There are several databases offering streaming audio which are available through the Libraries. You can access these from any computer in campus libraries, as well as from your dorm room or off-campus (with your UNI and password).

Audio titles include: Classical Music Library, Naxos Music Library,  Naxos Music Library Jazz, Smithsonian Global Sound, Contemporary World Music, the Database of Recorded American Music, and more. For a full list of audio titles, click on the “E-Resources” tab on the main Library Web page, then click on “E-Music“.

You’ll find records for most of the Naxos and Classical Music Library audio content in CLIO, as well – you’ll see “[electronic resource]” next to the title in your search results. Click on the “Online Link” in the CLIO record to launch playback. Note that these databases add new content on a regular basis, so, for the most up-to-date search, search the databases directly.

A note on audio quality: some of these databases offer different options for streaming rates – make sure to choose the highest rate you can! All of the databases, while convenient, are less-than-CD quality. We have over 20,000 CDs in the Music & Arts Library, which can be checked out, if you’re looking for the best sound quality! All CDs can be searched in CLIO (you can limit your search results to sound recordings, if you wish).

Take advantage of these great resources for listening from anywhere, anytime! And, let us know what you think, at musiclibrary@columbia.edu.