The first printed music in the United States appeared in 1690, and the AMRC's holdings of published and manuscript American sacred music begin very shortly after. Our roughly two thousand tune books and hymnals include some of the most important music publications from the Colonial era--including multiple editions of William Billings' New England Psalm Singer--through the late nineteenth century.
Alan Buechner collection
Library and personal papers of Alan C. Buechner, Professor of Music, Copland School of Music, City University of New York, Queens College; previously on faculty of Harvard University, University of Texas, University of Hartford; founder and officer of the Sonneck Society for American Music; Recipient of the Sonneck Society Distinguished Service Citation. Includes 132 tune books and hymnals, correspondence, and research and teaching materials on American music, folklore, and psalmody.
California mission music collection
Materials related to the early California missions, from the Sister Mary Dominic Ray Library. Portions pertaining to the research, teaching, and preparation for Sister Mary’s book Gloria Dei have been brought together in this collection. Many of the materials in Series I and II are photographic copies of original documents held by other institutions. Includes articles and related writings relevant to the missions.
Karl Kroeger papers
Papers of Karl Kroeger (b. 1932), composer, musicologist, librarian; B.Mus., B.Mus.Ed., M.Mus, University of Louisville, M.S. University of Illinois, Ph.D., Brown University; Head, University of Colorado Music Library (1982-1994); Curator, American music Collection, New York Public Library (1962-1964); Composer-in-residence, Oregon Public School Systerm (1964-1967); Director, Moravian Music Foundation (1972-1980); Visiting Lecturer, University of Keele (1980-1981). Includes composition manuscripts, arrangements and critical editions, concert programs, and research materials related to Kroeger's numerous musicological publications. Also includes recordings and correspondence. Of related interest is the large collection of early American tune books and hymnals, housed in Special Collections, Norlin Library (list of titles available separately and in the collection).
Sister Mary Dominic Ray collection
Papers of Sister Mary Dominic Ray (1913-1994), musician, musicologist, collector; founder, American Music Research Center (Dominican College), 1967. Includes artifacts and photographs documenting the early years of the AMRC, as well as papers supporting Sister Mary's research and publications. Includes several original music sheets from the 18th and 19th centuries. Of related interest is the collection of early American tune books and hymnals.