MUSICIANS CONFER

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12356, 28 January 1926, Page 4

MUSICIANS CONFER

REGISTRATION OF. TEACHERS TASTES OF THE PUBLIC. Per Press Association. DUNEDIN, January 27. The third annual conference, of the New Zealand Society of Professional Musicians opened to-day, Mr Robert Parker, Wellington, presiding over a big attendance of delegates. In his presidential address, Mr Parker referred to the Teachers’ Registration Bill, and expressed the hope that it would be passed by Parliament this coming session. He said there was a great number of incompetent teachers professing to teach music, and, while not objecting to these people making a living, the society desired to be placed on a higher footing by all members being on the roll. Speaking of the necessity for the teaching of musio in the schools, Mr Parker said: “We talk of low public tastes, but the only way to improve that is to teach good music to the children in their school days.” THE REMITS Mr Parker was re-elected president for the ensuing year. A Timaru remit making suggestions for the facility of the working of the proposed bill was carried. A paper on the requisites for the training of a teacher promoted a discussion on the musical taste of the public, which was stated to be deficient, and members were resolved that only the best musio should be given. Music in the home was also discussea, following the reading of a paper by iliag Mountford, Marton, and the opinion was expressed that there was practically no home 'music nowadays. Bridge, radio, gramophones, and movies were ascribed as the reasons, but Miss Law, Auckland, said the members could not reconcile themselves to that statement, as more pupils were offering” now than ever before. A long discussion ensued on the following Wanganui remit: “That the educational authorities be asked to accept the certificates in practical music of the Associated Board (advanced grade) or Trinity College (higher grade) in lieu of the theoretical music paper for matriculation and other examinations.” Delegates considered that practical musio was desirable, but the university .would not accept-the examinations of outside bodies. The paper on the law of balance as applied to music was read by Mr HolmeA Runnicles, of Palmerston North. The conference will he Concluded tomorrow.