Glimpses of old Glasgow

Part I. Historical

Musical Education in Glasgow

FORTY years ago, it might be said that the schoolmaster was abroad, so far as musical education in the city of Glasgow was concerned. Now, he is at home, and we have daily evidence that he is wonderfully active in every part of the city. At the time referred to, we had what were called "practisings," in connection with the churches; and at these practisings young men and women were taught to sing tunes and anthems by ear. The leader sang the air lustily; and afterwards, one by one, the other parts, if necessary, as a pattern for his pupils to imitate. This was the extent of the teaching done by means of popular classes.

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But times have changed. Music is taught, not only in Glasgow, but all over the country, on well-defined principle, and with the happiest results. Under the School Board of Glasgow, and in a few denominational schools, upwards of 90,000 children are receiving instruction in singing, at the hands of thoroughly competent teachers; while a staff of visiting-masters are in regular attendance, superintending the whole. These children are taught to sing in two parts, and to read the notes at first sight; and the public demonstrations they give occasionally show that they can do this not only correctly, but also with considerable taste and expression. Many of them are able to write down the melody of a tune on hearing it sung for the first time; and also rhythms containing various nice divisions of a pulse; feats that would have sorely puzzled the so-called "teachers" of the past generation.

In addition to professional teachers, there are many others busily working throughout the city in a more private capacity - in connection with Sabbath Schools, Bands of Hope, and other institutions - and who are teaching their pupils in the same thorough and efficient manner. But this is not all. Forty years ago there were perhaps not a dozen men in Glasgow who could harmonize correctly a plain psalm tune. Now there are hundreds in the city well qualified to do it; such has been the advance made in the study of harmony and composition. These results are due to the Tonic Sol-fa System, which, when introduced by the late Mr. Curwen, was at once embraced by the people of Glasgow; and perhaps there is no other city where it is better known and appreciated.

The study of instrumental music, too, has received a great impetus. Little more than a generation ago, pianos were to be found only in the houses of the well-to-do; but now there are few working-men's homes in which there is not either a piano, a harmonium, or an American organ.

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In choral and orchestral music the advance is proportionate. The Choral Union, which took its rise in 1843, gave the first complete performance of the "Messiah" heard in Glasgow on 2nd April, 1844, by which it netted £80 7s. 1d. for the benefit of the Royal Infirmary. For many years after this it was found that the taste of the public was not educated up to the point necessary to sustain a choral society such as this. Their losses, therefore, were sometimes very heavy, and they were often greatly discouraged; but they struggled with their difficulties with indomitable courage and perseverance, and finally overcame them. Other choral societies and select choirs now sprang into existence, foremost amongst them being the "Glasgow Select Choir," conducted by Mr. Lambeth, which had the honour of performing before the Queen at Balmoral. "The Messiah," which was almost unknown in Glasgow till it was performed by the Choral Union, is now extremely popular, and never fails to draw a house. On more than one occasion we have had half-a-dozen performances of it within a few weeks, by several different choral societies. The Choral Union, however, has always held the first position, and no society in the city has enjoyed a greater amount of popularity.

The pleasure of music also led to the formation of several private quartette and glee clubs, as well as amateur orchestral associations, which occasionally gave concerts. Some of these still exist, and have had a share in cultivating and fostering a taste for high-class music.

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In the course of years the want of a permanent orchestra during the winter months became more and more felt, and the Choral Union with characteristic energy set itself to supply it. A number of gentlemen, well-known amongst other things for their love of good music, readily became guarantors for the sum required, and so the scheme was launched. Again they had to submit to very heavy losses amounting at one time to £5,000; but this large debt was gradually reduced and finally extinguished altogether, the guarantors losing not one penny. The wisdom of the course adopted has been justified by the splendid series of orchestral concerts which has been given every season in St. Andrew's Halls, to the delight of the many thousands who have resorted thither.

The Athenaeum School of Music is our youngest prodigy; its success having been quite phenomenal. It was opened in September, 1890; and in its first session the students numbered 834; second, 1,065; third, 1,393; and fourth, not yet completed, about 1,500. Such a record is perhaps unparalleled anywhere. A staff of over sixty professors is employed, every branch of music being taught - vocal and instrumental, theoretical, and practical. The performances they give from time to time indicate the high character of the teaching imparted in the school, and have been greatly appreciated.

The elevating and educative power of music is to be seen in the sustained appreciation of the Saturday evening popular concerts given in several of the largest halls in the city for the last forty years, as well as in the crowds who attend the afternoon organ recitals.

It will thus be seen that the advantages of music, both vocal and instrumental, are enjoyed by the present generation to an extent that was never heard of in the days of our fathers.