Music collection

Music CDs

The large collection of CDs covers all kinds of music, both western and non-western:

• classical music of all kinds.
• jazz and blues.
• pop, soul, dance and reggae.
• easy listening.
• soundtracks.
• folk and traditional music from around the world.

Our special collection of world music includes:

• The Rough Guide to World Music
• Putumayo Presents
• Arc Music

Books for loan

The Music Library holds a comprehensive collection of books on all aspects of music. Topics covered include biographies and critical studies of composers and musicians, the history and theory of both classical and popular music, and musical instruments and how to play them.

Reference books

There is also a collection of reference books for use in the Music Library. This includes music encyclopaedias, dictionaries and catalogues of major music libraries such as the British Library, the BBC Music Library and the New York Public Library.

Please note - Local music reference material is kept in the Reference Library.

Oxford Music Online

 With your library card you can access this vast online music reference source free of charge, from any computer, anytime. Find out how on our 24 Hour Library - art and music pages.

Naxos Music Library

 Listen to (mostly classical) music from the largest music library in the world. With over a quarter of a million titles to choose from you won't be stuck for choice. There are also GCSE and A level study areas, and a junior section. As well as a vast selection of classical, you can also hear entire albums of world and folk music, rock and pop, jazz and blues. It's all free with your library membership card, from any computer, anytime. Find out how on our 24 Hour Library - art and music page.

Printed music

A large collection of scores and sheet music is available for loan. Items include song books, vocal scores, music and tutors for all types of instrument, chamber music, miniature scores and libretti of operas and musicals. Collected editions of the works of many composers are held for reference and study purposes.

Music sets

Sets of orchestral parts and multiple copies of vocal scores may be borrowed by groups based in the City of Bristol. NB Heavy charges are levied for missing copies and/or late return. For more details see 'Charges', 'Requesting items' and/or 'Membership'.

Music DVDs and videos

Our collection of videos and DVDs covers all kinds of music. Both classical and popular are represented including opera, ballet, jazz, blues, rock, folk, musicals and world music.

Tuition DVDs are also available for individual instruments.

Colston Hall stand

The stand not only holds brochures and flyers for up and coming treats at the Colston Hall, but also CDs of performing artists.

Children's DVDs and CDs

All children's DVDs and CDs are kept in the Children's Library.

There is a full range of children's DVDs which can be borrowed by adults and children and have a hiring charge - see 'Charges'.

There is also a small collection of children's music CDs which can be borrowed by adults - again see 'Charges'.

Periodicals

 We hold a wide selection of current music periodicals. There is also a reference collection of bound back copies, some dating back to the 1850s.

• We have a list of current Music Library titles only (pdf, 10 KB)
• Or you can search the Central Library Serials List for music titles. The latest version of the list is on our newspapers and magazines page.

Copyright

Users are reminded that the photocopying of music is, in most cases, illegal. The copying of recorded music is also an offence. Before live performances permission is needed from the Performing Right Society, 29/33 Berners Street LONDON, W1P 4AA. Tel: 0207 580 5544, Fax: 0207 306 4340.