Julius Eichberg: String and Vocal Instruction in Nineteenth-Century Boston

Abstract

Julius Eichberg (1824-1893) made valuable contributions to the development of music education through his string and vocal instruction in Boston. Educated in Europe, Eichberg was a violin professor in Geneva before immigrating to the United States in 1857. He directed the Boston Museum Concerts 1859-1866 and composed four operas. In 1867, he founded the Boston Conservatory, developed its string department, and published string method books and chamber music. In the Boston public schools, Eichberg taught high school vocal music, supervised music for the entire school system, and taught teacher-training courses. Boston s school system became a model for other school systems. The annual Music Festivals in Boston, with Eichberg conducting choruses and orchestras, brought the schools positive publicity. Eichberg also composed choral works for his school choruses and edited music textbooks. Eichbergs work in string education and high school choral music laid foundations for programs in the twentieth century.