MUSICAL ENGLAND.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18408, 15 June 1925, Page 9

MUSICAL ENGLAND.

A REPROACH REMOVED. (MLOU OBX OWN COSSESPONDEST.) LONDON, May 8. '/The term 'unmusical England' would never have been applied to ua if the musical institutions of to-day and the wonderful array of competent teachers had been, in existence a century or so ago," declared Mr T. Lester 'Jones, local secretary of the Trinity College of Music, at the annual prize-giving for the London Centre examinations. The "good old days," ho added, were bad day 3 for music. Years ago a class of boys or girls would start a school song or hymn in one key and finish in another without the teacher noticing anything wrong. The awards were presented by Viscountess Burnham, and the number of maTks won by the. successful- candidates showed an exceptionally high standard of proficiency. Dr. John Warrincr, who presided, said that the increase in the number of candidates for examinations implied an improvement in the technical and musical character of the results for the London Centre. He believed that the artistic standard was improving, and that was gratifying, as 'the larger centres were not always the most artistic. There was an immense amount of talent in London.. . , v In giving the year's report, Mr Jones said that musical knowledge (or theory) candidates were increasing, and last December's examinations attracted 220 potential doctorsv and professors of' music. This satisfactory growth and development was progressing all over the world. Trinity College diplomas and- certificates, were recognised everywhere as seal of proficiency. Dr. Warriner, chairman of the London Centre, had recently heard thousands of. students in New Zealand. So far the number of entrants for this year's examinations showed an increase of 15 per cent, over last year's. He expressed the thanks of the college for the unstinted kindness shown by ita patron, Princess Helena Victoria, and for the interest taken in its development by Viscount and Viscountess Burnham. 'Professor Joseph Bridge, whose first public appearance it was in London, said that Trinity College was getting at the masses. His service as a chorister in" a cathedral* had proved a valuable education, he observed, but as'far as any other branch of music was concerned, ho had been left to" find out for himself whether he was making progress. . Dr. E. F. Horner announced that the college was holding an examination thisyear on Robinson Crusoe's island. Three years, ago the number of candidates for examination was- 53,000, and the number had risen by 10,000.