It looks like you're using Internet Explorer 11 or older. This website works best with modern browsers such as the latest versions of Chrome, Firefox, Safari, and Edge. If you continue with this browser, you may see unexpected results.
Please note: Off-campus access to many library resources is temporarily unavailable. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Grove Music online is our primary music eReference tool, and it includes a lot of information on world music. Keep searches simple, and look for the broader categories that discuss your topic.
Music Dictionaries
These are good places to check if you want a short definition or summary of a musical concept, instrument, or musician. Tip: Use the "Search within title/publication" box so that you don't search the larger database.
A great print encyclopedia on world music, where you can find substantial essays on the traditional music of a nation you are researching. Expect them to be longer than an article but shorter than a book.
Multi-volume encyclopedia that focuses on global popular music. The first two volumes give a breakdown of the industry and instrumental areas. The rest of the set contains 2 volumes on each continent, one with essays broken down by nation/region/city, and the other by musical genre.