MUSICAL ENGLAND

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 143, 20 June 1925, Page 9

MUSICAL ENGLAND

A REPROACH REMOVED

(FBOII OUR OWN COBRBSPOSDENI.)

LONDON, Bth May. "The term 'unmusical England' would never have been applied to -us if the musical institutions of • to-day and the wonderful array of competent teachers had been in existence a 1 century or so ' ago," declared Mr. T. Lester Jones, local secretary of the Trinity College 01 Music, at the annual prize-giving for the London Centre examinations. The 'good old days," he added, were bad days for music. Years ago 'a class of boys or girls would start a school song or hymn in one key and finish in another without the teacher noticing anything wrong. .''".'. The awards were presented by Viscountess Burnham, and the number of marks won by the successful candidates showed an exceptionally high standard of proficiency. Dr. John Warriner, who presided, said that the increase in the number of candidates for examinations implied an improvement in the technical and musical character of the results for the London Centre. He believed that the artistic standard was improving, and that was gratifying, as the larger centres were not always the most artistic. .there was an immense amount of talentm London.

In giving the year's report, Mr. Jones said that musical knowledge (or'theory) candidates were increasing, and last December's examinations attracted 220 potential doctors and professors of music. This satisfactory growth and development was progressing all over the ™2-c" College diplomas and certificates were recognised everywhere as the seal of proficiency. Dr. Warrmer, chairman of the London Centre, had recently heard thousands of students m New Zealand. So far the number of entrants for this year's examinations showed an increase of 15 per cent, over last year's. He expressed the thanks of the college for the unstinted kindness shown by its patron, Princess Helena _ Victoria, and for the interest taken in its development by Viscount and Viscountess Bnmhani.

Professor Joseph Bridge; whose first public appearance it was in London, said that Trinity College was getting at the masses. His service as .a chorister in a cathedral had proved a valuable education, he observed, but as far as anyother branch of music was concerned he had been left to find out for himself whether he was making progress. Dr. E. F. Homer . announced that the college was holding an examination this year on. Robinson Crusoe's island. .Three years ago the number of candidates for examination was 53,000 and the number had risen by 10,000.