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The majority of the files in the School of Music Topical Files, 1880-1990 subseries (5.0 linear feet) document the School of Music after 1940, when it became an autonomous unit of the University of Michigan. The majority of these files are comprised of the minutes of faculty meetings (1942-1952, 1957-1983), and executive committee meetings (1946-1951, 1960-1987). These minutes and the Faculty Communications files (1957-1979) along with the Regents Communications files (1926-1929, 1953-1981) are good sources for documenting school activities and development of administration policies.

The early years of the School of Music are sparingly documented. The Reports, 1880 file contains (copies of) the original reports drafted to the Board of Regents requesting a professorship in music and the regents response to the request. The materials in the Building Association file document the issuing of bonds to build the Maynard Street structure in 1893.

Other documentation pertains to student performance groups, School of Music buildings, and efforts to raise funds for the school. The documentation of student groups mostly consists of correspondence for tour and performance arrangements and does not address the creative process. Much of the material relates to the University Band from 1924 to 1953, including correspondence and clippings. There is Michigan Singers correspondence from 1953 to 1962, and Union Opera news releases, correspondence, and clippings from 1951 to 1956. In the 1956/57 school year the Union Opera became coeducational and changed its name to Musket. There are Musket news releases, minutes, and correspondence from 1956 to 1962. The Men's and Women's Glee Clubs files consist of correspondence relating to touring and performances. The International Center files (1956-1961) document spring tours given around Michigan by international students to increase appreciation for diverse cultures. Photographs of student performance groups are found in the Student Touring Organizations Scrapbook which dates from the 1950s.

There are several files related to the funding and building of School of Music buildings. The conception and planning process for the Earl V. Moore Building is documented in the New Building files, which include news clippings and a drawing of the old school of music building on Maynard Street before it was razed in 1965.

The capital campaign files document a three-year campaign to expand facilities, to develop a sound recording laboratory, to build an institute for advanced studies in music, and to establish a residential string quartet. The campaign was part of a university-wide fund-raising drive begun in 1980 and active through 1983. The School of Music tied the campaign into their centennial celebration entitled "For Century II." The Development Committee minutes, and Development of Public Relations files document additional fund-raising efforts of the school.