MUSICAL MATTERS.

Shannon News, 2 May 1924, Page 2

MUSICAL MATTERS.

CONSERVATORIUM AND REGISTRATION OF TEAGHERS. A conference of professional teach ers af music- from all parts of the Dominion is to be held in Wellington probably in May next, to discuss matters that govern musical education, many such subjects being at least as important to the general public as to members of- the profession. The conference has been very thoroughly orgtanised aind good results may be expected. Bis Excellency the Governor-General has, sent ■ his best wishes for its. success.

Any teachers of music .who have not received official notification are recommended to get into touch with the nearest Incorporated Society of Musicians, or to write to the -office of the Associated : Board, Wellington. Among the more’ important matters to be dealt with are registration of music teachers, estfaiMishJm : ent of a Conservatorium, and music in schools. A Bill to provide for registration has been drafted and is now under discussion; It is hoped to bring it before Parliament this' session if the conference confirms it.

The Conservatorium* question is often raised in the public press, but no authoritative statement has been given upon the subject by the musical profession. ATI are agreed that such an institution would be of immense benefit to music in this country, but the financial aspect is really the present difficulty. A pronouncement upon the question, embodying the considered opinion of the profession as a whole will be of wide interest, and may have far readhing results. Music in Schools has attracted wide attention from various organisations, the Music in Schools Association, Competitions Societies, Choral Socio ties, Examining bodies and teachers of music are all interested. In England music is rapidly becoming a subject of general education, but much remains to be done in New Zealand to place it in its proper position, though much has been done. This movement has the support of. the profession and of educational authorities generally—notably the New Zealand University. Many other subjects will be discussed at the conference, matters oi public interest and others that affect the profession only. . No such gathering has been held in New Zealand since 1909.