Conservatorium Training Scheme Urged For Music In University

Press, Volume XCIII, Issue 27917, 14 March 1956, Page 15

Conservatorium Training Scheme Urged For Music In University

“The need for a small conservatorium training scheme in the music department of Canterbury University College is as urgent as ever,” said the professor of musit (Dr. Vernon Griffiths) yesterday. “Examples of such a scheme are found in the constituent colleges of the University of Wales. The aim at Canterbury would be to use this type (?f conservatorium training as an invaluable aid in the preparation of suitable students as future community musical leaders, and especially as postprimary school and adult education directors of music. The University of Reading sets an example in this respect, said Dr Griffiths. Awaiting the provision of similar facilities, the music department of Canterbury University College is making use of the university courses existing already, together \yith certain courses defined by recognised overseas examining bodies conducting examinations in this country—courses in practical musicianship, class music teaching, schobl music, conducting, and the teaching of instruments and of singing The department advises its students to place themselves under the best local private music teachers available

for instruction in singing and instrumental performance. In addition to its degree and diploma courses the department provides classes for keyboard musicianship, aural training, conducting. and special tutorials covering the ideals, principles, methods and repertoire of music in education. Candidates for the University diploma in education may obtain it now with endorsement in music, and no candidate for the new bachelor of music with honours degree can obtain it without passing both stage I and stage II of the keyboard musicianship and aural training examinations. Facilities are provided for suitable non-degree students to study for both the theoretical and practical subjects of certain overseas diplomas recognised by the British Ministry of Education. “In these and other ways, the music department is endeavouring to provide both degree and non-degree students with courses making full use of existing facilities; but, at present and without the limited amount of conservatorium-training required, these facilities cannot equal those available at various universities and university colleges in Britain,’’ Dr. Griffiths said.