The purpose of the study was to write a history of the professional career of D. O. Wiley as a music educator from 1921 to 1963. To give focus to the career of Wiley, answers were sought to three questions, stated as sub-problems: (1) What were the important events and influences in the professional career of D. O. Wiley as a college/University band director? (2) What impact did Wiley have on the development of Texas public school bands that earned him the title "Father of Texas Bands?" and (3) What role did Wiley play in the development of the Texas Music Educators Association and other professional music organizations.

The Germans who immigrated to Texas in the 1830s, 40s, and 50s brought with them many and varied cultural institutions which they had known and enjoyed in Europe. As soon as the initial hardships of the frontier could be overcome, they eagerly established singing societies in the Lidertafel tradition. These organizations were to have a profound impact on music in Texas from about 1850 to the time of World War I.