About the Australian Music Centre Library
The Australian Music Centre Library has been collecting the works of contemporary Australian composers for over twenty years. The collection, the most comprehensive of its kind, is the only source for many of these works.
Opening Hours
Monday to Thursday, 10am-5pm
Level 4, 10 Hickson Road,
The Rocks, Sydney.
Bookings are essential for school or tertiary groups to ensure the availability of facilities. The library is available to visitors from outside the Sydney metropolitan area on a Friday, but prior appointment is absolutely necessary.
- e:
- p: (02) 9247 4677
- toll free 1300 651 834
- Public Transport Advice
About the collection
Scores & Parts
The Library's holdings include around 12,500 printed and manuscript scores and 2000 sets of parts of works by Represented Australian composers. These works fit primarily into the broad category of 'contemporary classical' or 'art music', and include a growing number of jazz, improvised music, film music, sound art, electronica and multimedia works.
Sound Recordings
The Library's sound recordings comprise around 1900 CDs, 3500 tapes, and 130 LPs. Recordings often represent the primary manifestation of contemporary works, which often no longer exist in traditional score format.
Biographical Files
The Library maintains a collection of biographical material for more than 850 Australian composers and performers. This material includes lists of works, biographies, programme notes, press clippings, reviews, analyses, concert programs and photographs.
Most of this material is not listed in the Library's online catalogue. For users unable to visit the Centre in person to peruse the files, enquiries may be directed to a Librarian by using the Music Enquiry Form.
Books
Over 1500 books are held in the Library's collection - covering a wide range of topics on Australian musical life and broader musical reference works.
Periodicals
The Library's collection includes both Australian and international serials from a diverse range of arts organisations.
Kits
The Library holds over 150 teaching resource kits devised by organisations such as Musica Viva and Sydney Symphony, and which explore and anlyse music by Australian composers.
Videos
The Library's collection of videos (VHS and DVD) include both documentaries on Australian music and performances of Australian works.
Borrowing
Specialist staff are available to help and advise those wishing to borrow or purchase scores and other Australian music products.
Individuals or organisations wishing to borrow items from the collection must be Full or Library-only Members of the Centre. Members may borrow up to 10 items at one time for up to three weeks (four weeks for members outside the Sydney metropolitan area).
Loans may be made in person or by telephone, fax or email. If you live outside the Sydney metropolitan area we will send your loans directly to you by mail (with postage payable by the borrower).
Interlibrary Loans are available through all public and academic libraries in Australia.
Interlibrary Loan and Document Delivery Policy
Become a Member of the Australian Music Centre
Library services
Free services
The Library offers a free telephone or enquiry service for providing contacts and general information on all of the research services offered. An online enquiry form is available for your convenience.
Fee-based services
For a small fee, the library staff can prepare research materials such as repertoire lists, biographies, and analyses. These can be prepared for your next visit, emailed, faxed or posted directly to you.
Research Facilities
Visitors to the Library are able to access the catalogue and other electronic resources. The Library is also equipped with photocopying and listening (CD, tape, LP, video) facilities. A separate listening room containing a piano is also available with space for up to 10 students.
