The music collections at the British Library are unparalleled in their scope and diversity, providing a wealth of material to aid and inspire researchers and performers. The Library’s holdings of written musical sources (printed music and music manuscripts) and related literature (books, journals, concert programmes) encompass all genres and countries from the Middle Ages to the present day.

Equally valuable for researchers is the rich body of private papers, correspondence, and business archives relating to composers, performing musicians, music publishers and performing institutions.  Our sound and moving image collection is similarly extensive, covering commercial discs, pop videos and ethnographic field recordings from across the globe, as well as radio sessions, interviews, documentaries and live performances. 

These materials are relevant to students in music and many other disciplines. To make the most of your day, you may wish to register for a free Reader Pass before the event.

This event is for first year PhD students who are new to the Library including Masters Students planning to continue at PhD level.  

You can see a draft programme for the day here.

Comments from previous attendees:

‘The day was excellent and demystified the British Library..’

‘All the curators are very helpful, nice and full of knowledge’