Performing Arts and Music
Special Collections in Performing Arts (SCPA) collects, serves, and preserves performing arts materials documenting performance practice, instruction, and scholarship. We are here to help you with archival sources in support of your scholarly or genealogical research, program unique performances, or create new works.
Explore Special Collections in Performing Arts
The International Piano Archives at Maryland (IPAM) is a unique resource for the study, appreciation, and preservation of the classical piano repertoire and its performance. IPAM's collections comprise the world's most extensive concentration of piano recordings, books, scores, programs and related materials, including the archival papers of many great keyboard artists.
Collection strengths
- Music education history
- American band history
- Local theatre and dance
- American theatre history
- Popular music
- Washington, DC-area punk rock
- Solo, chamber, or method repertoire for flute, clarinet, oboe, trombone, or percussion
- UMD performing arts faculty papers
Research Guides
Access
Most material is non-circulating and only accessible in the Lowens Room in the Michelle Smith Performing Arts Library. Some material is available digitally.
Contact

Exhibitions
Visit our galleries in the Hornbake and Michelle Smith Performing Arts Libraries for current exhibitions and explore digital exhibitions online.
Donations
Support Special Collections and University Archives by contributing to one of our unique gift funds or by donating material.