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Primary Sources for Music

Identifying a source for your paper

In choosing a source to write about, remember that content is what counts.  Material doesn't have to be in its original form to qualify as a primary source. Some options:

  • Select a source from the Rose Library.
  • Find a digital image or sound file online.
  • Use a hard-copy facsimile from the Music and Media Library.  Most of these can be checked out.
  • Use a microform copy of a musical facsimile.
  • Consult newspaper content online or in microform.
  • Use letters of composers or other musicians (translated or in the original language).