Hastings, Thomas

1787-1872

American musician, composer and editor. He was born at Washington, Conn., and died in New York City. While quite young he removed to Clinton, N. Y. He gained most of his musical knowledge through his own efforts and study. His favorite subject was sacred music, and from 1823 to 1832 he edited a religious paper, The Recorder, in Utica Going to New York he distinguished himself as a musical instructor and composer. He worked to improve church-music, composing simple hymn-tunes and anthems. Among his works are Mother's Hymn Book, History of Forty Choirs, and Dissertation on Musical Taste His writings record much of the development of music in the United States.