Finding information about music can be a breeze. From historic pieces to current day works, finding the downloads, CDs, or printed materials that you need can easily be take care of.

The music industry offers a wide variety of music information spanning from the first tribal sounds to the broad range of genres we now adopt into the musical repertoire of modern day man. From country music information to information on rock music or instrumental pieces, you can now find and often download the specific song or video or whole album of your choice.

To make the most of your music research:

1. Set a goal as to the type of music research or music information that your are trying to find. Tell yourself for example that you are going to find the piece that you heard in the coffee house the other day. It would be perfect for your new store.

2. Think about what genre the piece may be, and gather any background information on the piece to help you begin.

3. Begin your search through traditional means like search engines. Move on as needed to music publications or other music reference resources.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Seek out general music resources to get you started

Find a wide variety of general music resources like downloads, videos to watch, new releases and more. Most sites for downloads nowadays are a pay-per-piece, though, but the price per song is generally reasonable.

I recommend: Learn about the different music genres from the Indiana University School of Music. Download the latest music videos from Music.com. Watch free music videos from AOL. Check out the new releases listed on allmusic.

Consider joining an industry or music affiliation or group for more music resources

Find a wide variety of music resources through affiliation with a group or association. You can take advantage of networking, continuing education, conferences and more.

I recommend: Join the Americana Music Association, and learn about festivals, conferences and more. Check out the press room of and consider joining the Gospel Music Association. Learn more about the Country Music Association. Find out additional information on the Mu Phi Epsilon music fraternity.

Stay up-to-date on music information through industry magazines

Take advantage of industry publications to stay in the know about the latest in music information.

I recommend: Read up on current artists in Rolling Stone Magazine. Find out the latest industry news from Spin Magazine. Check out music reviews, news and more from Relix. Paste is another industry magazine with news, features, reviews and more.

Take advantage of newsletters and music information databases

Newsletters will keep you updated, and best of all, they come to your inbox, saving you research time. Databases provide a variety of music information.

I recommend: Warner Music Group has a music information site that allows you to sign up for newsletters of your favorite artists, sorted by music label. Browse the enormous selection of music information resources from the University of California Santa Barbara Libraries, including copyright information, directories, music information by genre, associations, instrument information and research centers. The University of Tennessee Song Index has listings for over 50,000 songs.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  When conducting any music research, be sure and use the genre type in your search description. Specific instruments or time periods are also helpful if you are looking up classical or historic pieces.