At the beginning of the first act, a music pupil sits at a table with the Music Master amid “a great assembly of instruments” (10). They are writing a song that was commissioned by Monsieur Jourdain. The Music Master and the Dance Master arrange their musicians and dancers. The pupil has finished the song while M. Jourdain slept. The Music Master comments that they have a nice job, composing and creating for M. Jourdain, who has “visions of nobility and gallantry” (10), and although Jourdain doesn’t understand the art they make for him, pays them well. The Dance Master expresses that showing his dances to those who can appreciate them is better payment, but the Music Master points out that “pure praises do not provide a comfortable existence” (11).

M. Jourdain enters, transitioning into Scene 2. He refers to the performance as a “little skit” (13), revealing that he is having himself “dressed today like the people of quality” (14) and that he could not get his stockings on. M. Jourdain tells the Masters that they must stay until he is dressed. They agree, flattering him. M. Jourdain calls two lackeys, then tells the Masters to begin their “little show” (15).