Evening star., 1937-05-29

no one knows better, not even the
parents themselves, the limitations of
a student. We are presuming, of
course, that the teacher has a stand
ard in mind, one that will be ae-
ceptable in working toward the uplift
OF music in the community. If such
standard be lacking, the teacher
has no right to follow his profession,
for the harm that can be done by
easy-going and uncultured teachers
infects the musical consciousness to
leave everlasting damage
In no other profession except music
would incompetence be tolerated, yet
it is commonplace occurrence that
people with but smattering of musi-
cal knowledge set themselves up to
instruct the young. In their desire
to make showing and to cater to
the vanity of students and parents,
they are guilty of unforgivable mis-
deeds in the name of music The
day is past when those incapable of
earning living at any other work,
take to the genteel occupation of
teaching music. If the Nations Cap
ital is ever to win respect from the
musical world for its standards and
output, careless and incompetent
teaching must be abolished.
RUT suppose a crop Of unusual
talent should suddenly be dis
covered in our studios? What will be
done to help them toward recognition
and the more important objective of
receiving a return on the cost of
their education? Will the clubs and
other organizations that publicize
their musical events continue to add
that the artists are donating their
services? Will they plan to spend
any sums for inconsequentials of the
entertainment and blandly accept the
services of the musicians, the brightest
spot in their celebrations?
If the idea would only be universally
accepted that there are two sides to
the musical question. each of equal
Importance, the artistic and the finan-
cial, then there would be self-reSpect
among musicians and those profiting
by their art. Why is it that if there
is question of money saving it is
always music that must suffer? This
is shameful condition to exist and
one unworthy of a nation willing to
spend in order to have all the luXuries
possible. Music is profession; if
not intended as such by pupil, it is
for the teacher. 1t means bread and
butter, clothes and roof over the
head, just the same as his profession
means to lawyer or a physician.
When family lays out considerable
sum-and it is considerable, running
into thousands, if there is earnest
desire for the best-the members have
a right to expect that their child can
earn reasonable living by music.
These thoughts are favorite sub
jects of conversation among musi-
clans, yet nothing is ever done about
it. The clubs still continue to adver-
tise the fact that they never pay for
their musical programs, and teachers
continue to make concessions in the
matter of money rather than stand
on their dignity. This department
would be glad to hear from entertain
ment chairmen of organizations and
from teachers who have ideas to pass
on on these questions in an effort
to solve this most depressing problem
of how one can earn living through
music. If those interested in music
in Washington would unite in work.
ing out some ideas on this point they
would set an example to other COM
munities and gain the everlasting
gratitude of those who would profit
by the increased enthusiasm with
which the beautiful art of music is
followed.