Center for Popular Music - Collections - Sheet Music and Broadsides

Sheet Music & Broadsides

The Center's collection of sheet music includes items from the late-18th century to the present. Approximately 73,000 items have been cataloged, and may be searched online:

Using the link above will search the sheet music collection and oversized broadsides.

Using the link above will search for broadsides only. Search results also include links to the broadside images. Oversized broadsides, containing multiple songs, are not in this database but are included in the Sheet Music Database, linked above.

All sheet music collections are shelved in closed stacks and may be accessed only by staff for use in the reading room. Researchers who are not able to visit the Center in person may make inquiries by telephone, letter or e-mail. Research assistance and photocopying services are available. Please see our fee schedule for information.

Individual Collections:

Ray Avery Collection

Mr. Avery is a renowned west-coast collector and dealer in records, sheet music and musical items, as well as a noted photographer of important jazz figures. Through both sale and gift, Mr. Avery has transferred to the Center a significant collection of sheet music, sound recordings, photographs and manuscripts. The Avery sheet music collection consists of more than 1900 pieces, which includes a strong collection of World War I and II tunes, "coon" songs, ragtime, jazz and blues.

Show music

The show collection includes approximately 5500 songs from musicals dating to 1853. The pieces are arranged by show title (Series) and song title. To search for songs from a specific show, use the Advanced Search and enter the show title in the Series field.

Motion picture music

The Center holds approximately 1400 pieces of sheet music associated with origianl motion picture soundtracks. The pieces are part of the general sheet music collection. To identify pieces of interest use the Advanced Search screen and enter the term "motion picture music" in the subject field. You may also enter a specific motion picture title in the Series field.

American Song Broadsides

Also referred to simply as songsheets, this collection consists of approximately 4900 lyrics-only items. Most are from the 19th century, and are printed on inexpensive paper, with or without illustration. This category includes the Kenneth S. Goldstein Collection of American Song Broadsides, totalling approximately 3300 items.

Newspaper music

This collection includes fragile newsprint editions of popular tunes. Most were published as supplements to newspapers during the 19th century.

Confederate sheet music

This small collection of rare materials includes southern imprints from the Civil War era, most of which have a political or military theme.

Sheet music volumes

In earlier days it was common for individuals to have collections of favorite sheet music custom bound. The Center holds more than 160 such volumes dating from the 18th and 19th centuries.