Vahdah Olcott-Bickford, née Ethel Lucretia Olcott, was an professional teacher of the Guitar, most well known for her influential Guitar Method, Op. 25, and the Advanced Course , Op. 116. She also wrote numerous articles about the guitar, and corresponded with other musicians and enthusiasts about the instrument throughout her long career. The Vahdah Olcott-Bickford Collection documents Olcott-Bickford's professional life as a classical guitarist, an avid member of various organizations in the United States, her work with guitarists around the world, and her personal life. The collection includes scores, letters, photographs, newspaper clippings, receipts, articles, lecture notes, and guest books, and dates from 1874-1980.

Ethel Lucretia Olcott was born on October 17, 1885 in Norwalk, Ohio. She was three years old when she and her parents moved to Los Angeles, California. At the age of eight she started guitar lessons with George Lindsay, a well-known classic guitarist. From 1903-1904 she lived in Berkeley with Manuel Y. Ferrer, where she expanded her repertoire to include European guitar techniques. In 1914 she moved to New York where she gave concerts and lessons, and assisted Philip J. Bone with the publication of his book The Guitar and Mandolin.

88.71 linear feet

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The collection is open for research use.