How to Organize a Music Library-2Each year, I accumulate more and more music books and sheet music. I typically own a copy of all of the music that my students play. I prefer to own copies, that way I can reference them at any time. I also study and play some of my students’ music when lesson planning. (I do have to know what I’m talking about after all!)

The commercial space I started renting for my business has the perfect closet for all of my music. I previously stored music in bookcases at home before moving to the commercial space. I have my music library grouped into the following categories:

  • Popular
  • Holiday
  • Duets
  • Class piano books
  • Classical books: Alphabetized by composer
  • Sonatinas: Alphabetized by composer
  • Anthologies: Grouped by series first and then organized by level
  • Method books: Also grouped by series first and then organized by level
  • Supplemental pieces and books: This section of my library contains a lot of music on federation pieces and music by pedagogical composers. I have it alphabetized by composer, although sometimes I’ve considered organizing it by federation levels.

At the bottom of the closet, I have prizes, stickers, and games organized into boxes. I also have a crate of used music that students donate to me.

Here is my library:

music library