It has long been recognized that "gentleman amateurs" played an important part in the musical life of America during the eighteenth century. These gentlemen, usually educated, wealthy, and socially prominent, were the most visible (and most thoroughly documented) of the American amateur musicians. Their ranks included some of America's finest musicians— and most outstanding citizens. They were not the only amateurs active in this country, however. Music was enjoyed by members of all social and economic groups, and was supported by an extensive network of teachers, publishers, importers, and retailers. American amateur musicians in the late eighteenth century showed a great diversity in training, experience, and musical taste, and in the value they placed on their musical activities.

The importance of the amateur musicians to the musical life of the country and the relatively slight attention given to the amateurs and their activities in other studies of music in America have suggested that a need for a more thorough exploration of the subject exists. It is hoped that this project will help to fill some gaps in the current understanding of amateur musicians in America in the last years of the eighteenth century .

Amateur musicians, as understood in this study, are individuals -who study and play for pleasure, artistic satisfaction, and, occasionally, for social or civic occasions without concern for financial reward. The amateurs discussed below felt that music was an important part of their lives but did not attempt to make a living as players. The intention of this project is to examine the musical activities of amateur instrumentalists during about the last third of the eighteenth century, a period embracing the end of the Colonial era and the first years of the Federal era. The chronological limitations have been stretched somewhat to include important background material and to follow the careers of several major figures whose lives extended into the nineteenth century. In general, conditions are described as they existed during the last two decades of the century.
 

Compton, Benjamin Richard, "Amateur Instrumental Music in America, 1765 to 1810." (1979). LSU Historical Dissertations and Teses. 3329. htps://digitalcommons.lsu.edu/gradschool_disstheses/3329
 

Amateur Instrumental Music in America, 1765 to 1810.