The American Music Conservatories

American music conservatories only flourished during the beginning of the 20th century. Prior to the war, music students had to travel to Europe to acquire training. While professors responsible for the education of young aspiring composers were trained in Germany, the establishment of conservatories across the nation sought to eliminate the need to seek instruction from other countries and considered this move as a potential role in securing a national identity. In 1918, Walter Spalding published “The War in its Relation to American Music” where he argued that American music was still in its “infancy.” Referencing European music and implying limited American repertoire, he further notes that America should be “resolved that she would rely as little as possible on those who are paid to come and make music for her.”