THE SPREAD OF MUSIC

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXIV, 22 January 1931, Page 5

THE SPREAD OF MUSIC

The clay has gone by when music was regarded as a pleasing accomplishment for those who had not much else to do than cultivate agreeable pastimes. Educationists of the highest authority are agreed that the study of music is of such educational value as to be worth equal place in the curriculum of the schools with any subject there. The great provision of music of all kinds now available to the public, some of it provided by means undreamt of lialf-a-eentury ago, the consequent vast increase in the numbers who have come within the influence of music and have found it an enjoyment of the highest kind, the unceasing and always expanding effort of workers in music to bring its delights within reach of all, the growth of musical instruments and of the study of various branches of musical art,—all these tilings support and justify the educationists’ new outlook upon music. There is a vigorous musical spurt now active in our country. Its most likely, and its most valuable result will be the creation, not of more and more expert performers of music, but of more and more Intelligent listeners to it. Everybody who listens to music at all may easily become, nowadays, an appreciative listener to good, better, and best music. It is all about them. And such guidance as they need towards it is everywhere.