Lowell Mason collection

Lowell Mason, born in Medfield, Massachusetts, began his musical training in a singing school under the direction of Amos Albee, compiler of The Norfolk Collection of Sacred Harmony and studied music with Oliver Shaw, a blind composer of hymn tunes and ballads. In addition to learning several instruments, he began directing his church choir and the local Medfield band at the age of 16.

After moving to Savannah, Georgia, Mason continued his leadership role as a superintendent of the Sunday school of the Independent Presbyterian Church, later becoming the choir director and organist. In addition to leading many singing schools and concerts, he also began studying harmony and composition with German-born musician Frederick L. Abel. It was under his direction that Mason began composing hymn tunes and anthems.

His success as choirmaster and author brought him to Boston, where he began to supervise music in three Congregational churches and also served as choirmaster and organist. Along with George James Webb, Mason established the Boston Academy of Music in order to promote music education on a larger scale. In addition to establishing curricular music in American public schools and teacher training in music, he is also known for the success of his compositions and arrangements of hymn tunes and tune books. These include his compilation of hymns in the collection of melodies, The Boston Handel and Haydn Society Collection of Church Music. Some of his other publications, mostly written for church or school, include The Juvenile Psalmist, The Juvenile Lyre, and The Manual of the Boston Academy of Music.