The St. Louis Republic. [volume] (St. Louis, Mo.) 1888-1919, 1903-02-08

make ailoTaEce for. no matter Whit the
preceptor' IS y tendencies may be. Z
This is why genius does not excel as 4
teacher. It is too self-contained.
The successful imparter of instruction TO
others must he able to place himself in
the shoes of those others 80 as to most ef-
fectively grapple with individual difficulties
and enter into Individual aspirations.
Hence women. with their innate sympa-
thy and their tender feelings for child life.
make the best teachers. Finishing lessons
from a master meau less nowadays since the
universities have opened their doors for the
full qualification of cultured w~omanhood.
Coming TO the financial consideration of
the music teachers position. 1t must be al
lowed that this is. at present, in a most un-
satisfactory position.
Anyone who processes TO do so may pose
as a teacher of music; and there is no limit.
either way, to the amount of fees charged.
Thus, as We have already limited. the
schoolgirl who wishes 10 supplement her
pocket money may teach at starvation
terms; and the great star may charge
what he or che likes in Guineas for single
lessons or a set of same.
The public. on this point, are often much
puzzled, and are frequently imposed upon in
consequence.
Often the incompetent and pretentious get
what they ask for. no matter how exorbi-
tant 1t be: while those who are best quail
hVu ~ tcdIu, iAROu6u uilTd-UiIlUtIlCe. may
allow themselves to be beaten down" TO
fees from which II is impossible to make a
fair living.
A school appointment. when it can be Sc
cured, is always desirable.
The remuneration for time may be less
than that which accrues from private pu-
pills; but It is, at least, less fuctuating, I'M
certain. and represents, no matter how
small it be, a steady and reliable source of
income.
Those who have made name and fame in
the musical world. If they desire to teach,
may generally demand and be entitled to
receive larger fees. But, as a rule, the ex-
cessive charges Of teachers are a mistake.
Even the best disposed and most favor
ably circumstanced pupils will not long con-
tinue their s. or even s.. 30 a lesson.
For competent and well qualified teachers.
the uniform charges of from 81. so to 81 per
lesson, or SIS Or $50 for a set of twelve les
sons. seems a fair standard which deserves
TO be generally accepted by Instructor and
instructed.
We are now not, of course, considering cx-
ceptional cases, nor those of the pseudo
teacher who must always be a law, or
rather lawlessness. to himself.
Nor are We referring to the school salaries
of eminent professors OF music, which
should often be much higher than they are
were full Justice done to those whose at
tainments and position deserve peculiar rec
ignition.
A few practical hints to the young teacher
may now conclude this article.
First, be sure that you care for teaching,
and that you feel within you the ability to
patiently and successfully impart knowl-
edge.
Then he careful to leave no stone I'M
turned in your own culture that your pupils
may never catch you tripping" and that
you may always be at your ease and pre-
serve authority in their eyes.
When possible. qualify yourself by a bona
fde public examination, or indisputable GER
%tificate, so that your standing in the pro-
fession. and right ito teach and practice
may be more secure. Lastly, draw up a
neat circular, stating your requirements
and t~erms-which letter should be rated
fairly If moderately, and send this round to
all whom you may think likely to patronize
you.
Advertisement offers a means of becoming
known: influence Is a powerful aid in the
securing of appointments and positions of
all kinds.
None of these avenues to active exercise
of ones talents should be overlooked. And
having done all. there often requires much
patience to wait for the long hoped for and
often tardy success.
say the wise folk.
Even i some of US occasionally question
the truth OF the saying, there is no doubt
That the world is full of instances of pa-
uence and resolution being triumphant in
the end.
SO. struggling, teachers of music. take
heart! The pupil who comes not to-day NAV
come tomorrow, and there is plenty Of
room in this world for all who do their al
iotted duties faithfully and well.