Background reading is an essential starting point to any research project. The purpose of background reading is to get an overview of your topic, and to begin to become acquainted with the key terms, names, and events associated with your topic.
Find and read an article in a subject-specific reference book or eReference database. The Berntsen Library collects reference books in both print and online formats. (*Note: Reference books are considered tertiary sources and are not typically referred to or cited in research papers.)
Use the eReference databases listed below to find background articles about your topic.
Credo reference delivers full-text entries as well as images, audio files and videos.
Pro vs. con essays that present multiple sides of current or controversial issues. Plus magazine and newspaper articles, primary sources, and more related to those issues.
Reference and General Music Books
The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians by 
The Oxford dictionary of music by 
The Oxford dictionary of musical terms by 
Sourcebook for research in music by 
The Harvard dictionary of music by 
All music guide to classical music : the definitive guide to classical music by 
The Billboard illustrated encyclopedia of jazz & blues by 
Baker's Biographical Dictionary of Musicians by Search for articles from reference books in electronic format.
Search for articles in the full text of The New Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians, 2nd edition (2001).