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Music Theory and Composition

Resources for students in music theory and composition courses

Composition

For composition in popular music genres, see the pages Composition and Songwriting at the Popular Music Guide and Production and Composition at the Musical Theatre Guide. First time writing for a particular instrument? Also consider consulting the Musical Instruments Guide to learn more about that instrument and its repertoire.

Recommended Books

In the print Music Collection, historical studies on composition can be found in ML 430 while instructional texts can be found in MT 40. For additional resources, be sure to search for biographies of composers (ML 390 and ML 410), interviews with composers, books on musical creativity, and manuals about writing for particular instruments or voices. The recommended books below are sorted by their call numbers. Hover over the info icon to see a description of the book.

Interlibrary Loan

Users are encouraged to search for items beyond University Libraries' catalog via RILM Abstracts of Music Literature and WorldCat. Materials not available in print or online may be requested through Interlibrary Loan. Please allow up to seven days for electronic delivery and up to fourteen days for delivery of physical items.