1975-2013 Woman Music Teacher's Archive Highlighting Creative Work: Teaching, Authoring a Piano Instructional and Founding the Eastern Suffolk School of Music.
Long Island, New York: Not Published, 1975. Typed Draft. Various. Very Good. Item #26562
Ann Ullman Hirsch (1929 - 2017) had formal musical training and education at Juilliard and NYU; she was a passionate musician, music educator and administrator. In a career spanning more than 60 years, she was well known on Long Island for her extensive musical contributions, including founding the Eastern Suffolk School of Music in Riverhead in 1977 and serving as its executive director for 10 years. Pianist and violinist, she was a valued member of the (L.I.) Sound Symphony and was a private piano instructor to children and adults. Named East End Woman of Year in Education, East End Magazine, Suffolk County, NY 1979 and honored by Peconic Bay Zonta at a Celebration of Women in 2013. (from her obituary in 27 East and several online sources) Collection includes: 1975 A 68-page typed manuscript, with (2) annotated working draft copies of "A Basic Guide for the Teaching of Piano" by Ann U. Hirsch. These include tipped-on photographs of students' correct form along with the teaching exercises in the text & with extra image-sheets and 35mm photographic negatives laid-in. One of the drafts has extensive marginal notation. All are accomplished one-side either on quality typing bond paper of the time or copies. The original set is a group of loose sheets; working drafts are in 3-ring binders. Ms. Hirsch' introduction explains her purpose, since according to her research - "…There are also many fine books, both long and short, written by great pianists, that suggest technical and artistic approaches for the advanced and professional performers, but my purpose is hopefully to have written something for those who work primarily with beginners. I have tried to make it personal and informal, while at the same time offer specific advice in the areas I consider most crucial. My hope is that if this book were to be published, it could be made inexpensively in pocket book size and thus be available on counters in music stores as well as in colleges for all those who study piano and expect to teach it too…" With (3) typed original letters from Ms. Hirsch, to the music publishers Theodore Presser Co., Sterling Publishing Co. and Prentis Hall Publications, all describing the content and asking in similar fashion to consider her book for publication. Included here are these three publishers' rejection-replies & another letter from Dover publishing which also rejected her project for various reasons. There is also a handwritten request from Ms. Hirsch soliciting the opinion of a professional editor-writer whom she thought may be able to help put her book into proper form for publication. Our research on OCLC at time of cataloging does not indicate any publication history. (With) A series of (8) Catalogs of the Eastern Suffolk School of Music, spanning the years 1979 - 1989. Approx. 5 ½" x 8 ½" size; stapled printed softcovers; 20 to 40 pages each. These catalogs provide a listing of the board of directors, committees, administration, staff - faculty, with extensive musical biographies of the dozens of teachers involved giving instruction in voice, piano, violin, flute, cello, guitar, oboe, trumpet, dance, harp, organ, recorder, French horn, viola, brass instruments, jazz improvisation, composition, eurythmics, early winds, theory, percussion and more (for example, the 1988-1989 Catalog lists 42 instructors with their extensive qualifications & background); financial aid information, schedules, calendars, tuition, contact details & locations. 1978 - 1984 Group of (30) concert programs for the ESSM, including student & faculty performances, instrumental offerings & dance programs. Approx. 5 ½" x 8 ½" size; stapled printed softcovers, usually (4) pages each, giving the pieces played, orchestra members & their instruments or soloists. With locations, dates; held at the Fine Arts Theatre Southampton College, Riverhead, Mattituck, East Islip H.S., Benjamin House, Shoreham-Wading River Library & First Congregational Church of Riverhead. A run of (26) piano recital programs given in 1987 - 2013 by the students of Ann U. Hirsch; given in various private homes on Long Island. Most approx. 7" x 8 ½" size; single folded sheets with four printed sides. 1980-1984 Approx. (30) one or two page programs for the ESSM concerts, student recitals (often given monthly) and a few other miscellaneous programs sponsored by ESSM in the Riverhead NY area: Jazz concerts, percussion events, concerts by faculty & guests, student presentations. With personnel, players, pieces performed. 1986 A file folder, with approx. (30) typed pages of material, some on ESSM letterhead. These papers recount the struggle, apparently of several months duration, of the music school's attempts to restructure the board of directors and executive functions, find adequate and sustainable financing and address critical accounting, insurance liability and staffing issues which threatened the institution's continued existence. Some of the letters reveal troubling circumstances and finally include the resignation of Ms. Hirsch as the school's executive director and her choice of ceasing any further activities associated with the school, including teaching. Other letters document and list various complaints, needed changes, salary & staffing requirements involving Ms. Hirsch, board members and others who were involved in the running of the school. Miscellaneous: A three-ring binder with thumb-guide sections, with some dozens of pages; this was Ms. Hirsch' own personal teaching and performance log: Students; Billing; Music; Musicians & Schedule. These sections have handwritten entries, lists of student names, addresses, phone numbers; billing schedule and names columned with payments & various billing tiers. The "Music" section gives student names, pieces, planning for programs, teaching notes; "Musicians" section with names, phone numbers, musical instruments & often the location of a large group of varied musical talents. With a variety of paper ephemera in a back pocket: newspaper clippings regarding music; MS performance names, locations; schedules including for fees; TLS with her teaching offerings; name lists, receipts. Approx. 7" x 10" size; black 'leatherette'; worn, with tape-repaired spine. 1981 New Directions Resource Center, Inc. Fifth Anniversary Gala list of donors; ESSM provided music.1983 Eastern Suffolk Woodwind Quintet & 1984 Michael Parola: Percussion Plus, both hosted at The John Drew Theater of Guild Hall East Hampton. 1983 Eastern Suffolk Woodwind Quintet & 1984 ESSM Flute Choir performances, both hosted at the Parrish Art Museum Southampton. 1984 The Raphael Trio appearing at the Shoreham-Wading River H.S. program. 1989 2-sided flyer program for Music Recital Mrs. Charlotte Murrin, with pieces, performers listed. With several 'reminder' and location direction-sheets for attendees of Ms. Hirsch' student performances. Condition: Generally everything is in very good condition, with light wear and soiling to letters and binders. A very good archive, documentation on a very active woman educator, performer and teacher's musical & creative life.
Price: $350.00