Frances C. Robinson

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Frances Coster Small Robinson (August 8, 1858 – November 11, 1905) was a Canadian-born author, composer, and music educator who spent most of her life in the United States. She published under the name Frances C. Robinson.

Life
- Born in Saint John, New Brunswick, to Emma Pheasant and Otis M. Small.
- Not much is known about her schooling.
- Married William S. Robinson and taught piano in Wakefield, Massachusetts, from at least 1901 until her death in 1905.

Work and writing
- Robinson wrote articles on music education for The Etude magazine and the New England Conservatory magazine.
- She composed piano and vocal music, with works published up to at least opus 45 by F. Trifet and William A. Pond & Co.

Selected piano works
- Always Merry
- Ethiopian Dance
- Happy Thoughts Waltz
- Moonlight Dance
- Opus 45 (four hands)
- Oregon Queen of the Sea Two Step
- Tiptoe Air de Ballet, Opus 9 No. 2
- Valentine Waltz (four hands)

Selected vocal works
- An Oriole’s Nest
- Butter Making
- Daddy Long Legs
- Farmer (an action song)
- Good Morning and Good Night
- Grandfather Willow
- Heart of My Heart (text by Mary Parks)
- Little Maids of Japan (action song)
- Nutting Song (action song)
- On the Beach (text by C. E. Bancroft)
- Sleigh Song
- Soldier Song (action song)

Articles and education
- The Etude: many articles on teaching and music education, including topics like teacher Privilege and Duty, cultivation of touch, ear training, primary teaching, and guides for teachers.
- New England Conservatory Magazine: teaching-focused pieces such as Primary Teaching and Practical Talks with Teachers.

Legacy
- Frances C. Robinson contributed significantly to music education through both her articles and instructional compositions, helping teachers and students explore piano and voice in practical ways.