The birth of American music education is often attributed solely to Lowell Mason in Boston. His younger brother Timothy, however, was also active at the same time in Cincinnati. This study traces the roots of music education in both cities, but highlights the rarely cited accomplishments of Timothy Mason and his colleagues. Using historical method, the study compares efforts in each city through early advocacy speeches, parallel innovative work by each brother, and actions of local school boards who provided support for music in the schools. Unique features and findings of the study include consideration of selected early education meetings and music presentations, bringing lesser-known music meetings and advocates to light, and the important proclamations that resulted. A most compelling element, however, is further detail about how Timothy Mason succeeded in bringing music education to Cincinnati schools, perhaps even ahead of his more famous brother. (Contains 34 endnotes.)