LibGuides: Double Bass: Research

Articles

Articles are great for research because they generally cover a very narrow topic in great detail. In addition, scholarly journal articles generally include a bibliography where you can find more resources on the same topic.

Journal Article Databases

Library databases provide citations for articles, book chapters, and more. Most articles/chapters focus on a narrow and specific topic, so they are great for deeper research. To get started:

Choose a database.
Search for keywords such as genres, topics, names of people, etc.
Limit your results by date, language, and more with the the left-hand menu on the results page.

Need more help?

See our Article help page for step-by-step instructions and videos to help you search databases and find full-text articles. And you can always ask a librarian for individual help.

Music Article Databases

Music Index Online This link opens in a new window
Article citations from over 700 music journals.
Music Periodicals Database This link opens in a new window
Article citations from over 400 music journals.
RILM This link opens in a new window
Citations for scholarly music and dance books, articles, dissertations, and more.
JSTOR This link opens in a new window
Full-text articles from almost 100 scholarly music, dance, and theatre journals, plus other subjects. Excludes recent years.

Books

History Books in the Allen Library (selections)

Introduction to the Double Bass by Raymond Elgar
Call Number: ML920 E41 [Allen shelves]
Publication Date: 1965
A go-to book for double bassists, especially for information about the creation and evolution of the instrument.
More About the Double Bass by Raymond Elgar
Call Number: ML920 E41 M [Allen shelves]
Publication Date: 1963
An essential part of any double bass player's tool kit. Includes information on the construction and mechanics of the instrument.
A New History of the Double Bass by Paul Brun
Call Number: ML920 B78 N4 [Allen shelves]
Publication Date: 2000
The most thorough study of double bass history to date. Includes illustrations and musical examples.

Find more history books

Browse by subject in the catalog, for example:

Double bass
Double bass > History

Browse the shelves by call number:

Call Number	Topic
ML920	Double bass history (general)
ML921	Double bass construction
ML925	Double bass music and playing

Performer Biographies in the Allen Library (selections)

Find more biographies

Search performer names in the catalog, for example:

A Different View by Bertram Turetzky
Call Number: ML418 T93 [Allen shelves]
Publication Date: 2014
A memoir by Bertram Turetzky, virtuoso bassist, composer, educator, author, and improviser. A story of his life and loves, filled with his humor, opinions and ideas.
Ron Carter by Dan Ouellette
Call Number: ML418 C32 O83 2017 [Allen shelves]
A biography of one of the most original, prolific, and influential bassists in jazz.

Find more biographies

Search performer names in the catalog, for example:
Mingus, Charles

Browse the shelves by call number:

Call Number	Topic
ML398	Collected string performer biographies (includes string ensembles)
ML418	Single string performer biographies

Reference

Reference resources include dictionaries, encyclopedias, and more.
They often provide a short overview of a topic, then point to more resources you can use for further research.

Music Reference Databases

Garland Encyclopedia of World Music Online This link opens in a new window
Essays about music from all parts of the world.
Grove/Oxford Music Online This link opens in a new window
Extensive music encyclopedia with articles, works lists, and citations.
Oxford Bibliographies - Music This link opens in a new window
Lists of resources for advanced research on many music subjects.

Books in the Allen Library (selections)

Chamber Music by John H. Baron
Call Number: ML128 C4 B37 2010 [Allen reference]
A guide to where to find answers to questions about chamber music of all types. Most of the literature is books, articles, dissertations and theses, and essays or chapters.
Looking at the Double Bass by Raymond Elgar
Call Number: ML404 E41 [Allen reference]
Publication Date: 1967
A book about double bass makers.

Find more reference books

See all viola reference books in the catalog:
String reference
Double bass reference

Browse the Reference shelves by call number:

Call Number	Topic
ML128 D58	Double bass bibliographies
ML128 S9	String bibliographies
ML404	Instrument makers

Suggest a Resource

Know of a resource you think should be added to this guide? Let us know!

Want to suggest we purchase something new? Contact Tracey Rudnick (rudnick@hartford.edu).

Find Full Text Articles

Search eJournal Locator for the journal title:

Need help? See our article help page or ask a librarian.