Archival and Manuscript Collections
Music manuscripts, correspondence, and archival collections are available to Northwestern students, faculty, and visiting researchers for on-site examination via the McCormick Library of Special Collections and University Archives. For optimal service, appointments are encouraged prior to using collections. Visit the McCormick Library site or contact them directly at specialcollections@northwestern.edu to schedule your appointment.
General manuscript collection
This collection includes more than 1,500 music manuscripts and nearly 1,000 pieces of correspondence from the 14th century to the present.
Our collecting mission focuses on obtaining primary source materials related to:
- Music composed since 1945, particularly experimental and avant-garde music
- Works by composers of the late 19th and early 20th centuries
Use NUsearch to locate materials in the General Manuscript collection.
Music-related autographs collection
Contains single letters, manuscripts, photographs and ephemera relating to composers, conductors, performers, musicologists, publishers, librettists and stage directors. Guide to the Music-related autographs collection.
Archival and Manuscript collections by name
Browse finding aids for archival and manuscript collections and more in the Archival and Manuscript Collections database or click the links below to learn more.