Presentations and Talks

The papers of Edward Dickinson document his student days at Amherst College (1876-1881), his career as a teacher of courses in music and fine arts, and his research and writings concerning church music history, art, and nature. Dickinson’s teaching and research represent the beginnings of courses and writings in music appreciation at the college level. Dickinson’s writings include unpublished titles such as “The Present Social Movement in American Music and Drama” (undated), “The Education of a Nature Lover,” (undated), and “The Conditions and Hopes of Art in America,” (undated). Dickinson’s published titles include syllabi for courses in the history of music (1898) and church music (1896). Dickinson wrote a history of the Oberlin Conservatory of Music (Oberlin College Library, Information Bulletin No. 1, 1923), and articles concerning music in church for the Oberlin Alumni Magazine.

The collection provides limited biographical information, and little documentation about his service to Oberlin College beyond his teaching of courses in piano and music history.