May, Edward Collett

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May, Edward Collett

May, Edward Collett , English organist and singing teacher, father of Florence May; b. Greenwich, Oct. 29, 1806; d. London, Jan. 2, 1887. He studied with C. Potter and Crivelli. He was organist of Greenwich Hospital (1837–69) and prof, of vocal music at Queen’s Coll., London (1879–83). He did much to popularize singing among the masses. He publ. Progressive Vocal Exercises for Daily Practice (1853) and also composed songs.

—Nicolas Slonimsky/Laura Kuhn/Dennis McIntire