This thesis substantiates a link between two branches of humanities – music and religion. By providing historical and cultural context, it debunks many commonly held misconceptions regarding the Puritans. Extensive research of original documents reveals that it was Puritan ministers in Boston who established the first formal music education in the colonies. The Note Rote Controversy which was raging within the church in the 1720s incited many Puritan ministers to preach and write in favor of note reading. As a result of the efforts of these ministers, the first singing schools began in Boston in the early 1720s and soon spread throughout the colonies. These early schools were the predecessors of Mason's famed Boston singing schools of the 1830s.

This thesis proves the contributions of Puritans to music education in America, while exposing their (often humorous) foibles. The conclusion draws comparisons between the Note Rote controversy and the modern day "Worship Wars."