Orchestras, Bands, and Music Lessons

I have a new series about a town made up entirely of musicians.  The series takes place in 1889, and back then, most musicians were trying to make a living as best they could. But back in the early 1800s, musicians were usually employed by a church, or a royal court, and served the rich folks. Those that composed music, wrote for these same folks to be performed at different sorts of functions. Even the folks that made the instruments made them for the wealthy and the musicians that served them. Then came the rise of the middle class and that changed things. People wanted music performed at different functions including dances, and the middle class also wanted to learn how to play the different instruments.

The common man took over, and a new way to make a living was born. You could be a musician, a composer, and perform anywhere from a simple parlor to a huge theater.With the industrial revolution, folks had a little more money in their pockets and extra time. They sought entertainment and music was just one source, and a good one. Composers began writing music for large concerts those concerts rose in popularity. Orchestras were king for decades, but then along came the band we are so familiar with. The group of musicians that performed in many a park. 

Bands and Orchestras in the 1800s dazzled audiences and musicians became the first superstars. Aside from orchestras and bands, simple parlor music was also popular. From the string quartet to a flute and piano duet. Home life back in the late 1800s was centered in the parlor where the family gathered and often entertained their company. Thus, composers and musicians were hired for these simple gatherings, and could make a living performing for family get togethers. This led to children and other family members taking an interest in learning an instrument, and music lessons for the common folk increased ten fold.

Naturally one of the most popular instruments people wanted to learn to play was the piano, but there was no shortage of people wanting to learn string and wind instruments as well. I myself have played the flute since I was eleven, and still play to this day. I enjoy it, and was a music major in college. So, I thought I'd put some of that knowledge to work, and create a town full of musicians looking for mail-order brides. The catch for the bride? She has to play an instrument! 

Be watching for Miss Penelope, The Brides of Fiddler's Gap Book 1 to release later in January. Penelope Smith (a flute player) wants to run off and join an orchestra, not get married! Now to keep her in the tiny town of Fiddler's Gap, Sheriff Aubrey Cole has to woo her to keep her not only as his mail-order bride, but for the town's tiny orchestra!

That's it for now! 

Until next time,

Kit