LibGuides: Viola: 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.

Browse Professional Journals

Professional journals are a great place to learn from experts about the most recent developments in your field.
Search articles online or browse the Allen Library current periodicals (near the Allen entrance). See especially:

International Musician by American Federation of Musicians of the United States and Canada
Available in print (last two years on current periodicals shelf) and online (2003 - present).
Journal of the American Viola Society by American Viola Society
The Strad
Most recent issues available online only.
Strings
Most recent issues available online only.
Symphony by American Symphony Orchestra League
Summer–Fall 2021 available free online. Other issues available in print only (Current Periodicals or Bound Periodicals, ML1 S98).

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
Article citations from over 700 music journals.
Music Periodicals Database
Article citations from over 400 music journals.
RILM
Citations for scholarly music and dance books, articles, dissertations, and more.
JSTOR
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)

The Early Violin and Viola by Robin Stowell
Call Number: ML855 S89 E27 [Allen shelves}

Publication Date: 2001

A practical guide for all violinists and viola players who want to understand, appreciate, or perform historically aware performances.
The History of the Viola by Maurice W. Riley
Call Number: ML900 R57 [Allen shelves]

Publication Date: 1980

Covers the viola and its builders and players, including a detailed history of the instrument's evolution over time.
The Standard Viola by Charles E. Harman
Call Number: ML901 H28 S82 [Allen shelves]

Publication Date: 2006

Includes chapters on history, construction, and evaluating the tone of violas.

Find more history books

Browse by subject in the catalog, for example:
Viola
Viola > History

Browse the shelves by call number:

Call Number	Topic
ML900	Viola history (general)
ML901	Viola construction
ML905	Viola music and playing

Performer Biographies in the Allen Library (selections)

Lillian Fuchs by Amedee Williams
Call Number: ML418 F93 [Allen shelves]

Publication Date: 2004

A study with insights into Fuchs's life as a performer, teacher, composer, arranger, and chamber music coach who influenced countless musicians.
Lionel Tertis by John White
Call Number: ML418 T33 W58 [Allen shelves]

Publication Date: 2006

The first full-length biography of Tertis, "the father of the modern viola," and arguably the greatest viola player of all time.

Find more biographies

Search performer names in the catalog, for example:
Hindemith, Paul
Primrose, William

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
Essays about music from all parts of the world.
Grove/Oxford Music Online
Extensive music encyclopedia with articles, works lists, and citations.
Oxford Bibliographies - Music
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.
String Quartets by Mara Parker
Call Number: ML128 S9 P37 2011 [Allen reference]

An annotated bibliography of sources about the string quartet, including general references, histories, composers, performance, facsimiles and critical editions, and more.

Find more reference books

See all viola reference books in the catalog:
String reference
Viola reference

Browse the Reference shelves by call number:

Call Number	Topic
ML102 V7	Viola dictionaries & encyclopedias (including viola makers)
ML128 S9	String bibliographies
ML128 V78	Viola 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.