DEVELOPMENT OF MUSIC.

Auckland Star, Volume XLIV, Issue 185, 5 August 1913, Page 6

DEVELOPMENT OF MUSIC.

PROPER TRAI_TITG ESSENTIA-. HINTS BY ME. MACGHAX BAKKETT. In a paper read before the Auckland Society of Musicians last night Mr. Maughan Barnett, city organist, dealt interestingly -with music in New Zealand, •and indicated the- lines along which future development should proceed. He prefaced 'his remarks by pointing out that with the generous assistance of mun'cipal authorities and of enthusiastic private citizens, public music- had received a fillip -and music generally had made more head-way. taking the early settlement of the country into consideration, than could have reason-ably bean expected. In a young- country utility and not aj-t wtus the chief consideration.

Indicating that the present position of music here was distinctly encouraging, Mr. Baractt pointed out that in future development the proper training of the young was of the utmost importance. The teaching of singing in the schools was a factor to he reckoned with. Leadens of education in the Old Country highly valued the influence of mueic. in school life, and the speaker felt that the education of school children in singing would almost revolutionise the social life of the commumly. It would foster a -taste for music, create more home life, infuse greater interest in choir and choral work and give an impetus to music generally. The teaching of singing in the State schools was at present very unsatisfactory -because the tcachere knew next to nothing of ths subject. Only qualified teachers should be permitted to teach the. singing classes, and at least State school teachers occupied with the work should be compelled to take a full course of training. While the teachers were being trained, professionals should he engaged in the chief centres to counteract tl>e h-a-rmful effects of the existing system. As the matter was of grave importance he intended to ask the Minister of Education to set up a commission of prominent musicians to investigate and submit recommendations.

Mr. Barnett referred to the mischief caueed by incompetent teachers and deplored tbe absence of opportunity for colonial musiera.ns to secure the all-round education so essential for persons entering the profession. He favoured the es-tablishment of an institution at which students could get the desired training in prartieal and theoretical subject*, in conducting, and also for the development of those with a talent for composition. He was strongly opposed to musical examinations and competitions as being against the best interests of music. In addition Mr. Barnett advocated the creation of professional orchestras in order to produce orchestral classics with modern orchestral developments. Existing orchestras, composed largely of amateurs, were capable of good work but had their limitations. He also urged musical societies to inaugurate a monthilv or quarterly journal. iFN.a.nT-