In 1893, Mrs. Elizabeth Pierce Lyman, Mrs. Susie Pierce Stephens, and Mrs. Effie Miller Williams were invited to the home of Mrs. Cora Cross Marshall for tea and for the specific purpose of forming a music club. From this small gathering grew the organization now known as the Little Rock Musical Coterie. (Coterie is the second oldest active club in Little Rock next to the Aesthetic Club, which was founded in 1883.)
In 1898, the Little Rock Musical Coterie joined with similar music clubs around the nation and became a charter member of the National Federation of Music Clubs. The Arkansas Federation of Music Clubs was formed in 1915 and became one of the first states to affiliate with the national organization.
During the early years of Coterie, the organization’s motto was the musical rule of three – patience, perseverance, and practice.
In January of 1904, the organization marked its first decade by being featured in Arkansas Life magazine in an article, which described it as a “notable institution for the promotion of musical talent and higher culture.” It was considered highly prestigious and the leading organization of its kind in the Southeast United States.
In 1904 the Coterie voted to send $25 to the NFMC convention toward prize money for an American composition contest. This was the very first such contribution recorded in the history of American music clubs.
The meetings, which included concerts, were held monthly from September through May, and over 130 years later, our meetings are still held September through May. They began by meeting in members’ homes but soon moved to other locations. Over the years, the Coterie has met at places such as the Masonic Temple, the Hotel Marion, Robinson Auditorium, the Arkansas Arts Center, the Little Rock Public Library, and various churches around the city.
Over the years, the Little Rock Musical Coterie has been instrumental in the formation of organizations such as the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, the Arkansas Choral Society, the Arkansas Opera Theatre, and the Community Concerts organization.
Coterie membership has always included excellent musicians, music teachers, and those who simply appreciate the beauty of music in our lives. Coterie has also thrived on fostering musical talent in the young and providing financial support wherever possible. The Junior music clubs and Junior festivals are supported by Coterie to promote musicianship in young people.
The Little Rock Musical Coterie has also had the privilege of having as one of our members a former president of the National Federation of Music Clubs, Dr. Ouida Keck, which is quite an honor for our organization.
The Little Rock Musical Coterie (LRMC) was founded in 1893 to develop and encourage the musical talent of its members and to stimulate musical culture in the community, other musical organizations and individuals in the metropolitan area of Little Rock and the State of Arkansas. It strives to develop and maintain high musical standards, aiding and encouraging musical education, and to promote American music and American artists.
LRMC's official theme is "Promoting the Universal Language of
Music for All People Throughout All Generations".
Membership fees are $30.00 per year. Currently, membership fees are due by June 30, 2026 and cover July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027.
Membership form and check can be sent to the Coterie Treasurer:
Kathryn Coleman, 84 Robinwood Drive
Little Rock, AR 72227.
(Membership form can be downloaded below.)
Each year, Little Rock Coterie gives three cash awards to
deserving music students:
Little Rock Musical Coterie is a member of both AFMC (Arkansas Federation of Music Clubs) and NFMC (National Federation of Music Clubs). (AFMC is affiliated with NFMC). Both AFMC and the wider NFMC are service organizations promoting, providing, and encouraging music and music education in Arkansas and America. NFMC was founded in 1898 and has become the largest nonprofit organization in America to promote and support American music, performers and music education. As a grassroots organization working in communities throughout America, they provide musical opportunities for all ages: professional and amateur musicians, benefactors, volunteers, music lovers, music teachers, music students, and supportive parents.