SINGING IN SCHOOLS.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 2411, 28 January 1909, Page 3

SINGING IN SCHOOLS.

SYSTEM CONDEMNED BY PROFESSIONAL MUSICIANS. [Peess Association.] AUCKLAND, Jan. 27. The Musicians’ Conference unanimously carried motions: 1-hat the pi c.scnt system of teaching 'singing in public'schools is having an injurious effect on the children's. voices, and is likely to prove a permanent injury to their voices in after life., arid the conference recommends for the pi ©sent the nlacing of children under specially qualified teachers. 9- That the conference submit to the. Education Department the undesirablencse ol continuing vocal music as a compulsoiy subject for teachers, and strongly recommends the training of suitable candidates in the subject. The mover Mr. Maitland Gardner, of Dunedin, said the children were taught to veil, not to sing. The injury to d. not only in singing, hut •also in speakin'or. Boys were taught to sing loud, anti their voices made rough, and any capacity for singing was destroyed. The conference decided to affnm the desirableness of establishing a permanent orchestra for the Dominion _ as an important factor m.the musical education of the, Dominion. The President, Mr. Wehhe, suggested that +IIOI7 «limilfl have an orchestra iiKe tliat of the Christchurch Exhibition, including the ‘best professional talent in the Dominion. _______