Upright Piano Circa 1910s

Teachers in the 1800s and early 1900s were hired for having multiple skills. Many could teach academic subjects, and some could also play a musical instrument (a skill heavily desired, but many lacked), maintain a schoolhouse, manage student needs, and develop curriculum where none existed. Later, with the mechanical advancements of the piano and phonograph began a curriculum of music education. Rural schools often could not afford pianos and had to wait until phonographs were within financial reach. This was lucky and they could afford an upright piano. Rural schools music superiors emphasized vocal training for its perceived role in developing social, civic, and character skills in students. The curricula typically involved learning to sing a specific list of 50-75 songs involving seasonal melodies, holiday tunes, and patriotic ballads, with about a third memorized.