Before the age of photography, lithographs, engravings and other illustrations provided a crucial way to share stories, promote political candidates, and document everyday life.
Because sheet music scores needed to appeal to a mass audience, they often featured some of the most vibrant, detailed, and technologically-advanced lithographs and engravings of the 16th-18th centuries. This makes sheet music cover images the perfect resource to illustrate media professionals' stories about early American life.
Media professionals who wish to use cover images or scores in their work--including news stories, textbooks, television broadcasts, commercial books, periodicals and advertisements--can reach out via the contact form below. More information can also be found in our Digital Asset Use Policy. Our preferred citation is "Courtesy the Lester Levy Sheet Music Collection, Sheridan Libraries, Johns Hopkins University."