Who conducted singing schools?

Singing schools in the United States and other areas were typically conducted by singing masters. These were individuals who were skilled in music theory and vocal training, and who traveled from town to town or held classes in a more established location, teaching people to sing in harmony and often preparing them for church choirs or other musical ensembles. They weren't always formally trained musicians in the way we might think of today, but were respected community members with musical aptitude.