Library databases for music research include reference databases, like Grove Music Online, and bibliographical databases, which point you to books and articles on a subject, even if they are not in our collection. The links below will direct you to some of the major tools for music research, and the videos provide basic search tips.
A starting point for many research projects on music will be Grove Music Online-- the go-to encyclopedia for academic music research. In addition to providing basic information about many topics, Grove provides Works Lists for composers and bibliographies that can be extremely useful in locating scores and major sources. For example, the bibliographies for entries on specific instruments include sections devoted to listing methods and treatises for that instrument.
The library's databases include several focused on music and the performing arts. Some are entirely full-text, meaning they include access to the article itself, and others also include information about books and articles you may need to request from elsewhere. Some are focused on scholarly writings, and some include magazines and trade publications. All of them are helpful in exploring and identifying things you may want to read for your research.