We in the McKay Library are here to serve you and help you succeed in your studies. Consider the services we offer below as our contribution to fully supporting your studies with a mind towards your success!

 

 

Research Consultation

We offer research consultations to University of Utah students who need help with a music research question, assignment, or extended work. Please contact Lisa Chaufty, McKay's music librarian, to schedule a consultation.

Immediate reference service is available in person at the McKay Circulation Desk, by phone at 801-581-6691, or through our virtual reference desk.

If you need assistance outside of regular hours, please e-mail mckaylibrary@music.utah.edu and we will get back to you within 24 hours.

Musicianship, and Theory Tutoring

The McKay Library offers tutoring for free to students:

Musicianship and theory tutoring:

• MUSC 1110 (Theory I)
• MUSC 1120 (Theory II)
• MUSC 1130 (Aural Skills I)
• MUSC 1140 (Aural Skills II)
• MUSC 1460 (Introduction to Music Theory)

• Wednesday: 9:00 am–12:00 pm
• Thursday: 2:00–4:00 pm
• Location: Abravanel Studio, McKay Music Library, Room 100

Taryn Carvajal-Harding  is available for drop-in tutoring for the following music courses:

• MUSC 2110 (Theory III)
• MUSC 2120 (Theory IV)
• MUSC 2130 (Aural Skills III)
• MUSC 2140 (Aural Skills IV)

Drop-In Tutoring Hours for Taryn Carvajal-Harding:

• Tutoring sessions are designed for concept review and practice, not for completing assigned homework. 
• At the moment, for students who need assistance with the later courses in the theory sequence, they will need to make sure they work with their instructors of record and take advantage of office hours.

If you have questions about music theory and aural skills tutoring, contact library director Lisa Chaufty.

Writing Assistance

McKay Library offers assistance to students who would like some writing guidance or assistance with searching the catalog/databases as well as any assistance finding resources. If you have questions about how we can help, please ask.

To sign up for a time (through Zoom or in-person) with Prof. Lisa Chaufty, McKay's music librarian, please make an e-mail appointment and we'll take care of you. Prof. Chaufty can also read your DMA document for clarity and give any guidance related to document formatting according to the Graduate School Thesis Handbook.

Student Success

The McKay Library makes student success a priority and has been actively supporting this iniative through its tutoring program (see above) and the Ideals Committee. This group, open to faculty, staff, and students of the School of Music grew out of the McKay Music Library Committee, and has a mission that centers the student experience in the School of Music through the creation and sponsorship of projects and initiatives designed to focus on student success, wellness, and social justice. Libraries have always been at the forefront of not only cultivating knowledge and disseminating information, but also providing materials and support to anyone who needs them. McKay Library is committed to this tradition as well and seeks to broaden its collections and to create a rich physical and social space that enhances learning, supports teaching and research, and provides a home to student success in the School of Music.

Wellness

With the 2017-18 academic year, the McKay Music Library began providing opportunities related to physical and emotional wellness to music students. In recent times, the impact of the pandemic on the lives of our students has prompted the School of Music and the McKay Library to increase our efforts. In the 2020-21 academic year, in part through a generous grant from the Dee Foundation, we expanded this initiative through lectures and other activities. The funding has been continued and will support the initiative through the 2022-2023 academic year.

Social Justice and Student Success

Rolling grants for lectures and performances focusing on belonging and social justice are available for School of Music faculty and staff.  A form for submitting proposals for use of funds for the 2023-24 academic year can be found here.

Hearing Health

This guide from the National Association for Schools of Music (NASM) is one you need to read as a music student to protect your ears as you participate in making music. Please also note the following:

• The School of Music encourages safe hearing practices and awareness.
• Music students should regularly take a hearing screening test and be aware of dangerous noise levels.
• If you are unable to hear from short distances, experience a feeling of "fullness" in your ears, or have a ringing/buzzing sensation, you should limit your time in these noisy environments to prevent hearing damage.
• The School of Music offers free earplugs for students in the main office and the McKay Music Library.
• During a lecture to music students in October 2022, a doctoral student in the U's audiology program, Deyvy Armendariz, presented information about Music-Induced Hearing Loss (MIHL), which can affect musicians who do not protect their ears. Some information for recommended earplugs for musicians can be found https://www.rollingstone.com/product-recommendations/lifestyle/best-earplugs-for-musicians-1188314/

Neuromusculoskeletal Health

This guide from the National Association for Schools of Music (NASM) is very helpful when it comes to understanding the muscles and nerves in your body. The life of a musician can be very demanding on one's body. Please remember that:

• The School of Music wants to help you be physically and mentally healthy.
• Music students can prevent physical stress and strain on their bodies during practice and rehearsal through building in frequent breaks.
• Work with your teacher on your body alignment and physical technique as you rehearse and perform.
• Remember to warm up your body and musicles as you warm up your instrument.
  

Vocal Health

This guide from the National Association for Schools of Music (NASM) is very helpful when it comes to keeping your voice healthy. Consider the following when you think about your lifelong success as a vocalist:

• Work with your vocal teacher to help you maintain healthy vocal habits as you grow in using your voice. Also, set reasonable practice sessions to avoid misuse.
• Give yourself enough warm-up time. Begin warming up mid-range, and then slowly work outward to vocal pitch extremes.

---

Additional Staff & Faculty Resources

Mental and Physical Health at the U, online, or in the community

Employee Assistance Program

Osher Center for Integrative Health

Resiliency Center

Suicide Prevention Resources

Wellness for University of Utah Employees

WellU

Further support for students you teach, serve, or mentor

Center for Student Wellness

Feed U Pantry

Financial Wellness Center

Mental Health First Responders

Student Health Center

University Counseling Center: Helping Students

 

---

Events

Stay tuned for more events to come!

Archived Community Events Page

---

Ask the Library

   801-581-6691

   Virtual Helpdesk, during open hours

   Email

   Research Consultation

  Suggest a Purchase

   Tutoring Services

Spring Hours
Jan 5^th - May 1^st
Monday ~ Thursday
   8am ~ 8pm
Friday
   8am ~ 5pm
Saturday
   11am ~ 3pm


Summer Hours
May 4th ~ Aug. 22nd
OPEN
Monday ~ Friday
   9am ~ 5pm
Saturday
   11am ~ 3pm

CLOSED HOLIDAYS
Memorial Day ~ Monday, May 25^th

Juneteenth (observed) Weekend
Saturday, June 13^th~ Monday June 15^th

Saturday, June 20^th

Independence Day Weekend
Friday, July 3^rd ~ Saturday, July 4^th

Pioneer Day ~ Friday, July 24^th


Please check back for updates.

Events - TBA