Research resources

Archival Collections

Discover where important film music collections are held and what they contain.

These collection guides help researchers, musicians, and film music enthusiasts locate original scores, arrangements, correspondence, and other archival materials. Access policies vary by institution; consult the holding library before planning a visit.

Cinematic Arts Library · USC Libraries

Leo Arnaud Collection

The collection documents the work of French American composer, arranger, and orchestrator Leo Arnaud (1904–1991). Its sheet music includes Bugler’s Dream, arrangements for Judy Garland films, and extensive material from Arnaud’s three decades at Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer.

Collection no.: 2669
Dates: Bulk 1930s–1980s
Extent: 36.125 linear feet
Containers: 22 boxes

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Detailed inventory (PDF, revised Aug. 5, 2026)

Research access: Advance notice is required. Contact USC’s Cinematic Arts Library through the official finding aid for current access and permissions information.

Cinematic Arts Library · USC Libraries

Elmer Bernstein Collection

The papers span more than five decades of Elmer Bernstein’s career, from early works through film, television, theater, recording, and concert projects. They include music scores and sketches, audio and video recordings, photographs, correspondence, and office records related to scores such as The Man with the Golden Arm, The Magnificent Seven, To Kill a Mockingbird, and Thoroughly Modern Millie.

Collection no.: 2644
Dates: 1945–2004
Extent: 343.25 linear feet
Containers: 255 boxes

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USC research guide

Research access: Advance notice is required; USC lists the collection as unprocessed. Contact USC’s Cinematic Arts Library through the official finding aid for current access and permissions information.

American Heritage Center · University of Wyoming

Saul Chaplin papers

Music manuscripts and correspondence relating to the film adaptations of The Sound of Music and West Side Story. Composer and arranger Saul Chaplin was associate producer of The Sound of Music and associate producer and music director of West Side Story; the collection includes complete conductor’s scores for both films.

Collection no.: 03225
Dates: Bulk 1961–1968
Extent: 1.80 cubic feet
Containers: 4 boxes

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Collection contents (scanned PDF)
American Heritage Center

Research access: Open to the public for research. Contact the American Heritage Center for current access, copyright, and permissions information.

American Heritage Center · University of Wyoming

Adolph Deutsch Collection

Music scores, phonograph recordings, scrapbooks, and papers of composer and arranger Adolph Deutsch, whose film work includes The Maltese Falcon and The Apartment. The collection also holds the full score of his bagpipe concerto, the Scottish Suite.

Collection no.: 02569
Dates: 1907–1960
Extent: 13.50 cubic feet
Containers: 18 boxes

View the record and contents list

Research access: Open to the public for research. Contact the American Heritage Center for current access, copyright, and permissions information.

American Heritage Center · University of Wyoming

Maurice Jarre Collection

Collection of scores and papers from film composer Maurice Jarre, known for works including Lawrence of Arabia, Doctor Zhivago, and A Passage to India.

Collection no.: 03261
Dates: 1958–2001
Extent: 7.65 cubic feet
Containers: 17 boxes

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Collection contents (scanned PDF)
American Heritage Center

Research access: Open to the public for research. Contact the American Heritage Center for current access, copyright, and permissions information.

American Heritage Center · University of Wyoming

Bronislaw Kaper papers

Orchestral and film scores by MGM composer Bronislaw Kaper, including music for Bataan, Lili, Them!, The Glass Slipper, The Brothers Karamazov, Mutiny on the Bounty, and Lord Jim, along with correspondence from 1965.

Collection no.: 03193
Dates: 1923–1965
Extent: 0.90 cubic feet
Containers: 2 boxes

View the Archives West record
Collection contents (scanned PDF)

Research access: Open to the public for research. Contact the American Heritage Center for current access, copyright, and permissions information.

Cinematic Arts Library · USC Libraries

Dimitri Tiomkin Collection

Dimitri Tiomkin’s papers, photographs, correspondence, recordings, click tracks, and film scores, including scores for Lost Horizon, It’s a Wonderful Life, High Noon, The High and the Mighty, Friendly Persuasion, and 55 Days at Peking, as well as music for Frank Capra’s Why We Fight series.

Collection no.: 2181
Dates: 1927–1969
Extent: 325.2 linear feet
Containers: 263 boxes

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Research access: USC lists this collection as currently unavailable because of its size and processing status. Contact USC’s Cinematic Arts Library through the official finding aid for updates.

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