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Lewis Music collections

Subjects

The Lewis Music Library collection contains books, journals, scores, CDs, DVDs, streaming audio and video, and music databases, in subjects including classical, jazz, popular, electronic, world, folk, and film music. The Library supports the MIT music curriculum, which ranges from medieval chant to hip hop, while also serving the research and recreational needs of the MIT community. Particular strengths of the collection include chamber music and compositions of the 20th and 21st centuries.

Highlights

  • Streaming Audio and Video
  • Special Collections
    The Lewis Music Library houses a collection of facsimiles, rare books, manuscripts, and recordings of MIT music performances. Facsimiles and recent editions may be used in the Lewis reading room, Monday-Friday, 9-4. In addition some of our rare items are stored off-site. These items, along with original manuscripts and other rare materials, may be used in the Distinctive Collections reading room (14N-118), open Mon-Thurs 10am-4pm. If possible we recommend requesting such items at least a day before your visit.
  • Inventions of Note Sheet Music Collection
    Sheet music of popular songs and piano compositions from the 1880s-1920s, portraying technologies old and new. Inventions including telephones, airplanes, and automobiles are celebrated through music, lyrics, and cover art.
  • Music at MIT Oral History Collection
    Includes audio and video interviews along with transcripts documenting the rich history of musical life at MIT.