GROUP PIANOFORTE INSTRUCTION

Evening Star, Issue 20316, 26 October 1929, Page 20

GROUP PIANOFORTE INSTRUCTION

STRIKING SUCCESS OF NEW SCHEME EXCELLENT RESULTS ACHIEVED Conspicuous success has attended the introduction of the group method ot pianoforte instruction to Dunedin. Arranged by Messrs Charles Begg and Co. some three months ago, the scheme is now well beyond the experimental stafe. The capable tuition of Mr J. Crossley Clitheroe and’ his painstaking assistants has been productive of eminently gratifying results.' There are about 130 children attending the classes at the Moray Place School on Saturday mornings, and there is not the slightest doubt that the instruction they are receiving there will bo of immense value to them , later. The fundamental principle of the tuition lies in the teaching of rhythm and the relationship of notation to sound.- The children, many of whom , are showing remarkable aptitude, are engaged in exercises of the eurytbmic type, intended to make them understand keeping time. The notes are learned as the work proceeds in a course that will be a most important factor in .the development of the musical character of the children. The method in use is that of Major Bavin, which is in operation in the northern centres. The exercises include class marching to various times, with diversified eurythmic arm exercises, so that the child may embark upon the lessons with a knowledge of the elements of music before actually learning notation. The course iis admirably designed to develop the latent gifts of children who possess a natural aptitude for playing. The scheme is in no way commercial and in no way opposed to private teaching. In fact, no child who is already receiving tuition is accepted.' A system has bosn evolved whereby those children who are to undertake such a step will be drafted out to private teachers to complete their musical training.