The collection consists of 53 boxes of performance materials for all of Ellis' works: tapes, cassettes, slides, films, instructions, masters, etc. Also included are tapes of historical importance such as the John Cage Lecture, the Roy Harris Informal Evening, and a tape of Ellis discussing plans for the construction of the current Music Building.

Papers (1958-1982) of Merrill Ellis concerning his career as a composer and teacher of musical composition including correspondence, legal documents, literary productions, printed material, and photographic material.