SCHOOLS OF MUSIC.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 104, 4 May 1936, Page 10

SCHOOLS OF MUSIC.

EXAMINER FOR jfTEW ZEALAND.

The exominer appointed to conduct practical examinations in New Zealand this year for the Associated Board of (,he Koyal Schools of Music, London, is Mr. Michael Head, A.R.A.M., a wellknown English performer and composer. Mr. Head is the son of a London barrister and journalist. He showed musical talent at an Parly ( age and ill 191!) entered the Royal Academy of Music, winning the Sir Michael Costa scholarship for competition, which lie held for five years. During this period he studetl composition, piano, organ and viola, winning many prizes, including the Charles Lucas medal for orchestral writing. In 10"2."> he was appointed to the stair of the Royal Acadi'tny of Music as a professor of pianoforte. Mr. Head lias given recitals in London, the West Indies and Canada, and has appeared at the Queen's Hall and at other London concerts. lie has also broadcast frequently, singing groups of his own son<*s to his own accompaniment. In 1929 lie adjudicated at the first musical , competition festival in Kingston, Jamaica, and paid a return visit there for the festival of 1933.

Mr. Head's principal publications are his songs, many of which are well known. His unpublished works include a piano concerto (performed at the Royal Academy of Music centenary celebrations and since broadcast and performed in England and South Africa), a tone poem and a scherzo for orchestra.

Mr. Head has for some years been nn examiner for the Royal Schools of Music in the United Kinprndom, and on their belmlf Ims examined in Canada and the Wept Indies.