The Early Childhood Song Books of Eleanor Smith: Their Affinity with the Philosophy of Friedrich Froebel

Abstract

Eleanor Smith (1858–1942), known as an outstanding composer of children's songs, was perhaps the most significant musician to embrace the philosophy of Friedrich Froebel. In the prefaces to her books Smith acknowledged her indebtedness to Froebelian theory, and her work was consistently tied to his education concepts. Smith integrated Froebel's theories into her compositions, particularly her Songs for Little Children, Part I (1887) and Part II (1894), and Songs of a Little Child's Day (1910). This combination of philosophy and music composition results in quality song materials that still find their way into recently published song books. Smith's success in music education was due largely to the actualizing influence of Froebel, who would have applauded her unique contribution.