Music and Dance Collections

These collections in Waldo Library contain materials to support the study and research of music and dance. For music, the collections emphasize the art (or “classical”) traditions of Western Europe and the United States, American jazz and musical theatre, and music of non-European origin, primarily of Africa and Asia. Native American, folk, rock and other popular genres are also represented. For dance, the collections cover mostly ballet, modern and jazz.

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All items in our music and dance collections can now be found on the second floor of Waldo Library. You can check out most items in these collections. Some items have restrictions. Stop by the service desk in the first-floor lobby to request audio recordings and videos.

Music and dance collections

  • Print collection

    Our music and dance print collection consists of books on music and dance, music scores, periodicals and reference materials. Most books and scores can be checked out. Some items have restrictions.

    Search for a book, score or other materials

  • Audio recordings

    From the accordion to the zither, we provide access to audio recordings of almost every instrument and type of music. Most CDs and LPs can be checked out. Some items have restrictions. Stop by the service desk to request an audio recording. We also have recordings you can listen to online.

    Search for an audio recording

  • Videos

    Our video collection includes everything from live concerts to artist interviews to dance performances. Most video cassettes and DVDs can be checked out. Some items have restrictions. Stop by the service desk to request a video. We also have videos you can watch online.

    Search for a video

  • WMU music performances

    This digital collection contains live recordings and printed programs of concerts and recitals from the Western Michigan University School of Music. It features primarily graduate recitals and concerts by student ensembles from the 1970s to 2000. Concert programs are available for public viewing, but recordings are restricted to WMU-network use only.

    Performances from the WMU School of Music