This collection contains records of the Music Department of Columbia University and its faculty. The bulk of the collection was gathered by Professor Howard Shanet, who chaired the department from 1972-1976.

Gloria Coates is an American composer who studied at Columbia University with Jack Beeson and Otto Luening. These papers include correspondence, concert programs and business records related to her activities as director of the German-American Contemporary Music Series in Munich from 1970 through 1986.

The collection contains approximately 1300 scores, half of which bear markings entered by Mikhashoff or his colleagues in preparation for performance. The collection includes manuscripts and print publications, both originals and reproductions.