Music for the Terrified

This course – probably our most frequently-requested one – is designed for staff working with printed and recorded music who feel they lack basic music knowledge. Guidance on understanding and dealing with classical music is combined with practical exercises in various kinds of music enquiry work.

At the end of the day participants will:

  • be able to identify common terminology used in music enquiries
  • be able to identify the type of material required by different types of user
  • have some knowledge of sources of information for music enquiries
  • have a better understanding of what is expected of staff working in a music library

Programme modules include:

  • Terminology — What’s a symphony? What is chamber music? What does SATB mean? What’s the difference between F major and B flat minor? We will tell you and let you hear examples.
  • What’s the score? — When musicians talk about a score, they probably have something specific in mind, but they may not tell you! Here we show you different types of scores and instrumental parts.
  • Music in library catalogues — understanding the entries
  • Copyright — how it applies to music
  • CDs — caring for and promoting your collection
  • Music enquiries — Do you quaver, or get crotchety? We remind you of general enquiry techniques and how they apply to music, and suggest information sources, both printed and electronic.
  • Find the answers — a practical enquiry session

There is some flexibility in the choice of modules, particularly with ‘CDs — caring for and promoting your collection’ and ‘Music in library catalogues’, where one may be dropped in favour of developing the other. In the ‘Music enquiries’ and ‘Finding the answers’ sessions, greater or lesser emphasis can be placed on printed or electronic sources depending on the technology available.

Schedule of current fees.

Information for course organizers

There are two options for course organization:

Organized by IAML (UK & Irl) in conjunction with a host library

IAML (UK & Irl) will be responsible for:

  • the provision of qualified and experienced trainers (host library specialist staff are welcome to participate if wished)
  • all course materials, including overhead transparencies or PowerPoint programme, handouts and enquiry session quizzes, feedback sheets, delegates lists, registration information and badges, course certificates
  • catering arrangements (normally lunch and three coffee / tea breaks)
  • the production and mailing of course brochure
  • delegate bookings
  • financial management (note: we reserve the right to cancel courses if insufficient bookings are received, in which event no liability can be accepted)

In exchange for a negotiated number of free delegate places, the host library provides:

  • free training room, equipment, books and scores (see below)
  • photocopying of handouts (fair copies provided)
  • local contact before and on the day (liaison / local information / input to catering arrangements / help with registration etc)

Organized by a library authority or other agency in house

The library authority will be responsible for:

  • Training room, equipment, books and scores (see below)
  • catering arrangements (normally lunch + 3 coffee / tea breaks)
  • production and circulation of course information
  • nomination of delegates (restricted to own staff or to include neighbouring authorities as desired)
  • delegates registration and badges, delegates lists, feedback sheets
  • local contact before and on the day (liaison / local information etc)

For a negotiated fee (see fees), IAML (UK & Irl) provides:

  • the provision of qualified and experienced trainers (host library specialist staff are welcome to participate if wished)
  • all course materials, including overhead transparencies or PowerPoint program, handouts and enquiry session quizzes, feedback sheets

Essential requirements:

  • Training room capable of accommodating up to 30 delegates
  • Flipchart with paper and pens
  • Overhead projector and screen (or data projector & screen)
  • Cassette player of reasonable quality (for music examples)
  • Music reference sources and scores to support specific modules (lists provided)
  • 4 large tables to display them on

Desirable requirements:

  • Internet, CD-ROM and (if this module taken) library catalogue access (ideally one terminal per four trainees)
  • Piano or electronic keyboard