UWM Libraries Research and Course Guides: Music Composition Resources: Score Study

Scores in the Library

At UWM Libraries, and most American university libraries, most physical materials are arranged according to the Library of Congress classification system. In the system, each item is given a call number, which includes a combination of letters and numbers based on the subject matter, author, and date of the item.

Music materials are divided into call numbers beginning ML, for books and other material about music, MT for sources related to music instruction and study, and M, which is used for printed music. Within ML and MT, the organization proceeds by specific subject area. In the Ms, the organization is based on the instrumentation or ensemble the music is written for, with M2 and M3 used for large collected editions that might mix instrumentations.

Online Score Collections

While there are many online resources for purchasing scores, the resources below are free to you and accessible online.

Classical Scores Library
Library database that provides online scores from the Middle Ages through the 21st century. Scores can be printed, annotated, and embedded online, Strongest for 20th century scores.

UCLA Contemporary Music Scores
UCLA Library's open access database of 21st century scores submitted to their Kaleidoscope call for scores.
IMSLP
The Internet Music Score Library Project includes public domain scores (mostly over 90 years old), and material submitted by the creator (mostly arrangements and transcriptions). Best for pre-20th century music in early editions.