Music Reference Resources-General
Classical Vocal/Opera | Classical Instrumental | Women in Music | Music Business | Ethnomusicology/World | Black Music | Popular | Jazz | Music Theater | Miscellaneous
These are standard sources emphasizing the study of music of the Western classical tradition.
The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians, edited by Sadie (2001).
Ref. ML100 .N48 2001 vs.1-29 Music Library and Tutt Library
Actually an encyclopedia, this is the most comprehensive scholarly source in English for music. Contains comprehensive articles about composers, with complete works lists and extensive biographies. Articles about musical genre, terms, instruments, and non-western musics as well.
The Harvard Dictionary of Music, edited by Randel (2003)
Ref. ML100 .H37 2003, Music Library;
ML100 .A64 2003 Tutt Library
A dictionary of music, with both brief and extensive explanation of terms. Some articles have bibliographies.
Baker’s Biographical Dictionary of Musicians, centennial edition, edited by Slonimsky (emeritus) and Kuhn. (2001).
Ref. ML 105 .B16 2001 v.1-6 Music Library and Tutt Library
Short bios of composers, some including short lists of works and writings, including entries for jazz and pop composers.
Chronology of Western Classical Music, by Hall (2002).
Ref. ML 161 .H35 2002, vs 1-3 Tutt Library
A chronology of "cultivated/art music" organized by year. Lists the following circumstances: births, deaths, debuts, new positions, prizes/honors, etc.
Music Since 1900, fifth edition, edited by Slonimsky.
Ref. ML 197 .S634 1994
Presents a descriptive chronology of musical events from 1900-1991. Includes pertinent “Letters and Documents” and a “Dictionary of Terms”
Source Readings in Music History, edited by Strunk.
Ref. ML160 .S89 1998b
Includes primary source readings on the nature of music and it culture from antiquity to modern times.
New Oxford History of Music, various editors.
Ref. ML160 .N44 v.1-10 Music Library and Tutt Library
Ten volumes, each with a comprehensive treatment of a separate era or genre of Western (mainly) music. Ranging from Ancient and Oriental Music to The Modern Age-1890-1960.
Electronic
Grove Music Online , Oxford University Press (2004).
Based on The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians, Grove Music Online is enhanced by the electronic capability of sound files, 3D illustrations, links to external internet sources, and frequent updating of material. Other articles, from specialist dictionaries such as The New Grove Dictionary of Opera and The New Grove Dictionary of Jazz, second edition, are now available via a link from Grove Music Online’s primary article.
Virginia Tech Multimedia Music Glossary, created by Virginia Tech Music Department/New Media Center.
http://www.music.vt.edu/musicdictionary/
A multimedia dictionary of music with sound files and musical examples.
Classical Net
http://www.classical.net/
This website provides a “point-of-entry into a wide array of informational files about classical music.” It also links to other music-related discussion lists and Web sites.