This series contains files on over ninety Brazilian composers, ranging from the eighteenth to the twentieth centuries. Each composer is represented by his or her music, and in some cases by correspondence, biographical materials, and reviews of their compositions. All files are arranged in alphabetical order, except for the files concerning Heitor Villa-Lobos, whose extensive materials are found at the end of the series.

This series includes general research on Brazilian music and South American culture, illustrating the breadth and depth of Appleby's academic interests. There are handwritten notes on various topics, as well as articles and books by other writers. Also included in this series are musical catalogs from Brazil and the United States, periodicals such as the Southwest Historical Review, and a card file.

This series contains three works by David P. Appleby: one final publication of The Music of Brazil, and two draft chapters from his book Heitor Villa Lobos: A Life, which was developed under the working title of "The Life and Works of Heitor Villa-Lobos."

Audio reels, videotapes, microcassettes, and audio cassettes comprise this series. There are recordings of music, speeches, documentaries and interviews. Included in this series is a documentary on Carmen Miranda, radio interviews with David Appleby, and recordings of over 40 musical works by Villa-Lobos and other Brazilian composers. Note that most published recordings were separated for individual cataloging in the University of Texas library catalog [see Separated Materials note above].

This series is comprised of musical instruments and other indigenous folk pieces from South America. There are approximately 10 musical instruments of varying sizes and sounds, originating from different parts of South America, including a rainstick and four ocarinas, or mouth harps.

Musical scores and arrangements encompass this series. All of the music is arranged alphabetically by composer.