Pigmented Pieces: Color in Music

Pigmented pieces display logo

Through December | Miller Nichols Library, Ground Floor


Give your playlist a pop of color!

The UMKC Music/Media library has gathered dye-namic resources about chromesthesia, music inspired by art, and composers pouring color into their creations. Check out the resource list for more tinted tunes to add a splash of color to your day. There’s a piece for every color of the rainbow!

Pigmented Pieces display in the Music/Media Library
The UMKC Music/Media Library has books, scores, DVDs, CDs, and online resources about color and music.

Chromesthesia is a condition where the senses cross, associating sound with color. Many musicians are believed to have had the condition, including Duke Ellington, Amy Beach, and Pharrell Williams.

Several composers in our Shining a Light collection have been inspired by color. Browse scores by Jerod Impichchaachaaha’ Tate, Younghi Pagh-Paan, Jennifer Higdon, and more!

Follow us on FacebookTwitter, and Instagram to see more collection highlights. We also partner with the Marr Sound Archives to highlight LPs from their collection. Check the resource list below, and click the button to download.

Collection display curated by UMKC Music/Media Library Staff Bryanna Beasley and student assistants Hadley Jarvis and Brandon Thibodeau, with assistance from Marr’s Nikki L’Amour.

Share This Post

Subscribe to the Library's Newsletter!

Stay up-to-date on library happenings.

Streaming video request

EXHIBIT DISPLAY TABLES

Case dimensions: 5’ long x 30” wide x 9” high sitting atop 3’ legs

Glass exhibit table

FIRST FLOOR GALLERY

The First Floor Gallery is located just inside the main entrance of the Miller Nichols Library.

Wall with exhibit content

Conference Room 325

Located on the Third Floor of Miller Nichols Library. For access, enter the library at the north ground floor entrance or the west first floor entrance. Then take the stairs or the elevator to the third floor..

Map of third floor of Miller Nichols Library