The Instrumental Assistant - Volume I (with "Yankee Doodle"): Containing Instructions for the Violin, German-Flute, Clarionett, Bass-Viol, and Hautboy. Compiled from Late European Publications. Also a Selection of Favorite Airs, Marches, &c. Progressively Arranged and Adapted for the Use of Learners

This is a rare copy of the instructional songbook "THE INSTRUMENTAL ASSISTANT" - Volume I by Samuel Holyoke. Circa 1800 or 1801 (there is no date of publication stated, though the work was copyrighted in 1800 and contracted for in November, 1800); H. Ranlet; Exeter, New Hampshire. Included in this volume is an early publication of the patriotic tune "Yankee Doodle." Full soft leather binding. "Containing Instructions for the Violin, German-Flute, Clarionett, Bass-Viol, and Hautboy. Compiled from Late European Publications. Also a Selection of Favorite Airs, Marches, &c. Progressively Arranged and Adapted for the Use of Learners." There is an Index at the back. "'The Instrumental Assistant' was the most comprehensive volume of its kind published in America up to 1800. In addition, it was the first graded instrumental primer printed in this country." [Willhide]

Holyoke, an American composer and teacher of vocal and instrumental music, was among the first in America to attempt to provide instruction and music for amateur instrumental groups. A prolific composer, he composed some 700 pieces, including psalm tunes and anthems and occasional pieces, some with instrumental accompaniment. Per music historian George Hood, "There was no man of his day that did more for the cause of music than Samuel Holyoke."

Here are some examples of the contents: Plain Scale for the Violin; Dictionary of Musical Terms; Lessons of Intervals for the Bow; Scale of Flats, Sharps, and Shifts; First Scale for the Finger Board; Scale for Tuning the Bass Viol; Of Double Tonguing; Graces, as Applied to the Flute; Of Musical Characters, the Explanation of Which Ought to be Committed to Memory; Of Notes and Their Proportion; Compound Triple Time...and much more.

Here are some examples of the songs: Yankee Doodle; Washington's March; God Save America; Boston March; The Beauties of Fancy; The Wood Cutters; British Muse; Handel's Clarionett; Love's March; Heathen Mythology; Philadelphia March; Duke of York's March; General Knox's March; President's March; Gen. Green's March; Boston Quick Step; Echo...and many more.

Condition:
There are some small, dark stain spots on the front cover. The first few pages have small tears/pieces missing at the outer edge. The last 2 end papers have larger tears/pieces missing at the outer edge. Tight binding with no loose pages. "Jonas Brown's Book" written in old ink handwriting on the front cover and front end paper. Pages 16 & 37 have some ink squiggle lines. Staining on pages 48-54. Light foxing to the pages throughout (though heavy foxing on the rear end papers). Overall the book is in Good- condition.