Katherine K. Preston, the David N. and Margaret C. Bottoms Professor at the College of William and Mary in Virginia, has long been interested in the musical culture of nineteenth-century America, and has conducted research and published extensively on that topic. Some of her books include Music for Hire: Professional Musicians in Washington, D. C. 1877-1900; Opera on the Road: Traveling Opera Troupes in the United States, 1825-1860; a co-edited facsimile edition of a binder's volume of sheet music, Emily's Songbook: Music in 1850s Albany and a scholarly edition of George Bristow's Symphony No. 2, 'The Jullien' as part of the MUSA series. Past-President of the Society for American Music, Preston has been the recipient of fellowships from the National Endowment for the Humanities, the National Humanities Center, and the Fulbright Foundation.