Mason was a musical educator, conductor and composer. He introduced music into the public education system of the United States. Mason successfully conducted choirs in Savannah and Boston and also directed the Handel and Haydn Society between 1827 and 1832. Music became a regular part of the public school system in education by way of Mason's singing classes for children, hymn books and instruction manuals. In the Boston Academy of Music, which Mason founded, he instructed people in music education. His books on music included a number of compilations containing predominantly sacred vocal works. Some of these compilations were "The Boston Handel and Haydn Society Collection of Church Music," the "Juvenile Psalmist," the "Juvenile Lyre," "Sacred Melodies," "Manual of the Boston Academy of Music," and, in collaboration with Thomas Hastings, "Spiritual Songs." ~ Keith Johnson