E.—2

56

APPENDIX D.

REPORT OF THE SUPERVISOR OF MUSICAL EDUCATION.

Wellington, Bth May, 1929. Sir, — I have the honour to present my report for the year ended 31st December, 1928. Training Colleges.—The instruction in music in all four training colleges has now been completely reorganized and placed on a satisfactory footing. In July Mr. Ernest Jenner, a highly qualified musician from London and former Lecturer in School Music to the London County Council, commenced duty as whole-time lecturer at Wellington Training College ; and in August Mr. J. C. Clitheroe, also a highly qualified and experienced musician from England, took charge at Dunedin Training College. The value of the work done by these gentlemen is already evident; while Mr. H. Hollinrake at Auckland and Mr. T. Vernon Griffiths at Christchurch continue to extend and deepen their influence in all directions. At each college a number of students are taking a special third-year course in school music. It would, be well if full advantage could be taken in the schools of the skill of these specialists. Eurhythmies.—During the year Miss Winifred Houghton, a well-known teacher of Dalcrose eurhythmies, visited the Dominion, and took intensive courses in this subject at Christchurch and Dunedin Training Colleges, and also at New Plymouth and Wanganui. A large number of teachers attended her classes. Much interest has been aroused in eurhythmies as an educational subject, and teachers and students have continued to attend the private classes of Miss Whistler in Auckland, Miss Russell in Wellington, and Mrs. Kane in Christchurch. When opportunity offers, eurhythmies should be made a regular part of the training of school-teachers, as its benefits are very far-reaching. It has been shown to be of great value in the special schools, where music should be given a very important place. Vacation Courses in Music.—Vacation courses in school music have been held at the Nelson Summer School, at Wellington, Christchurch, Wanganui, and Timaru. The last of these was conducted by the Christchurch Training College lecturer ; the others by the Supervisor of Music. Scheme of School Music—-An official handbook, drawn up by the Supervisor, and entitled " A Scheme of School Music " has been published and a free copy sent to every school, additional copies being available to teachers and students at a low price. This book is of a most comprehensive character, and provides for every branch of instruction in school music from primers to secondary schools and training colleges. Song-book.—The proposed scheme for issuing a free song-book to the senior classes was found impracticable in its original form. It is hoped, however, that some other means will be found of making the book available. The book will contain folk-melodies of many countries, to be used in conjunction with geography ; songs of historical importance, songs by great composers, songs for special occasions, and New Zealand songs, with explanatory notes. Education Gazette.—Musical articles have been contributed regularly to the Education Gazette, and songs published therein month by month. Many of these have been composed by schoolchildren and by teachers, and have attracted considerable attention. A large amount of correspondence has also been dealt with, giving advice to individual teachers, &c. Gramophones and Pianos.—During the year 213 gramophones and 155 pianos were supplied to schools through the Department. It has been proved that, in addition to its value as a musical educator, gramophone music played during study results in improved work on the part of the children. Visits to Schools, 16c.—Personal visits to schools have continued, more than fifty having been made. Districts visited include Wellington, central Hawke's Bay, Taranaki, North Canterbury, Auckland, Southland, and the West Coast. Many addresses and demonstrations ha,ve been given to gatherings of teachers, to various societies, and to the general public. There is abundant evidence that everywhere interest is growing in the importance of musical and cultural education generally. I have, &c. E. Douglas Tayler, ■ Supervisor of Musical Education. The Director of Education, Wellington.

Approximate Cost of Paper.—Preparation not given; printing (1,250 copies) £95.

Authority : W. A. G. Skinner, Government Printer, Wellington.—l 929.

Price la. 3d.]