EDUCATION IN MUSIC

Southland Times, Issue 23335, 20 October 1937, Page 5

EDUCATION IN MUSIC

“DOMINION LAGGING BEHIND” IMPRESSIVE STRIDES MADE ABROAD (Special to The Times) AUCKLAND, October 19. The development of music in schools as part of New Zealand s education system was advocated by Mr C. E. Begg, general manager of Charles Begg and Company, Ltd., on his return from a prolonged tour abroad. He said impressive strides had been made in this direction in America and Canada, and in England to a lesser degree, but all three countries had a lesson to teach the Dominion. “We pride ourselves on being leaders in social and cultural development,” said Mr Begg, “but we are certainly lagging behind in musical education. With greater leisure time at our disposal something must be done to utilize it to the best purpose and the Government should give some lead in promoting musical knowledge. Eventually it should result in greater musical appreciation and more social happiness for the future.” Every child should be given the opportunity of learning music at school, Mr Begg added. Qualified teachers should be appointed to train school teachers in order that music lessons could be made part of the curriculum of every school. Graded lessons in theory and melody should first be given, leading to practical teaching as the scholar advanced in age. Many children possessed latent musical talent which would thus be properly developed and the possibility of future school orchestras and bands would leave no doubt as to the success of the general musicianship of the community in later years.