Audio Recordings

Most of UConn's musical audio recordings are housed in the Music & Dramatic Arts Library and are listed in HOMER, the library catalog. The library also has several streamed audio collections that can be listened to over the Internet.

Audio Online (Streamed)

All Streaming Audio Collections -- Listen to music online! The UConn Libraries subscribe to several streaming audio collections of classical, jazz, folk, and world music (traditional and contemporary). Click the link above to access the collections of recordings. Some of the recordings are also listed in HOMER.

How to Find Audio Recordings in HOMER

Best HOMER Search Strategies

Note: when searching for recordings, it is best to AVOID the Author and Title searches.

Option 1: Keyword Search (or Keyword Boolean Search)

Good for mixing terms or trying various word forms.
Allows limiting by format.
Good for songs or works with distinctive titles.
Not as good for generic form titles (e.g., sonatas).

Quick Search Instructions

Option 2: Prolific Author/Composer Search

Provides well-sorted list of a composer's musical works.
Has cross references to "alternative" titles.
Effective for "form" titles (such as sonatas or symphonies), works known by many titles, or works with many versions or arrangements (e.g., full and vocal scores, operas with excerpted arias, arrangements, etc.).

Quick Search Instructions

Option 3: Call Number Search

Allows you to browse titles as they appear on the shelf.
Many like items are shelved together (e.g., jazz, folk music, a composer's works)
Warning: you cannot find all musical works this way. Learn the other searches!

Quick Search Instructions
Detailed Instructions, with explanation of How to Read AV Call Numbers

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HOMER Search Guides for Music

Basic HOMER Searching (Music Emphasis) (PDF) -- One-page quick guide
Finding Music series -- Detailed step-by-step guides (with illustrations)

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Digital Audio Reserve (DAR)

Digital Audio Reserve (DAR) provides streamed audio access via HuskyCT to music owned by the University Libraries or the faculty member. Access is limited to students enrolled in participating courses.

Students: log onto HuskyCT to listen, or read more about DAR first.
Instructors: request DAR for your students.

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Audio Recordings at Other Libraries

Many libraries loan their recordings through InterLibrary Loan, and you may be able to drive to a local library and use the recordings.

WorldCat -- Use this database to identify recordings held by other libraries. Click on "Borrow From Another Library" for interlibrary loan, or see a list of local libraries that have the item.
Other Music Libraries or Other Library Catalogs -- Consult a local library.
Google -- Another fast way to find recordings (for purchase).

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LP Gift Collection

The Music & Dramatic Arts Library has over 15,000 uncataloged gift LPs behind the service desk. There are several ways to identify items in the gift collection.

Ask a librarian or desk supervisor to check the gift card catalog. (It is only a crude tool.)
The collection is alphabetized by record label name and label number. If you have the label and number, desk staff can check the collection for you. Identify labels and label numbers by searching for your composer or musical work in
WorldCat (a "union" catalog of library holdings) or
print or Web discographies.