NATIONAL SCHOOL OF MUSIC

Press, Volume LXXXVI, Issue 26117, 20 May 1950, Page 3

NATIONAL SCHOOL OF MUSIC

MR MICHAEL BOWLES’S OPINION “The Press” Special Service WELLINGTON, May 18. New Zealand might find it necessary to establish a national school of music, in the opinion of the conductor of the National Orchestra, Mr Michael Bowles. In Palmerston North yesterday he said that it might be found that a national school was necessary to cope with an increasing demand for highly-trained musicians, as public taste developed. “In the absence of a formal academy of music in New Zealand for the intensive training of advanced pupils, it is probable that, in time, there will be a serious shortage of musicians qualified for appointment in the National Orchestra, or similar organisations,” said Mr Bowles. “In that event it might be necessary to import players from other countries. That course would be good as a temporary expedient, but it is not a good thing as a long-term policy. “I do not wish to say a word against the work of music-teachers in the Dominion,” added Mr Bowles. “Excellent work has been done by teachers all over New Zealand, who have taught so many pupils over the years that they have provided potential audiences as well as potential performers.”