How to Use the UT Song Index

by Speaking Volumes

April 15, 2026 • 2 minute read

Staff at the University of Tennessee George F. Devine Music Libary add data to the Song Index Search feature in the library’s collection of songbooks enabling researchers to more efficiently locate searched works.

Looking for a specific song or hoping to stumble across something new? The UT Song Index makes it simple. Here’s how to use it:

1. Start at the Song Index home page

The database is accessible online at utk-lib-db.netlify.app/song—no login required. Students, performers, teachers, and researchers from around the world can access it free of cost.

2. Search by title, composer, song type, or lyrics

Up to 11 categories are available to narrow your search based on the information you have.

In addition to the obvious categories, you can enter:

Large work title (if the work is part of an opera, stage musical, film, or other work)
First line of the song or chorus
Accompaniment (instrumental, keyboard, orchestral)
Language (English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, and Portuguese appear in the search bar, but more than 80 are available)

3. Review your results

Each entry in the index includes the following information:

Composer
Song title
Author
Song type
Anthology title (the book where it appears)
Call number for locating the title in DeVine Music Library
Additional notes (first line, language, etc.)

4. Locate the songbook in DeVine Music Library

The index doesn’t provide digital sheet music. Instead, it tells you which anthology contains the song and its location on the shelf. If you’re not sure how to find it, the circulation desk is happy to help.

5. Need help or can’t find something?

Ask a librarian—really! The Song Index often reveals gaps in collections, and librarians may be able to help locate or even acquire the music you need. For users outside Knoxville, ask your librarian about interlibrary loan options to obtain the songs you need.