George Washington once wrote, "Nothing is more agreeable, and ornamental, than good music."1 Washington valued the music of the fife and drums during his military career and as president music served him in both ceremonial and honorific ways. Mrs. Washington, as well as her children and grandchildren, studied music. Most notably, the Washingtons’ granddaughter, Eleanor “Nelly” Custis was accomplished on the harpsichord.
Music on the Estate
Join us for programs and events exploring the importance of music to life at Mount Vernon in the 18th century.
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Music
While George Washington may not have been musically-inclined, he was the head of a household who studied and played music.
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Music in the Revolutionary War
Music in the continental army consisted of fife and drum corps. It was used not only to boast morale, but also for communication and regimentation.
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Music at Mount Vernon & Beyond
We know that the delicate sounds of Nelly’s harpsichord echoed through the halls of Mount Vernon, but what other music was played at the time elsewhere?
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Harpsichord Replica
Since July of 2016 John Watson, Conservator of Early Keyboard Instruments, has been working to create a replica of Nelly Custis's 1793 Longman & Broderip 2-Manual Harpsichord.
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A behind the scenes video of a rare and beautiful instrument being re-created!
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Play Nelly's Harpsichord
Explore the sounds of Nelly's harpsichord with this interactive experience.
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Music of the Enslaved
Archaeological evidence sheds light on the musical traditions of Mount Vernon's enslaved community.
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Songs of Enslaved Worker
Listen to this sample of the type of songs that might've been sung at Mount Vernon.
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Teaching with Music
Music can provide students with a link to the past through listening, singing, and dancing skills.
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Hear the Music of Washington's World
Music played an important role in the 18th century in the life of George Washington and the enslaved community at Mount Vernon.
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Colonial Music Institute
The Colonial Music Institute (CMI) conducts and promotes research and educational outreach in the fields of early American music and dance.
Fifing with Mount Vernon's Visitors
Watch resident fifer Don Francisco in action!
Notes
1. George Washington, "General Orders, June 4, 1777," The Writings of George Washington from the Original Manuscript Sources, 1745-1799, Vol. 8, ed. John C. Fitzpatrick (Washington, DC: United States Government Printing Office, 1931), 181-2.