A CENTURY OF TEACHING HARMONY
A CENTURY OF TEACHING HARMONY
Ronda Jamieson and David Hough
What harmony is this? 100 years of the Music Teachers’ Association in Western Australia
Review by David Tunley
This book is an update of Ronda Jamieson’s history of the first 75 years of the WA Music Teachers’ Association, with the addition of a survey by David Hough of the 25 years following that book.
In this handsome volume the authors have traced the fascinating story of a remarkable organisation that is still flourishing today. It is the oldest association of its kind in Australia, with similar organisations in other States soon following its lead.
Perth was fortunate in attracting a young graduate from the Royal College of Music, Alexander Joseph Leckie, to St George’s Cathedral in 1908, the first fully trained professional musician to work here. It was his experience and vision that led him two years later to call together a group of music teachers to forma a professional organization to serve their needs and those of the community. His idealism and practical concerns still inform the work of WAMTA.
Revealed in this meticulously researched book, there were a number of reasons why WAMTA was able to withstand various threats to its existence – as faced by all voluntary organisations. Without abandoning its ideals, the Association moved with the times and embraced innovations.
For example, the vexed question of professional training of music teachers, a problem confronting the Association from the beginning, was taken in hand in the 1970s in an accreditation of teachers through a system of seminars, mentoring and examinations that has immeasurably strengthened the profession.
While other excellent musical organisations were created over this period, instead of isolating itself, WAMTA encouraged a spirit of cooperation and fraternity with them. Yet undoubtedly the Association has succeeded largely through the vision and capability of its 17 presidents and various committees whose devoted service is traced here.
The book also throws light on the social and cultural development of our State, and it is gratifying that the many people who contributed to this will be remembered through this excellent publication.
Reprinted with the kind permission of the Royal Western Australian Historical Society (Inc) and Emeritus Professor David Tunley.
The book is available from the WAMTA Office (9470 5595) for $40
