The Easy Instructor, [1st ed., 1801]

ASMI 363 

The Easy Instructor, or A New Method of Teaching Sacred Harmony. Containing the rudiments of music on an improved plan, wherein the naming and timing the notes are familiarized to the weakest capacity. - With a choice collection of psalm tunes and anthems from the most celebrated authors, with a number composed in Europe and America, entirely new; suited to all the metres sung in the different churches in the United States. Published for the use of singing societies in general, but more particularly for those who have not the advantage of an instructor. By William Little & William Smith[.] Copy right secured according to act of Congress.

1 p.l., 105 p. 14 x 23.5 cm. T-p., p. 12-105 engraved. Music printed in 4-shape notation. p. 12 repeated in pagination; 1st p. 12 is typeset, 2d engraved.

[1801.] Endorsement from Uranian Society in this and all issues through 1810 dated Philadelphia, 15 Aug. 1798. The Philadelphia Repository and Weekly Register, 22 Aug. 1801, advertises The Easy Instructor as having 'just made its appearance in this city. p.l. Recto, t-p.; verso blank; p. [1]-[2], 'Index'; p. [3], 'Advertisement'; p. [3]-4, endorsement from Uranian Society; p. 4-8, 'Preface'; p. 8-12, instructions; p. 12-16, rudiments; p. 17-105, music. 'As the Authors are well aware, that whatever has the appearance of novelty is, from this very circumstance, in danger of meeting with an unfavorable reception; they request nothing more than a critical observation of the certificate annexed, and an impartial examination of the method proposed, being willing to submit the merit of the performance to the determination of the candid and judicious. As the introduction of the four singing syllables, by characters, shewing, at sight, the names of the notes, mayperhaps [sic] be considered as subjecting those who who are taught in this manner to difficulty in understanding other books, without this assistance. The authors would just observe, that if pupils are made acquainted with the principles here laid down, the objection will be found, by experience, more specious, than solid. To this it might be added, that in the old way, there are not less than seven different ways of applying the four singing syllables to the lines and spaces, which is attended with great difficulty: But this difficulty is entirely removed, upon the present plan; and we know of no objection to this plan, unless that it is not in use; which objection is no abjection at all, or at least, cannot be decisive, as this would give currency, to the entire rejection and exclusion of all improvements whatever. And as the novelty of a singing-book rendered so easy, from its improvements, that any person of a tolerable voice might actually learn the art of psalmody without an instructor, if they could but obtain the sounds of the eight notes, which has led its advocates to request a publication of the same. We have, therefore, the pleasure to inform the public, that since subscriptions have been in circulation, for this book, we have been honored with upwards of three thousand subscribers: In consequence of which, we flatter ourselves, that this book will meet with a kind reception.' (Advertisement in full.) 'The Committee Appointed By The Uranian Society of Philadelphia, To Examine A Singing-Book, Intitled "The Easy Instructor," By William Little, Report, That having carefully examined the same, they find it contains a well digested system of principles and rules, and a judicious collection of tunes: And from the improvement of having only four significant characters, indicating, at sight, the names of the notes, and a sliding rule for timing the same, this book is considered easier to be learned than any we have seen.' (Extract from endorsement.) 'It must be confessed, that where pleasure is the sole attention [in psalmody], the motive is of an inferior nature. But is it not a commendable policy to promote regular attendance upon places of worship, by any means that are not reprehensible? Will not the most beneficial consequences probably ensue? Is there not every reason to expect that . . . they who come to sing may learn to pray-that they whose only wish it was to be entertained, may find themselves instructed and improved? Such is the happy tendency of well regulated song in the house of God; but alas! how seldom is this part of the service accompanied with its proper effect. . . . Too often does a disgraceful silence prevail to the utter neglect of this duty-too often are dissonance and discord substituted for the charms of melody and harmony, and the singing performed in a way so carelessly and indecently, that, as [an eminent] writer observes, "Instead of elevating our devotions to the most divine and delightful sensations, it awakens our regret, and touches all the springs of uneasiness within us." But is this owing to causes that cannot be removed, or doth it not imply reproach and blame? Will not truth oblige us to confess, that the fault rests not in the want of natural taste and abilities, nor of sufficient leisure, but in great carelessness and neglect? Moderate attention and application would surmount every difficulty, and lead to a suitable proficiency in this happy art. An exercise so pleasing and attractive, seems only to want regulation and method. (Extract from Preface.)

          105 compositions, incl. I anthem & 2 set-pieces, for 4 voices; some w. full text, others textless or w. textual incipits only. Attribs. to Babcock, Billings (3), Brooks, Brown (2) [MEAR is non-American, WILLIAMSTOWN is American], Brownson (3), Bull, Bunister, Carpenter, Caswell, Coan (2), Cowling (2), Davis (5), Deolph, Edson (4), Goff, Griswold (4), Hall (2), Huntington, Ives, Johnson, N. Little (5), W. Little (4), Morgan (6), Peck (3), I. E. Porter, Pratt, Reed (6), Russ, Shumway (2), Smith [American], Stammers, Stevenson, Stout, Swan (5), Wand, Ward (6), West (2), Wetmore, Williams (3), Wood (2). 41 1st pr. claimed, 29 identified (ALVAH, AMERICA'S LAMENTATION, AMWELL, Anthem: I will sing; CALDWELL, CANAAN, CAROLINA, CONAJOHARY, ESSEX, FRANKLIN, FUNERAL, HILLSBOROUGH, HOPEWELL, INDIAN BARD, LANCASTER, LISBON, MEDITATION, MIFFLIN, NATIVITY, NORTH ORANGE, PSALM 40, SAPPHICK ODE, SOLEMNITY, SOLITUDE, STERLING, STILLWATER, SUNDAY, WASHINGTON NEW, WAS-TINA), also I 1st Am. pr. (Avon). 198 American compositions, 7 non-American (85 attrib. Americans, 13 traced; 5 attrib. non-Americans, 2 traced [MOUNT VERNON, WELLS]). 

27 Core Repertory.

          Not in Shaw-Shoemaker (no copy on Readex). Lowens Aa. CtHC*.