I think if, in addition to teaching cookery, ladies were able also to lecture on the elements of physiology and the laws of health, they would more readily find engagements, and be able to command better salaries. Unfortunately, at present there is no place where they can be examined as to their capabilities, and receive certificates, which would be most desirable. They can, however, acquire the necessary information by reading and attending some of the excellent courses of lectures on the subject that are frequently held in London; they are generally advertised in the daily papers.
Music.—No lady should take up music as a profession unless she has sufficient talent to justify her in expecting to be a first-rate teacher and performer. The profession is overstocked to a most painful extent already with second-rate teachers, and, speaking roughly, I should say there are very nearly as many people anxious to teach music as there are people to be taught. In the one branch of class-singing, I believe there is a large demand for good lady teachers, as they are most difficult to obtain, and any really competent persons may be sure of obtaining engagements at good salaries. For any one with exceptional talent a thorough training is the great thing to be desired, and this can be obtained at the Royal College of Music, Kensington Gore, where a free musical education, in all its branches, is given for five years, to any one who can obtain a scholarship. Many of these are open to public competition, without any limit of age. The school does not provide board or lodging, though I believe some of the scholarships carry with them exhibitions for maintenance. The year is divided into three terms, and there are twelve weeks of vacation. Students, when competent, are allowed to give lessons or perform in public during their spare time. No engagements are guaranteed at the end of the course of study; but the authorities do all in their power to secure them. For further information respecting the scholarships, &c., application should be made to the registrar at the school.
Royal Academy of Music, Tenterden Street, Hanover Square.—At this Academy, also, pupils are thoroughly trained in music.
Students are admitted at the commencement of each term and half-term. Candidates for admission must attend for examination, bringing music they can perform, at eleven o'clock on the Saturday before each term or half-term, with a recommendation from a subscriber, a member, an associate, or an honorary member.
The fee for examination is £1 1s., which is returned on the admission of the candidate. Candidates residing at a distance from London may be primarily examined by any one of the local examiners, from whom they may obtain information and advice respecting the Academy. One or more local examiners (whose services are honorary) are appointed in every principal town of the kingdom.
The year is divided into three terms, and there are thirteen weeks of vacation.
The annual fee for the entire course of study is 30 guineas, or 10 guineas per term, with an entrance fee of 5 guineas.
The course of instruction includes two weekly lessons in a principal study, one in harmony, one in a second study, when deemed desirable, one in elocution for singers, and the advantages of the sight-singing class and violin quartet class, and the orchestral and choral practices.
All payments must be made in advance. On leaving the Academy students may undergo an examination. Should the examination prove satisfactory they will receive a certificate, and in special cases the additional distinction of being made an associate of the institution.
There are a great many free scholarships attached to this institution; inquiries about them should be directed to the secretary at the Academy.