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Music

How to Search for Articles

How to Search for Articles Using Databases

Databases are a great place to start your search for scholarly articles since they provide the opportunity to search across a huge number of publications at once. A list of databases relevant to Music can be found at the bottom of this page. 

TIP: When using the databases, try BOOLEAN searching. 

Boolean describes the connecting word you use between your search terms such as AND, OR, & NOT. Using these connectors allows you the ability to link search terms, so you can find articles that address multiple subjects.

These options are sometimes found in drop down menus where you enter your search terms, or you will have to enter them yourself between terms. In EBSCO databases, you can find Boolean terms in drop down menus to the left of the fields where you enter your search terms.

Adding OR between search terms will search for all records with one term OR the other (this is a broader search tool).
Using AND between words will search for all records with BOTH or ALL search terms applied.  
If you use NOT between the terms, it will search for the FIRST word in your search string and NOT the other. 

Search the following databases to find articles for your research:

Gale OneFile: Fine Arts

Search millions of articles about drama, music, art history, and filmmaking.

Ebsco Databases

Collection of databases with ebooks and thousands of full text articles from journals, magazines, newspapers. Includes primary sources, images, and videos.

(New) JSTOR Arts & Sciences Collection

JSTOR’s Arts and Sciences Collections offer full-text access to hundred of titles in many disciplines of the arts, humanities, sciences, social sciences, business and education. (If you're off campus, please click on the link on the library's POD page).

Academic Video Online

Academic Video Online makes video material available with curricular relevance: documentaries, interviews, performances, news programs and newsreels, and more. Search for award-winning films including Academy®, Emmy®, and Peabody® winners and access content from PBS, BBC, 60 MINUTES, National Geographic, Annenberg Learner, BroadwayHD™, A+E Networks’ HISTORY® and more.

Gale Academic OneFile

Interdisciplinary database with thousands of full text articles from academic journals.

Gale General OneFile

Thousands of full text articles from general interest magazines.

Gale OneFile: Pop Culture Studies

Access scholarly journals and magazines that both analyze and contribute to popular culture.

Gale OneFile: Popular Magazines

Access the most searched magazines across Gale OneFile focusing on current events, sports, science, and health issues.

Gale PowerSearch

Gale PowerSearch is s search platform unlike any other, providing libraries with a sophisticated, yet simple solution for managing a wealth of periodical, reference, multimedia, and primary source information.

ProQuest Research Databases

Search all the ProQuest periodical and research databases in one place.