Primary Sources for Music

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).

Most of these sites offer images of manuscripts and early printed works. Some offer sound files.