String Instruments

Step 1: Navigate to the Advanced Search

• Go to the Libraries Catalog and select the "Advanced Search" tab

Step 2: Enter the composer's name

• Start by entering the composer's name (Last, First Middle)
• Note: Including the composer's first name (and middle name, if commonly used) will yield the most accurate search results
• Once you have entered the composer's name, select "Author (Last Name First)" from the drop-down menu

Step 3: Enter the title of the work

For works with generic titles (i.e. Concerto, Symphony, Sonata):

• Search using the subject term, which is generally the plural form of the work (i.e. symphonies, operas, concertos, suites, etc.)
• If applicable, use the opus number or another standard number assigned to the work to narrow your search results (i.e. for Mozart's Symphony No. 40 in G Minor, K. 550, try adding "40" or "550" as a keyword)
• If you don't know the subject term, just do a keyword search for the title instead
• Sample search string for Scout Advanced Search: 
  • Mozart, Wolfgang Amadeus AND symphonies AND 40

For works with unique titles:

• Enter the title as a keyword search
• Select search "as a phrase" for multi-word titles
• If the title is in a foreign language, try searching for the title both in it's original language and in English (i.e. "nozze di Figaro" and "Marriage of Figaro")

Step 4: Select the type of resource

For Scores:

• Select "Music Scores" from the drop-down menu

For Recordings

• Select "Musical Recordings" from the drop-down menu

Formatting Names:

• Use full names for composers with common surnames 
• Use standard English-language spellings (i.e. "Rachmaninoff" instead of "Rachmaninov")
• Avoid abbreviating names (i.e. J.S. Bach)

Keys:

• Avoid using keys in your search terms (such as "C" or "G minor")

Finding recordings by format:

• For CDs, add a keyword search for "compact" or "CD"
• For LPs, add a keyword search for "LP"
• For streaming media, add a keyword search for "electronic"