James Rex Riley Papers

Access and use

Location of collection:
James Madison University
Second Floor Room 203, MSC 1704
Carrier Library
James Madison University
880 Madison Drive
Harrisonburg, VA 22807
Contact for questions and access:
POC: Tiffany Cole
Phone: (540) 568-3444
Phone: (540) 568-3612
Fax: (540) 568-3405
Restrictions:

Collection is open for research. Audio recordings are not accessible pending reformatting. Researchers must register and agree to copyright and privacy laws before using this collection. Please contact Research Services staff before visiting the James Madison University Special Collections Library to use this collection.

Terms of access:

The copyright interests in this collection have been transferred to the James Madison University Special Collections Library. For more information, contact the Special Collections Library Reference Desk. (library-special@jmu.edu).

Preferred citation:

[identification of item], [box #, folder #], James Rex Riley Papers, SC 0181, Special Collections, Carrier Library, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA

Summary

Extent:
2.03 cubic feet 5 boxes
Creator:
Riley, James R. (James Rex), 1938-1987
Abstract:
This collection contains five boxes. The bulk of the collection consists of manuscripts of Dr. Riley's compositions and recordings of performances of his works.
Language:
English
Preferred citation:

[identification of item], [box #, folder #], James Rex Riley Papers, SC 0181, Special Collections, Carrier Library, James Madison University, Harrisonburg, VA

Background

Scope and content:

This collection contains five boxes. The bulk of the collection consists of manuscripts of Dr. Riley's compositions and recordings of performances of his works.

Biographical / historical:

James Rex Riley was born in Shreveport, Louisiana in 1938. He graduated from Centenary College, then studied composition with Samuel Adler and Hunter Johnson at North Texas State University and the University of Texas at Austin, where he earned his doctorate. He taught at the University of Texas, Mississippi State University and Wichita State University, and came to James Madison University in September 1981. He won a number of prizes, including three ASCAP awards, and received commissions from such organizations as the San Antonio Chamber Music Society as well as James Madison University. He died March 29, 1987, after several years of struggling against a brain tumor.

Acquisition information:
These materials, most of which had been in Dr. Riley's office at the time of his death, were donated to the Music Department by his widow, Susan Riley.
Processing information:

In order to streamline the process of applying collection numbers, Special Collections staff completed a large-scale renumbering campaign in 2017-2018. This collection was previously cataloged as SC 5003.

Rules or conventions:
Describing Archives: A Content Standard