WESTMINSTER MUSIC LIBRARY

Description

One of the largest public music libraries in the UK, founded in 1946 with the music collections of music critic Edwin Evans.

The full subject strength of the Music Library’s collection is as follows: 16,117 Books; 450 periodicals (100 current, 350 back titles), ; 50,989 printed music (including 1,166 sets orchestral parts and 970 vocal score sets): 536 manuscripts of which about 500 are by Emanuel Moor. The Edwin Evans (1871-1945) collection holds press cuttings, mainly from 1930s and 1940s, and about 500 letters from musicians of the same period. Pre-1800 printed music (approx 400 scores, 40 books as listed in RISM and BUCEM). Oriana Madrigal Society collection of sets of past songs and madrigals. Extensive collection of collected editions/Denkmaler available for loan. No audiovisual materials for loan. (There is a small sound collection of CDs available for loan administered by the Victoria Library on the same site.)

Website

https://www.westminster.gov.uk/leisure-libraries-and-community/libraries/westminster-music-library

Keywords

Music; Film music; Film scores; Madrigals

Access

Opening hours:
Monday to Friday: 10am to 6pm
Saturday: 1pm to 5pm
Sunday Closed


Free access for any member of the public during library opening hours. Registered users unrestricted. Orchestral sets service limited to permanent orchestras.

Access for outsiders

This library is not wheelchair accessible as there is no lift and it is on the first floor of Victoria Library. It is accessible via a staircase (30 steps) with handrail. However, we offer a free postal service for anyone who finds it difficult to access the library so please contact us for more information. Registered assistance dogs are welcome.

Facilities

Rehearsal / practice room with keyboard available to hire - contact the library to book

Events – Regular programme of music recitals and workshops for all ages

Sibelius composition and notation software is available for up to 2 hours per day (Monday to Saturday) and we offer 30 minute
individual taster sessions on Saturdays - contact the library to book

Study area with up to 8 spaces and 4 dedicated power sockets

Free internet access

Moving Image, Audio and Related Documentation Holdings

Books

Books and sheet music for loan

Small collection (approx 20 volumes in each) relating to film music scoring and radio.

Datasets

Song index - all the songs, indexed by title, held in our song albums

Equipment

Free use of a Yamaha digital piano - contact the library to book

Ephemera

Press cuttings collection - 44,000 cuttings collected by Edwin Evans from 1920-1940

Journals

Journals ranging from Early Music to Jazzwise

Manuscripts

Orchestral sets and vocal sets for hire

Music

Approx 150 film scores.

Catalogues

Computerised database

For orchestral sets only.

Printed catalogue

For orchestral sets only.

Card catalogue

For printed music only.

Digitised catalogue

No. Yes, within the next 3-4 years.

Main Contact

Telephone

020 7641 6200 (press 3)

Email

musiclibrary@westminster.gov.uk

Address

Westminster Music Library
35 St Martin’s Street
London
WC2H 7HP