The Swinney Conservatory of Music at Central Methodist University: an Historical Study

The Swinney Conservatory of Music at Central Methodist University in Fayette, Missouri has a long history of producing a significant number of the music educators. Even before the conservatory's founding in 1925, music and music education played an important role in the town of Fayette. Since the mid-nineteenth century there were two colleges in Fayette: Central College and Howard Female College. While both schools grew alongside each other, it was at Howard College (later renamed Howard-Payne College) where music was taught. When the two schools merged in 1923, Howard-Payne's music department was transferred to Central and in 1925 was reorganized into the Swinney Conservatory of Music. This study examines the history of music at Central Methodist University from the early ensembles and curriculum at both Central and Howard-Payne Colleges through the founding of the Swinney Conservatory in 1925 to the present day. The study focuses on the many people that helped establish Central Methodist's reputation along with the performing ensembles that have existed since the beginning of the twentieth century. Sources that were examined include course archival material (catalogues, yearbooks and student newspapers) from Central and Howard-Payne College, historical records in the state of Missouri and personal interviews and statements from Central alumni.

Name thesis:degree_name

Ph.D. in Music

Level thesis:degree_level

Dissertation

Year dc:date.available

2011

Author dc:creator

• Samson, David William

Contributors dc:contributor

• Alan L. Spurgeon
• Donald L. Trott
• Michael V. Namorato

• Central Methodist
• Liberal Arts
• Missouri
• Music Education
• Music History
• Swinney Conservatory

Repository record dc:identifier

https://egrove.olemiss.edu/etd/256

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:egrove.olemiss.edu:etd-1255