Collection is open to the public. Collection must be used in Special Collections and University Archives Reading Room. Collection or parts of collection may be stored offsite. Please contact Special Collections and University Archives in advance of your visit to allow for transportation time.
Paper finding aid with additional information is available in Special Collections & University Archives.
Jean Williams (1876 - 1865) was born in England, and moved to Toronto, Canada. After graduating from the Royal Conservatory of Music of the University of Toronto, she returned to England and studied to be a concert pianist.
A broken wrist caused a switch in her career to teaching, and she returned to the University of Toronto where she taught voice and piano. She later taught in Cleveland and St. Louis before moving to Portland, Oregon in 1932.
Williams served as president of the National Music Teachers association and as president of Mu Phi Epsilon. She became nationally known as a composer of piano compositions.
Williams collaborated on two music teaching books with Nellie Tholen. It was Nellie Tholen who donated the Jean Williams to the University of Oregon.
Correspondence consists of incoming letters, including letters from music publishers.
Music manuscripts are alphabetically arranged by title of composition, and these make up the bulk of the collection. There are also music manuscripts contained within six notebooks. Also available are manuscripts of articles relating to music, published copies of sheet music, and two folders of other miscellaneous scores, including scores for violin.
Related material includes clippings and publicity releases.