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The Student Records series (1 linear foot) contains student applications to the University of Michigan Music Department, correspondence on degree requirements, financial aid requests, prospective student materials, academic recommendations, teaching assistant assignments, advising forms, and student coursework. Patterson played a large role in securing funding for students of color as well as those who were disadvantaged. The correspondence in this series document these interactions between both students and the university administration. Because of the presence of student-identifiable information, access to the records in this series is restricted until 2065, in accordance with university policy.

The Collected Works of African American Composers series (11.8 linear feet, 2 oversize boxes, and 1 digital audio file (online)) consists of topical files dated from 1896-2019. The bulk of the material in the files are art song, opera, orchestral and chamber music, and spiritual scores by African American composers. Other material in the files include correspondence, clippings, publications, and notes. Researchers interested in particular composers should consult materials in the Art Songs, Operas and Libretti, Orchestral and Chamber Music, and Spirituals subseries.

Patterson also maintained various guides that provide additional information about his own collection as well as other composers. Material in the Guides subseries consists of different kinds of lists.