Scope and arrangement
The Schillinger Papers consist of Schillinger's music composition texts and lessons, other theoretical writings, personal papers, correspondence, clippings and promotional material, scores, posters and charts used to illustrate Schillinger's theories. The bulk of the Papers consists of Schillinger's writings and lessons, and the notebooks of work prepared for Schillinger by his students. Schillinger's System of Composition makes up about half of the writings. There is also extensive correspondence to and from his students, with the exception of George Gershwin, whose correspondence is held by the Library of Congress. The scores are of Schillinger's work and of his students, including Schillinger's scores for theremin and orchestra. Portions of the collection have been microfilmed; see the series descriptions for more information.
The Joseph Schillinger papers are arranged in six series:
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1929-1942 and undated15.3 boxes
This series consists primarily of the correspondence course materials Schillinger prepared for his composition students. It is divided into two sub-series based on the organization of the papers by Schillinger himself. There is some overlap between the two sub-series, and some student coursework is integrated into the papers as well. Some original manuscripts and typescripts are present, but the majority of the series consists of photostatic negative reproductions. Portions of this series have been microfilmed.
- Sub-series 1: Schillinger System of Composition, undated
- Sub-series 2: Other Writings, 1929-1942 and undated
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1918-1942 and undated4 boxes
This series consists of correspondence and work carried out by Schillinger’s students taking his correspondence course in composition. Some student work is also in series I. Portions of this series have been microfilmed and cataloged under call number *ZB-3314.
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1918-1993 and undated2 boxes
This series includes papers documenting Schillinger’s immigration to the United States and citizenship and his correspondence with colleagues, students and friends, including Henry Cowell, Leon Theremin, and George Gershwin. Most of the George Gershwin letters are reproductions; originals are held by the Library of Congress. The correspondence in this series was previously cataloged individually by the Music Division in *MNY- Amer.
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1924-2000 and undated1 box
This series includes material promoting Schillinger’s correspondence course, his publications, and exhibits about Schillinger, concert programs and press clippings. See also the posters and oversized clippings in Separated Material.
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1918-1938 and undated5 boxes
This series mainly includes music and exercises by Schillinger, most of it in manuscript form. The scores that are dated are usually from 1920-1930. Portions of this series have been microfilmed under call number *ZB-3453.
- Sub-series 1: By Schillinger, 1918-1935 and undated
- Sub-series 2: By Schillinger Students, 1929-1938 and undated
- Sub-series 3: Oversized Scores, 1918-1932
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undated10 boxes
The charts in this series are rolled up, and in various sizes. They are expansions and extensions of rhythm, melody and harmony charts found in smaller form in Series I and V. Twenty-eight of the charts are sequentially numbered with tags; three of the charts have no numbers assigned. Some of the charts are in fragile condition. See also charts in Separated Material.