Contents: Preface; Part One: Introduction: Music in Britain: a social and cultural context: the consumer society; The musician's lot; Music and the moral dimension: 'damned if you do, damned if you don't'; Musical appreciation; 'Artistic awakening' or 'damnable flood'? The popularity of music and the spread of opportunity; Music education and 'the age of improvement': the legacy of the 18th century; The 19th century; Instrumental teaching: instruction methods; Styles and personalities; Sources: general trends; The vocal model; Part Two: The violin family: violinists in Britain; The violin and bow; Violin technique; The violin: stigma and solace; The viola, double bass and violencello; Part Three: Other intruments: Keyboard; Wind; Brass; Plucked strings and miscellaneous; Institutions: prior to c.1850; c.1850–c.1900; Conclusion: realized potential and stifled ambition; Appendices; Bibliography; Index.