Music at Mount Vernon

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.