Guidelines for Music

Table of Contents

1. Purpose
2. General Collection Guidelines
    A. Language
    B. Chronology
    C. Geography
    D. Publication Date
    E. Treatment of Subject
    F. Types of Materials and Formats
3. Area Resources
4. Subjects and Collecting Levels

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1. Purpose.

Collections in Music support teaching and research consistent with the curriculum at a Carnegie Research Intensive (Very High Research) institution with bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in the field.

Collabprative effort between students and faculty is emphasized, enabling students to reach their professional and artistic potential. As a result, the curriculum is flexible, particularly on the graduate level, allowing for individual expertise and aspirations.

The areas of focus are classical guitar studies and performance, classical music, jazz studies and performance, applied music (including solo performance and conducting), music composition, music education, opera studies and performance, and piano studies, performance, and pedagogy.  The Department of Music offers Master's degrees in all of these areas.

 

2. General Collection Guidelines.

A. Language.
English is preferred, but primary and secondary sources of writings on music in Western European languages (e.g. French, German, Italian, Spanish) are collected when English-language translations are not available. Scores of vocal music are almost always purchased in the original language, and preference is given to those editions accompanied by a translation into English.

B. Chronology.
No restrictions.

C. Geography.
Collecting efforts include the music and music-related literature of Europe and the United States, as well as world music -- its traditions and contemporary themes.

D. Publication Date.
No restrictions.

E. Treatment of Subject.
Although the Department of Music is primarily composition- and performance-oriented, a growing interest in world music, specifically ethnomusicology, is reflected in the library's selections.  All manifestations of musical accomplishment and influence -- from classical to jazz to pop and rock music -- are collected.  Some musical scores and textbooks for children are purchased and are usually housed in the Cabell Learning Resource Center.

F. Types of Materials and Formats.
Books, journals, scores, sound recordings, compact discs, and performance videos are actively collected. This includes dictionaries and encyclopedias, bibliographies, and discographies. Supportive material of an historical nature for practice and performance is also acquired, as are selected retrospective and current monographs on music history. An approval plan ensures the regular receipt of contemporary scores.  As music resouces, including performances, scholarship, and scores, move increasingly online, the music collections will reflect the shift from physical media to online access.

 

3. Area Resources.

VCU is a member of the Richmond Area Film/Video Cooperative, which provides access to area members' film and video holdings. In addition, the Richmond Public Library holds a collection of musical scores, compact discs, sound recordings - particularly in the area of popular music - and music literature which is available to VCU students and faculty.

4. Subjects and Collecting Levels.

Music is selected at an instructional support level (3).