Biographical Sketch

Alexander Cringan (1860-1931). Cringan was born and educated in Scotland. He was trained in the Tonic Sol-Fa method in London. He immigrated to Canada in 1885 where he was an active promoter Curwen’s Tonic Sol-Fa system. Cringan was very active as a teacher and director of many choirs. He was also interested in Native American music and amassed a large collection of recordings. In later life he was inspector of music for provincial normal and model schools, which post he retained until his death. He was extremely influential in turn-of-the-century Canadian music education and wrote books on the Tonic Sol-Fa system.

 

Provenance

The collection was donated to Sibley Music Library by Mary McIntyre, granddaughter of Cringan.

 

Scope and Content

The collection contains mainly biographical information on Cringan’s life and professional career. Also included are some of his publications and genealogical material relating to the Cringan family.

 

Associations

The National Library of Canada holds an Alexander Cringan Collection.

 

Restrictions and Use

There are no restrictions on the use of this collection.

 

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DESCRIPTION OF SERIES

This series embraces the entire Cringan Collection and includes biographical information, photographs, publications, and some miscellaneous items.

 

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INVENTORY

Box 1

folder 1	Photocopies of published sources relating to the life and career of Cringan.
folder 2	Contemporary newspaper articles relating to Cringan, including his obituary.
folder 3	Articles relating to the life and career of Cringan.
folder 4	The issue of the Toronto Daily Star containing Cringan’s obituary.
folder 5	A compilation with photographic illustrations on the Cringan family.
folder 6	Correspondence relating to and a description of the Cringan Collection in the National Library of Canada.
folder 7	Photographs of Cringan and members of his family
folder 8	Photocopy of article in National Educational Association: Journal of Proceedings (1891).
folder 9	Cringan’s copy of the Beethoven Sonatas
folder 10	Cringan, New Educational Music Course, 1907 ed. (Teacher’s Edition)Tonic Sol-Fa method by Cringan.
folder 11	Tonic Sol-Fa method by Cringan. Copy given by Cringan to his daughter Lillias.
folder 12	Book of Praise: Presbyterian Church in Canada (1918).Cringan acknowledged as composer of some hymns in volume.
folder 13	Book of Praise: Presbyterian Church in Canada (1918).Text only version