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Use this page to learn how to find music with composer or call number class searches. The Library of Congress Music Classification Schedule determines call numbers by instrumentation and composer. Call numbers for printed music begin with M (Music).
Search by composer in the Library of Congress Online Catalog or Performing Arts Reading Room card catalog (only available on site). Then, determine if that composer wrote music for the instrumentation you seek.
As an example, look for music composed by Johann Joachim Quantz (1697-1773), a flutist, composer, inventor, and conductor.
This search option will narrow results to items with her as the author or composer.
If you are looking for recordings of his music, select "Recorded Sound."
Then, hit "Search."
Search results for Johann Joachim Quantz will include a variety of materials available in the Music Division, including:
The Music Division's holdings in the online catalog best reflect items received after 1980. For composers active prior to 1980 like Johann Joachim Quantz, the Performing Arts Reading Room card catalog is especially helpful. Send Music Reference Specialists a message through Ask a Librarian for assistance with our card catalog entries.
If you have particular instrumentation in mind, you can search the LC Online Catalog in Browse Mode by call number class.
Examples of call number classes to try include:
For more information about searching by call numbers, Ask a Librarian or consult the Class M outline [PDF, 137 KB].