Research Guides
Music Guide: Reference Sources
Encyclopedias help you figure out the who, what & where of a topic. Knowing the who, what & where of a topic is the first step in researching a topic and discovering the "how" and "why". Encyclopedias and dictionaries can provide background information and can be used to identify key people, events and dates which can then be used as search terms for finding additional information. Many also provide a jumpstart on your research by listing related readings.
Major encyclopedias:
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Oxford Music Online This link opens in a new windowThe major encyclopedia collection for music. Includes Grove Music Online, biographies, encyclopedias.& more.
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Garland Encyclopedia of World Music OnlineA comprehensive online resource devoted to music research of all the world's peoples. Includes volumes on each world region.
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Baker's Biographical Dictionary of MusiciansThe most comprehensive and authoritative information on musicians. Updated by Baker's Biographical Dictionary of Popular Musicians Since 1990.
Encyclopedias
These are a small selection of specialized music-related encyclopedias and dictionaries. To find additional ones, search UW Libraries Search for your keyword followed by the word encyclopedias. For example: jazz encyclopedias.
Music Research & Writing
In-Depth Sources
Handbooks are specialized types of reference sources that provide an overview of scholarship on a specific topic.These are just a selection of those available at the UW Libraries.
Start with:
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A-R Editions Online Music Anthology This link opens in a new windowCommentary & music covering antiquity through the romantic era, with emphases on the Middle Ages to the Baroque.
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Cambridge Companions to Music100+ handbooks covering a variety of genres, performers, regions & more.
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Oxford Handbooks: Music100+ handbooks covering a variety of genres, performers, history & more.
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Oxford History of Western MusicRichard Taruskin's landmark multi-volume account of the evolution of Western classical music.