MUSIC—A CONSERVATORIUM ?

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1345, 24 January 1912, Page 4

MUSIC—A CONSERVATORIUM ?

DO WE SEED ONE? (By Tclegrajih—Press Association.) Auckland, January 23. The suggested establishment of a COll- - ol' Music in Auckland has caused some controversy in musical circles. That the city is too young for such an important institution is the main contention'of those who otiose tlio sclieme. Dr. W. E. Thomas, Professor of Music at the Auckland University College, who presented a report on the matter at a meeting of the College Council over twelve months ago, stales that, in his opinion, there is a necessity for such an institution in Auckland. In his report it was suggested that the staff should at first consist of five professors (who would all be experts in their ]mrlicular branch) and lie classified as follows:—Tlio principal, sub-professor of pianoforte, professor of singing, teacher of orchestral instruments, and professor of the violin. The cost of maintaining the conservatoriuni, as regards salaries of professors and caretaker, would not exceed .I'L'nOO per annum. Mr. Walter Impett (a teacher) said that he hoped that the musical profession in Auckland would strenuously oppose the planting hero of a Conserratorium of Music. New Zealand was too young a country to foster such an expensive luxury. Certainly t.lie number of pupils likely to patronise the proposed conservatoriuni would be insullicicnt to justify the great outlay which must bo incurred if the best professional talent is to he secured. It would be simply a ease of subsidised competition which would eventually have the effect, not. only of driving the more competent private teachers from the fluid, but: would debar many prominent musicians from settling in the city. Most of the world's greatest and far-famed teachers were engaged ill piivate practice, and Iwlliered their heads liut little about conservaloria and their fixed methods. Should the Ciovonimeiif be sincerely disposed to assist the causo (if music in a pronounced manner the wisest course, in the opinion of many, would be to found a State orchestra, in present us with well-attempted ideals in interpreting the great masters.