Physical description
One document case containing 6 volumes of “composition” books, 1 published book and 2 folders
Biographical sketch
Frances Baker was born on October 18, 1909 and passed away on January 18, 2001. Frances grew up in Dorchester, MA, daughter of Joseph Baker. She was a resident of Walpole, MA and had been married to Reuben Frogel. At NEC, she studied piano with Edwin Klahre and was Secretary of the Elson Club. She graduated from NEC in 1929.
Provenance
The Frances Baker Frogel Papers were donated to the NEC Archives by Frances’s daughter, Phyllis Rubin, in February 2001. The original gift also included 60 scores and 4 books. In honor of Frances Frogel, a fund was established in her name and this money was used to purchase the “Women Composers Collection”.
Access
Access to the Frances Baker Frogel Papers can be arranged by making an appointment with the NEC Archivist. There are no access restrictions pertaining to this collection
Copyright
Please contact the NEC Archivist for publication permissions. Citation should read: NECA 18.13: Frances Baker Frogel Papers, New England Conservatory Archives, Boston, MA.
Scope and Content
This collection includes: 6 “Composition” Books, meaning notebooks that Frances used in her classes at NEC; one published item; and 2 folders. The first folder contains three “Music Writing Books” which also contain notes from her NEC courses. The second folder contains NEC memorabilia from Frances’s time as an NEC student including a few items from the Elson Club, 1 commencement program, 1 concert program and a few NEC bills/invoices.
Container list
“Composition” Books”
- General class and teacher’s instruction
- Stage Deportment
- Fine arts
- Normal Lectures (courses about teaching)
- Musical Appreciation
- Last volume covered multiple subjects
1 copy of Syllabus of Lectures in Fine Arts by C. Howard Walker
Folder 1–3: “Music Writing Books”
Folder 2: NEC Memorabilia