AUTOMATIC SOL-FA HARMONIUM.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 9390, 1 April 1892, Page 3

AUTOMATIC SOL-FA HARMONIUM.

One of the most recent inventions in musical instruments is an automatic sol-fa harmonium, which is designed to be of assistance to instructors of singing by the new notation. A difference of opinion exists as to the advisability of teaching singing from the instrument, but granting the advisability of the system such an instrument as this, the feature of which is that when a key is struck a card is projected giving the name of the note associated with the sound, can hardly fail to be of incalculable benefit to teachers. Respecting the inventiou and its advantages, "Musical Opinion aud Music Trade Review" of the Ist October 1891 has the following :—" The inventor claims that any apparatus that saves time and gives the teacher a command over his class should be welcomed. AA'hen using it the teacher faces his class. This alone is said to be of great service compared with pointing on a chart. AY hen showing the relative positions of the various steps or notes of the scale, the teacher can instantly move the note that he wishes to call attention to, which interests the class besides showing the position of the noteclearly and forcibly. AVhen teaching pupils to recognise and name certain intervals—such a3 the difference between the third and fifth, &_.—the actual notes forming the interval can be shown by actuating the keys in the ordinary way (as when playing these intervals). In giving sight tests the invention is of special benefit, as the teacher can alter any note he likes, when going over an exercise a second time. AVhere part singing is required, voluntaries and sight tests in parts can be displayed. JFor ear tests the instrument is also valuable. Time exercises can also be used and practised. One of the greatest helps derived from the use of the instrument is the ease with which chromatic notes can be drilled. The teacher never need be in doubt about the accurate pitch of these notes; and the card with the special name associated with the sound always appearing in view of both teacher and pupil, doubt is avoided. Voluntaries in the minor mode can also be shown. Another advantage is the ingenious construction of the instrument. By simply pushing in a draw-stop the mechanism can be disconnected from the keys, and the instrument used as an ordinary harmonium." Messrs Charles Begg and Co. are the sole agents in New Zealand, and have had the instrument inspected by fhe local tonic sol-fa teachers, from whom they have received letters expressing in high terms their approval of the principle of the invention and of the mechanism of the instrument. The agents invite the teachers in the public schools to visit their premises and personally examine the harmonium.