The republic. [volume] (Washington [D.C.]) 1849-1853, 1850-01-21
From the ~. " Commercial Adcefiser
Vocal Music I'm Germany-How Taught

allowed to remove child from one school to
another, (unlcss change of location renders such
removal necessarily under heavy penalty. Com
modious, convenient and pleasant school houses
and thoroughly qualified teachers in all the respect
i've departments, being provided, there is no other
reason for removal than change of residence The
advantages of remaining in the game school and
under the same instructors are very great, and vii
readily suggest themselves to the minds of al
friends OF education, whether PARENTS teachers, o'
school committees. One Of these advantages is the
opportunity afforded to the teachers of studying
and becoming thoroughly acquainted with the
natural disposition, temperament, talent, or turn
OF mind OF the pupil. This, believe, comprehcnds
almost every thing else, and is the corner stone Of
a thorough and useful education, both mental and
moral.
There seem to be three paramount reasons for
making music a branch of school education in Ger
many and Switzerland. LIST. It's power as direct
means of mental and moral discipline. ID. Its at
tractivencss amusement or relaxation from
aborious study. Sd. Its advantages in after life to
the pupil, both as a social and religious being.
In all of these particulars it is considered of great
Importance; and in the best schools have visited
viz: those Of Leipzig and Dresden, in Saxony, and
Zurich and Berne, IN Switzerland, the popular
course has been TO adapt each music lesson 10 one
or the other or all Of these branches. To be more
exphcit The music teacher either gives at one
season Of the year his particular attention to in
struction in the elements of music and music read
ing; at another to rehearsal singing for reaxa-
ton or amusement; and at another to practising
the music Of the church; else, as Is more gen
orally the case, he combines the three department.
in one, and each lesson has its proportionae share
viz: st practice of the music Of the church, (chora
singing;) I'd, instruction in musical notation; Sd,
singing of cheerful and lively juvenile songs, for
recreation. This arrangement pleased me much.
II affords great variety, and docs not become tire
some TO the pupils.
The pupils begin TO study note-singing at the age
OF nine or ten years. Previous to that they sing
chiefly entirely by roe. This is considered ad
vantagcous until the musical ear is sufficiently
trained and cultivated. The scale is first presented
to the pupil, not by sight, but by sound. Ths
teacher sings il slowly and distinctly until all seen
to understand or ut least to get some idea of it
construction, and of the comparative relation o
sounds, ono TO another. After explaining some
thing Of the formation Of the scale, its intervals
&c, the teacher writes il upon the black board
calls their attention 20 IL in the book observing par
tcularly the situation Of the semi tones. He now
tells them that these characters (thc notes) repre-
sent the sounds they have just sung, and that eacl
sound has name taken from one Of the letters o
the alphabet. This method is very thorough, al.
though somewhat lengthy. The pupils sing almost
merely for illustration The more advanced classes
Of pupils improved by the frequent introduction
and regular practice of new and interesting music
rather than by dry and unconnected exercises
Much time is spent in the best schools, in practis
ing the yowels, merely articulating them for tho
purpose OF Obtaining good delivery both in sing
ing and speaking.
But one Of the peasantest features of nllis. that
the pupils not wearied by too hard study, orr il
they become a little fatigued at any time, they
know that delightful recreation is 10 follow
Variety and entertainment are mingled with in
sruction, and the pleasure of half an hours socia
singing is sufficient reward for persevering in any
the laborious and less interesting exercises
was much amused and delighted, on one occasion
10 sec the young countcnances beam with a smile
Of appreciation, amounting 20 81 thank you sir p
when the teacher, after lesson fclosc elementary
study, said, "Now we'll sing something lively y
for II s natural 70 children 20 love that music best
which is most like their own natures--light, Joy
ous, and free. Now they sing briskly merrily
that has 30 long been damned up that Il may ac-
cumulate strength To drive the heavy wheel, when
once more set at liberty goes leaping and dancing
and singing along iis sparkling way, rejoicing in
heavy and useful but not dull choral practice and
elementary confinement, 10 the merry 'ssong Of the
cuckoo" and "thc lark 20 the "singer's song
aud The "song of fathers birth day" 10 the songs
Of the scason-of the SUM- and stars of the ''bcan-
tiful world and the blessed giver Cod with the
ever dear and welcome songs Of "Vatcrland.' -
These are the daily occurrences OF the "school
room," and IT. you would know how such privileged
children prize their school, you have but TO step in
and hear them mcrrily singing
"No scene Of earthly pleasure
Happy School,
No hoard OF sordid treasure
Happy School,
Delight US now 20 well.
Yea, tis singing we do prize,
Cheerful hearts in accents rise,
Bid play farewell
With us in America Il IL different As a nation
have neglected entirely this subject in our early
education, and the natural result Is, that the large
proportion Of our adult population cannot sing, and
thousands mourn their loss when il is too late
the pressure Of care and business pre-, ent them
from attending TO the subject Could our school
committees trustees and parents be prevailed upon
10 take this matter in hand and be in earnest about
it-ifthey would have IL properly and ON pcrma-
ncnt basis introduced into The schools branch of
study, not OF recreation mcrely--un incalculablc
amount Of good would follow. The next genera
ton, at all events, would feel its rcyivifying nnu-
ences in their social and home circles and in the
public worship Of the sanctuary, and would " rise
up and call us blessed
In future article ] will give the outline of a
newly devised plan for impartng instruction in the
clements OF vocal music, and learning 10 sing by
note, particularly adapted 10 classes Of adults in
which but little time can be devoted 10 study.
shall be happy also TO be able 10 speak Of the effects
Of the universal system of musical education seen
in Germany, upon social life and upon the services
OF the church, making some farther suggestions
relative TO its introduction into the schools of our
own land