How to access things that require paid access?

HeidiBuschbach 2017-03-29 15:00:55 UTC #1

So may I ask how we access things that require paid access? I do't see anything about that anywhere on the site.

The use of "Open" in the name "Open Music Library"

avorio 2017-03-29 18:18:38 UTC #2

First of all, welcome to the Open Music Library

We are currently working on making it clearer how to access for-fee content via the OML.

Basically, for most paid content, you need to be affiliated with an university or another type of academic/research/teaching institution (e.g. conservatory, public library, etc.).

Are you affiliated with an university or another academic institution? If so, which one?

HeidiBuschbach 2017-03-29 20:25:47 UTC #3

I have been writing and compiling a Music Appreciation, Solfege, and Piano curriculum for a research Institute that is piloting a new Home school curriculum. It's called the Charlotte Mason Institute. http://charlottemasoninstitute.com/ It's a non-profit research organization committed to studying the British Educator, Charlotte Mason. They help Schools and Homeschooling families learn about education using her philosophy of education.

Charlotte Mason used Mrs. Curwen's Child Pianist curriculum in her schools in Britain and I am trying to do research on these piano books, so I can learn more about how they were used in her schools and how the lessons were taught. We're trying to put together a comprehensive music curriculum for homeschooling families. I am not an employee, I just volunteer. In the next year I am hoping to offer them a website with access to music education videos that I will do with my own children, that will help homeschooling families teach music in their homes. Especially lower income families who can't afford private lessons for all their children.

Really, the only thing right now that I would like to have access to is Mrs. Curwen's Pianoforte Method book for Piano students. The Step 2-6 student piano books. These files:
https://openmusiclibrary.org/work/71715/mrs-curwens-pianoforte-method/

I am trying to figure out why I can't find them anywhere else in the public domain. They were written in the late 1800's or early 1900's as far as I know. They accompany this piano teacher's guide. https://archive.org/details/teachersguidecur00curwuoft

These student piano books are available for purchase through used music websites, but since I am just doing this as a volunteer effort for the Charlotte Mason institute and other homeschool families, I was hoping I could find a way to research the material without having to buy all of the piano books from England. I have ordered many books from overseas already and it adds up. BUT, maybe the fee for your website will be just as much. Unless, is there possibly a way to have access to just those files. It's really all I need. May I ask why these files require a fee? Is it because they aren't in the public domain? Or are they owned by someone still? Just trying to figure out the best route for gaining access for research.

Thanks for your help!