Thesis (D.M.A.)--Boston UniversityThe purpose of this study was to document the history of the Aaron Copland School of Music (ACSM) at Queens College. The ACSM evolved out of the Department of Music at Queens College, established by the Board of Trustees and its first president, Paul Klapper, in 1938, one year after the founding of the college. In 1980, the Department of Music officially became a School of Music and subsequently named the Aaron Copland School of Music at Queens College of the City University of New York in 1981.
In an effort to present an organized chronological history of the institution, I employed historical methodology for the collection, analysis, evaluation, verification, and description of data. Archival research and interviews with former students, and past and present faculty and department heads contributed significantly to the study. Additional data built a holistic picture, helping in the analysis of the reports and views of participants. Since there is no prevwus comprehensive historical documentation of the ACSM, it was necessary to examine source items such as Queens College and Copland School of Music records, manuscripts, college bulletins, newspapers, memoirs, and concert programs. Additionally, I examined other items from several archival collections to explain how and why the School of Music originated, as well as prevailing factors that contributed to its growth. Further, the study examines the role of curricula, personnel, facilities, and activities
relevant to its development.
The history of the ACSM reflects the development of other music
schools in higher education in that it has and continues to develop musicians and provides diverse collaborative efforts with the community. A history of the Aaron Copland School of Music is both desirable and necessary to document fully its unique qualities and successes. In addition to documenting the historical record, this study may prove useful to present and future operations of the School of Music as well as bring new insights into the historical foundations of the college and providing a basis for future research
