Early American Music

In Europe, educated people were expected to be musical. Nearly everyone in the upper classes either played an instrument or sang. Ladies, however, didn't usually play a wind instrument. They sang or played some type of keyboard, like a  clavier or harpsicord. Organs were pretty rare, even in churches. Women could also play a cittern, gittern, or an English guitar. These were easy to learn, because the strings were tuned to a major chord.

By 1700, violins had become common. Gambas were one of the earliest types. Taverns might even have one hanging around for a customer to use. Around this time, chamber music also became popular. Solos, trios, quartets, and quintets often performed. Other common instruments included recorders, fifes, dulcians, shawns, and some other brass instruments. Folk music became even more popular in many areas.

Drums were mainly used for parades and marching. People also brought musical instruments native to their homeland when they came to America. For example, a Scot might bring his bagpipe.

Francis Hopkinson became a well-known composer in Philadelphia. Thomas Jefferson hired an Italian master to teach him to play the violin. Charles Town organized a music society in 1732, and Annapolis did the same in 1745.  Besides entertainment,

musical gatherings gave people a chance to socialize and young people a chance to meet and court. Even among workers, who might or might not be able to play an instrument, singing helped make the chores a bit easier and the long days go by faster.

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