Introduction to Music Studies
Finding Information About Recordings
Step 1: Find a CD Booklet (Liner notes)
- In Smithsonian Global Sound: look for Liner Notes tab
- In Naxos Music Library: look for Booklet under image of CD
- Other options: Google the recording label and/or performer
Step 2. Learn basics about music & genre
Encyclopedia articles are great starting places to learn about countries, cultures, or instruments. Search for keywords ("China," "musical bow", "Shona")
- Wikipedia is a great starting place
- Oxford Music Online is the primary music encyclopedia
- Britannica Academic Edition is the primary general encyclopedia
Encyclopedia articles from all 3 of these encyclopedias will give you resources/references for further exploration, if needed
Step 3. Dig a little deeper
Come to the library to use the Garland Encyclopedia of World Music to look up more info about the cultural context of the music
The Garland Encyclopedia of World Music by Music Reference ML100 .G16 1998
A ten-volume collection, organized geographically by continent to represent the musics of the world. More than 9,000 pages, with musical illustrations, photographs and drawings, it is accompanied by 300+ audio examples.
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