Papers of June Epstein, 1935-1999 [manuscript]
- Bib ID:
- 2880250
- Format:
- Manuscript
- Author:
- Epstein, June, 1918-2004
- Related Online Resources:
- Finding aid at National Library of Australia
- Access Conditions:
- Available for reference. Not for loan.
- Description:
-
- 1935-1999
- 3.41 m. (25 boxes + 1 folio box)
- Summary:
-
The papers in this collection document much of the life and career of June Epstein. A large proportion of the material comprises papers relating to Epstein's career as an author and includes research material, drafts and reviews for a number of both published and unpublished works. There are also papers relating to Epstein's work with the Australian Broadcasting Commission and her musical accomplishments, as well as newspaper cuttings, a small collection of personal papers and appointment diaries spanning several decades. There is very little in the collection relating to Epstein's work as a teacher and academic. Includes research material, photographs and memorabilia of the life of teacher and student counselor, Rosalie McCutcheon, collected by Epstein for her book 'Rosalie McCutcheon, a memoir' (1933).
There is a small amount of general correspondence which relates to publication of Epstein's books, letters of appreciation from readers, employment, and congratulatory letters received on being awarded an Order of Australia Medal. Major correspondents include the Australian Broadcasting Commission, York Bowen, Benjamin Britten, A.E. [Alfred Ernest] Floyd, Henry Geehl (Professor of Music, Trinity College, London), Margaret Holmes, Hephzibah Menuhin, Dorothy Ross (Headmistress, Melbourne Church of England Girls Grammar School) and Camilla Wedgwood.
- Biography/History:
-
Author, musician and former teacher and academic. Epstein has published more than fifty works in a variety of genres. They include short stories, children's books, plays, biographies, musical scores and her autobiography. Most of her biographical works recount the life stories of people with disabilities, and were written in an attempt to raise public awareness about the disabled. In 1936, Epstein took up a three-year scholarship by the Trinity College of Music, London, where se attained her Teachers Diploma. On completion of these studies, she was awarded a London University Scholarship to study for a Bachelor of Music. Epstein has had a long involvement with the Australian Broadcasting Commission (ABC), mostly working on children's educational programs, working variously a recitalist, accompanist, scriptwriter, broadcaster and composer. She has also composed several musicals for student productions and amateur musical societies.
In 1942, Epstein took up the position of music teacher at Frensham School in Mittagong, NSW. From 1946 to 1949 she was Director of Music at Melbourne Church of England Girls' Grammar School. During this period, Epstein also began taking a weekly choral class at the Kindergarten Training College, Melbourne, following on from Dr Alfred Floyd. She remained with this institution, which later became the Melbourne College of Advanced Education, Institute of Early Childhood Development, until 1976, attaining the position of Senior Lecturer-in-charge of Music. Epstein was elected the first Honorary Life Member of the Graduates Association, in recognition of her services to the community in the field of pre-school music. In 1986, Epstein was awarded the Order of Australia Medal for her service to the arts and the welfare of people with disabilities.
- Notes:
- Manuscript reference no. : NLA MS 8578.
- Index/Finding Aid Note:
- Descriptive list available (20 p.)
- Subject:
-
- McCutcheon, Rosalie, 1904-1992
- Epstein, June, 1918-2004 -- Archives
- Australian Broadcasting Commission -- Officials and employees -- Archives
- Authors, Australian -- 20th century -- Archives
- Musicians -- Australia -- Archives
- Student counselors -- Australia -- Archives
- School principals -- New South Wales -- Archives
- People with disabilities -- Australia -- Public opinion
- Time Coverage:
- 1935-1999
- Occupation:
- Copyright:
-
Copyright Undetermined
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- Reason for copyright status:
- A Manuscript Collection may have a range of formats and dates.
Copyright status was determined using the following information:
- Material type:
- Literary Dramatic Musical
Copyright status may not be correct if data in the record is incomplete or inaccurate. Other access conditions may also apply. For more information please see: Copyright in library collections.
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