New-York tribune., 1902-02-12
TEACH CHILDREN MUSIC.
MOTHERS" LISTEN To DAMROSCH'S
TALK ON TRAINING LITTLE FOLKS

l am often asked at what age the musical edu-
lio1 t u child should begin. and am always
e-p'eu 10 answer, In the first month of its ex-
lstence said Frank Damrosch to the Mothers
@ @|tuD Yesterday, In the meeting at the Tuxedo.
indeed, the training should begin with the mother
Ior She can do more to cultivate love for music
man any teacher. The earliest recollection of the
child should be of its mothers singing
Music is the important element of home
me- because It brings the whole family together
as no other influence can DO. II one member has a
talent Tor painting. It is individual thing. and
cannot be shared composite picture painted by
the entire family is hardly likely be artistic
success but with very moderate knowledge of
music all can join in singing with easurabIe re-
suit"
Mr. Damrosch struck responsive chord in the
mothers memories when he spoke of the first
ehort or little Johnny to pick out a tune on
the Pianoforte, and his mothers pride in the won
oer1ul talent thus displayed. In the subsequent
trouble. when Johnny is sent to a teacher, the
speaker said that all his sympathes are not with
the teacher the mother. but with poor. little
ill-used Johnny.
1T is all wrong" he asserted The piano is
not proper introduction of music to the child.
To make him toll over black and white keys and
little black marks on lines and spaces is not the
way to make him love music. Give him music
the thing itself-if you would have him a music
lover Then. If he wants piano or violin, let him
have IT. When he is really interested he will work
the best he knows how. without thinking it work. "
Mr.. Damrosch emphasized the mothers influence
in the matter by affirming that he owed his love
for music far his mother than to his
father. Her singing to and about the house
made music familiar as speech my child
hood ears, and implanted such a love for it that
my fathers instructions were eagerly received. /
have a little nephew. who a year and half
could sing twentythree songs with perfect correct
ness, and is beginning to put the words 10
them. he learns to talk. He learned them just
from hearing his mother sing them over and over"
The mothers listened with great interest to Mr..
Damroschs remarks on music In the schools. He
told what he has tried TO do since he became the
has met in trying 10 give a love Tor music 10
275co children" He has been told, when he asked
study" and has been compelled to continue with
sixteen asSsta 1T supervisors is one TO every
utes' visit to each about once in six weeks. He
said. however, that he has every reason TO beIeVe
Ct aHalrs ana enlarge the Appropriation SO thdt
there may be assistant supervisor to every two
He also blamed the Normal College severely for
not giving suitable attention 10 music in preparing
disgrace that such an institution should neglect so
important a part OF teachers equipment.
The school should ht a child for Wen developed.
all round manhood and womanhood, giving found
alton not only of physical and mental training but
spiritual. 1t Is often said that these last are the
duty of the home. but do not hesitate to declare
ing the homes through the children. II the time
should come when our children--l don't mean yours
IN eye and ear and voice and mind 10 a love OF the
beautiful. then, and not till then, shall we see a
pure municipal government and clean citizenship.
pictures. Put beauty all about them for only so
can tnCy y Iefrn mat beauty exists.
cello solos by Charles Russell, solos by the boy
soprano Arthur Rradley. and songs by Mrs Flor
ence broadwell Mrs, Edgar L. Street chair
man Of the day.