Call To Set Up Special Music School

Yesterday a letter I wrote to The Star was published. It was actually a reply to an earlier letter from Dr Marc Rochester, Programme Annotator of the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra.

It started when Dr Rochester suggested that Government run schools with additional music tuition would not be beneficial because "great musical genius cannot be taught". While I agree with that somewhat, a structured musical education can certainly produce musicians - performers as well as composers - of international calibre.

I gave two examples of public-funded 'special music schools': the Kaufman Center in New York City and the Wells Cathedral School near Bristol, UK. Both schools have an academic programme that is equivalent to the public schools curriculum, but have additional emphasis for a musical programme for students.

It is important that talent unearthed early in life be sustained by giving continuous education. What is even more important is that the child is surrounded by a class of his peers so that they may share their gifts and learn from each other in order that their full potential is realised.