About the Collection
Lynn Freeman Olson (1938-1987) was a renowned educator and composer whose works have been studied by countless children learning to play the piano. His collection of music manuscripts, correspondence, books, periodicals, printed sheet music, and sound recordings has been donated to the Fine Arts Library in batches beginning in 1988.
Biography
One of the most sought-after clinicians in music education of his time, Lynn Freeman Olson was also a prolific composer of music for keyboard study and classroom use. A native of Minneapolis, Minnesota with degrees from the University of Minnesota, Mr. Olson lived in New York City and traveled to an average of 30 states each year presenting workshops and clinics for conventions, teacher groups and school systems prior to his death on November 18, 1987. In addition to his works for independent teaching and early childhood, he co-authored three college texts for class piano.
Mr. Olson composed songs for public radio series and for The Captain Kangaroo Show on CBS-TV and choral music for school and church use. His well-received package entitled It's Time for Music! included recorded original songs for early childhood. A student concerto called Celebration! for piano and classroom percussion was premiered at the Music Educators National Conference.
Among his varied lifetime achievements, Mr. Olson was a Life Member of the National Federation of Music Clubs; a columnist for that organization's Junior Keynotes Magazine as well as the editor of its Junior Festivals Bulletin; a National Arts Associate of Sigma Alpha Iota; contributing editor for Clavier Magazine; and on the board of directors of the New York Federation of Music Clubs. In addition, he was a member of the permanent teaching staff of the International Workshops and the Caribbean Cruise Workshop for Piano Teachers.
Citation:
"Lynn Freeman Olson." Alfred Music. Alfred Music. 2013. Web.
Finding Aids and Inventories
Inventory of Initial Deposit
Inventory of Additional Deposits
Sound Recordings List
Commercial Phonodiscs List
Cassette Recordings List
Periodicals List
Instructional Books and Scores List
