Montgomery, Merle, 1904-1986

Merle Montgomery (b. May 15, 1904, in Davidson, Oklahoma; d. Aug. 25, 1986, in Chantilly, Virginia) was a music educator, composer, author, editor, administrator, translator, lecturer, and concert pianist.

From the description of Merle Montgomery papers, circa 1904-1983 (bulk 1960-1980). (Unknown). WorldCat record id: 732968094

Biographical Note

• 1904, May 15: Born Merle Campbell, Davidson, Okla.
• 1924: Married Pleasant Parx Montgomery (died 1929) BFA, Piano, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Okla.
• circa 1924: Adopted son Milton
• 1929 - 1931 : Studied privately with Nadia Boulanger and Isidore Philipp
• 1929-1933 (Summers): Studied at the American Conservatory of Music, Fontainebleau, France
• 1931 - 1933 : Extension teacher, Music Theory, University of Oklahoma, Norman, Okla.
• 1933: Diploma, American Conservatory of Music, Fontainebleau, France
• 1933 - 1934 : Private teacher, Oklahoma City, Okla.
• 1934 - 1938 : Head, Piano and Theory, Southwestern Oklahoma College, Weatherford, Okla.
• 1936: Composed 17 Songs for Children. Chicago, Ill.: Scott Foresman and Co.
• 1937: M.M., Music Theory, Eastman School of Music, Rochester, N.Y.
• 1938 - 1943 : Assistant state supervisor and state supervisor, Federal Music Project for Oklahoma
• 1939: Composed Song for Child for Jack and Jill Magazine Composed 8 Songs for Children
• 1940: Editor, Oklahoma Music News
• 1943 - 1945 : Teacher, Piano and Theory, Eastman School of Music, Rochester, N.Y.
• circa 1945 - 1954 : Lecturer for Schillinger System of Musical Composition and national educational representative, Carl Fischer Inc., New York, N.Y.
• 1946 - 1948 : Completed dissertation A Comparative Analysis [and translation] of Vincent D'Indy's "Cours de Composition Musicale" Ph.D., Eastman School of Music, Rochester, N.Y.
• 1951 - 1953 : President, New York Alumni Chapter of Mu Phi Epsilon
• circa 1955: Producer, writer, and host, Let's Go to Musicland! (series of thirteen fifteen-minute films), University of Oklahoma Educational Service Division
• 1956: Selected Oklahoma Woman of the Year by Soroptimist International of Oklahoma
• 1956 - 1966 : Assistant manager and educational consultant, Music Department, Oxford University Press, New York, N.Y. Teacher, piano and music theory, Turtle Bay Music School and Westchester Conservatory, N.Y.
• 1957: Married A. Walter Kramer (died 1969)
• circa 1958: Published Music Theory Papers. New York: C. Fischer
• 1958 - 1960 : President, New York Federation of Music Clubs
• 1959: Published Music Composition Papers. New York: C. Fischer
• circa 1963 - circa 1972 : Compiler, editor, two volumes in the Scribner Music Library
• 1964: Named Outstanding Alumna for Distinguished Service, University of Rochester Elected to Trustees' Council of Alumni Advisors, University of Rochester
• 1964 - 1966 : National vice-president in charge of public relations and governor of Atlantic Province, Mu Phi Epsilon
• circa 1965: Charter member, New York City Opera Guild
• 1967: Received National Citation from Mu Phi Epsilon
• 1967 - 1971 : Coordinator of symphonic repertoire and vice-president in charge of public relations, Carl Fischer Inc. Manager, Ford Foundation Recording-Publication Program, Carl Fischer Inc.
• 1971: Founding member, Board of Directors, New York Philomusica Chamber Ensemble
• 1971 - 1975 : President, National Federation of Music Clubs
• 1974: Elizabeth Mathias Award from Mu Phi Epsilon
• 1975 - 1976 : Chairperson, Bicentennial Parade of American Music, National Music Council
• 1975 - 1979 : President, National Music Council
• 1976: Inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame
• 1977: Given Distinguished Service Citation, University of Oklahoma
• circa 1977: Vice-president, Musicians Club of New York
• 1979 - 1980 : Project director, National Black Music Colloquium and Competition
• circa 1982: National Federation of Music Clubs representative to the United Nations
• 1986, Aug. 25: Died, Chantilly, Va.

From the guide to the Merle Montgomery Papers, circa 1904-1983, (bulk 1960-1980), (Music Division Library of Congress)