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Singing Schools
Billings was involved in teaching singing schools throughout his life. In 1769, when Billings was twenty-three years old, the following announcement appeared in the Boston Gazette: "John Barrey & William Billings Begs Leave to inform the Publick, that they propose to open a Singing School THIS NIGHT. . . where any Person inclining to learn to Sing may be attended upon at said School with Fidelity and Dispatch." Billings was listed as "singing master" in the Boston city directory up until 1798. Billings included advice for the practical running of a singing school in the preface to the Singing Master's Assistant, including topics such as logistics, expectations for manners and attentiveness in students, and the need for the supremacy of the teacher's musical decisions.