The Normal Musical Institute (also the New York Normal Institute) was a school for the training of music teachers, the first such in the United States. It was organized by George F. Root, William Bradbury

William Bradbury

William Bradbury may refer to:*William Bradbury , English soccer player*William Bradbury , English printer*William Batchelder Bradbury , American musician*Bill Bradbury , U.S. politician...

 and Lowell Mason

Lowell Mason

Lowell Mason was a leading figure in American church music, the composer of over 1600 hymn tunes, many of which are often sung today. His most well-known tunes include Mary Had A Little Lamb and the arrangement of Joy to the World...

in New York in 1853. The Institute was a four-week long training session, taking place during the summer and costing ten dollars, in addition to room and board. Subjects included harmony, singing and composition.