NOTES ON MUSIC

In some of its courses the Department of Music employs gramophone recordings as illustrations for lectures and readings. The success of this method of furthering the appreciation and creation of music is undeniable. But the availability of the recordings for the use of students is limited. It would be possible, if funds were at hand, to enhance the usefulness of the library of recorded works in the possession of the Division of Music.

In Springfield a successful lending library of gramophone recordings of major works has been established. The Department of Music could greatly increase its instructive efficiency if a sort of loan library of recordings were founded. The more important volumes are expensive and out of the reach of many appreciative students, both in and out of the field of music. Many who can not afford to purchase high-priced recordings would be willing to pay a small deposit or fee for the use of the works. The details of the administration of the enterprise can be worked out by cooperation of library officials and authorities in music. To carry the idea through a period of experimental consummation, with the privileges reserved to those who take courses in Music, would require no great expenditure of money.

Should the trial produce happy results, steps might well be taken to procure an ample fund, either by subscription or by individual donation, to make such a library permanent.