Performing Arts
Special Collections in Performing Arts (SCPA)
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 find archival sources for scholarly research, programming unique performances, or creating new works.
The International Piano Archives at Maryland (IPAM)
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.
Research Guides
Access
- Most SCPA materials are non-circulating and only accessible in the Irving and Margery Morgan Lowens Room in the Michelle Smith Performing Arts Library (MSPAL), with some exceptions. Some material is available digitally.
- SCPA is open Monday-Friday from 10am-5pm. Appointments are preferred but not required.
- Books from SCPA's collections that have been cataloged are mostly found in the open stacks in the Lowens Room and are available to patrons anytime that MSPAL is open.
- IPAM materials are non-circulating and are accessible in IPAM's research room on the second floor of MSPAL.
Exhibitions
Visit our galleries in the Hornbake and Michelle Smith Performing Arts Libraries for current exhibitions and explore digital exhibitions online.
Not A Quiet Place: The SCPA Podcast
The first season of SCPA's podcast, "Not a Quiet Place," employs interviews, analysis, and archival materials from SCPA's collections to explore the past, present, and future of the wind band community. Listen to season one HERE.
Donations
Support Special Collections and University Archives by contributing to one of our unique gift funds or by donating material.