Shriner Music Library

Overview of Music Library Services

The Shriner Music Library serves as a specialized academic resource designed to support the curricular and research needs of students enrolled in Central Piedmont’s music programs. While its primary mission is to advance music scholarship and performance studies, the library is accessible to all enrolled students. Within this dedicated space, music students can engage in focused study, listen to assigned works, access curated research materials housed in the adjacent office (Room 238A), and utilize online scholarly resources.  

The facility includes four computer workstations for digital research and two listening stations equipped for phonodiscs, CDs, and tapes—essential tools for developing critical listening skills. Faculty members frequently deposit examinations and supplemental materials, allowing students to complete assessments at their convenience.

Collections and Holdings  

The Shriner Music Library maintains an extensive and diverse collection that supports both performance and academic inquiry:  

• Audio Archives: Approximately 7,000 phonodiscs and a growing collection of over 1,000 compact discs provide students with access to historical and contemporary recordings essential for stylistic analysis and repertoire study.  
• Scores and Performance Literature: Holdings include music for solo instruments, ensembles, orchestras, choral works, operas, and specialized genres such as dance band literature. Norton Scores and miniature scores are available for in-depth score study.  
• Pedagogical Resources: A substantial Piano Pedagogy collection offers method books and scholarly materials on piano instruction and performance practice.  
• Research Materials: The library’s academic holdings encompass music theory, history, biography, jazz studies, conducting, music education, music business, and more. Students benefit from authoritative reference works such as Grove Dictionary of Music and Musicians, Harvard Dictionary of Music, and Baker’s Biographical Dictionary of Musicians.  

Most materials, excluding select reference works, are available for checkout, enabling students to integrate library resources into their ongoing coursework and research projects.  

Additionally, students have access to digital platforms such as Naxos Music Library and Oxford Music Online, expanding opportunities for scholarly engagement beyond physical holdings.  

Historical Significance  

Founded in 1977 by Russell Shriner—a former French horn player with the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra—the library reflects a legacy of dedication to music education. Shriner’s efforts in curating and cataloging thousands of recordings and scores established a foundation for the comprehensive collection students benefit from today. His commitment to fostering musical literacy and appreciation continues to inform the library’s mission.  

Benefits for Music Students  

The Shriner Music Library is more than a repository; it is an academic hub that:  

• Enhances critical listening and analytical skills through access to diverse recordings.
• Supports performance preparation with extensive score collections.  
• Facilitates scholarly research via authoritative reference works and digital resources.  
• Provides a quiet, resource-rich environment conducive to study and creative exploration.  

By leveraging these resources, music students can deepen their understanding of historical and contemporary practices, strengthen interpretive skills, and engage in rigorous academic inquiry.