The beginnings and development of a New Zealand music: The life ...

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3
1937-1940
ROYAL COLLEGE AND CENTENNIAL CELEBRATIONS
In all, Lilburn spent just over two years and two terms at the
Royal College of Music, London: from the Christmas term of 1937 to three
1
weeks into the Midsummer term of 1940. The advantages of studying with some
of the leading teachers in the world
such as London were immense.
and living in a musical capital
However, Lilburn's transition from Christchurch to London made
him abruptly aware of the deficiencies in his musical background and
training, particularly with regard to knowledge of repertoire. The local
students were already familiar with a wide range of works, having had
ready access to scores, recordings and live performances.
Many of the
lecturers assumed this prior knowledge in their students; Lilburn had to
2
work hard to catch up in his musical background.
Lilburn had come to the College not to get a degree or diploma,
but to have tuition in specific areas. To this end, he worked across a
variety of courses in order to concentrate on composition and piano
playing.
His principal composition tutor was Dr Ralph Vaughan Williams
for all but the Christmas term of 1939, when he was tutored by
Dr R.O. Morris. His principal piano tutor was Edward Mitchell, with other
tutors ar var10US times including Herbert Fryer, Kendall Taylor, and
Arthur Alexander.
course under Dr Reginald Jacques.
In the Christmas term of 1939 he joined a conducting
(with Gordon Jacob), form, and aural training.
Other studies included instrumentation
Classes were usually held once every week, with forty minutes
allocated to principal studies and twenty minutes to second studies. The
following was Lilburn's timetable for his classes at the College:
From a copy of Douglas Lilburn's timetable held by the Royal College
of Music, London. Photocopy with author.
2 Scott Papers.