The Impact of Professional Music Diplomas on Women Music Teachers in Early Twentieth-Century New Zealand

Abstract

At the end of the nineteenth century, music was an accomplishment that many women were encouraged to pursue. For some, this was merely an additional “ornament” to enhance marriage prospects, but a growing number took the opportunity to turn musical ability into a career option. A small group of musically educated women in New Zealand at the start of the twentieth century is studied. At this time, two British examining bodies, Trinity College, London, and the Associated Board, introduced professional diplomas as the culmination of their graded music exams. In their first five years, forty-five women were successful in these “higher examinations” and gained either an Associate from Trinity College (ATCL), or a Licentiate from the Associated Board (LAB). Armed with a prestigious qualification that granted the right to add “letters” after their name, some then followed a career as a teacher of music. Biographical details of each woman are explored and compared to see if any reasons can be found to explain why some continued with music while others didn’t. Similarities as to family and social background are revealed, while the main reason for not continuing with a musical career appears to be the intervention of marriage and family commitments.