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Searching for Music Resources: A Step-by-Step Guide

Search the UNC Libraries Catalog

The UNC Libraries Catalog includes physical materials at UNC Libraries. Searching the catalog is the easiest way to find things like print books or musical scores.

Above the search box on the UNC Libraries homepage, select the Catalog tab.

University Libraries home page with Catalog tab highlighted

Keywords for Finding Materials

Quotation Marks

Using quotation marks around the full name can help search for a specific artist. For example:

"andy m. stewart"

The quotation marks can also be useful when you want to search an exact phrase like "Scottish folk." They tell the UNC Libraries Catalog to search only for records with the words Scottish folk in that exact order, so you eliminate other results with the words folk or Scottish in them.

Specific Terminology

Use phrases and terms that are specific to the type of music or instrument you are interested in. For example, a search might look like:

"ella fitzgerald" vocal music

Some common terms used in music include:

  • Classical music
  • Latin music
  • Rock music
  • Brass instruments
  • Piano or organ
  • String instruments
  • Vocal music
  • Wind instruments

Refine Your Search with Limiters

After you enter a title to search for, you can add limiters to help you get more accurate results. This can help you focus your search on certain locations, formats, or publication dates.

Limiters for a University Libraries catalog search

Limiters for a University Libraries catalog search