Read a Book Citation