83 - D'INDY (Vincent) (1851–1931)

D'INDY (Vincent) (1851–1931) French composer and educator, a student of César Franck and co-founder of the Schola Cantorum in Paris. Autograph letter signed “Vincent d'Indy,” addressed to a correspondent. Paris, May 17, 1910. 1 p. in-4, in black ink, on printed Schola Cantorum letterhead, 269 Rue Saint-Jacques, Paris. An interesting letter devoted to the organization of exams and the pedagogical principles of the Schola Cantorum. Vincent d’Indy sets forth his view on student assessment and emphasizes the need to hold at least one exam during the school year: “It does not seem acceptable to me that a class should not take at least one exam during the school year.” He clarifies, however, that the purpose is not to judge the students’ impressions, but to assess their knowledge and abilities: “The exam (which is the opposite of a conservatory entrance exam) is simply to determine how far each student has progressed in the subject they are studying and what they are capable of doing. ” He proposes limiting the exams to simple exercises, notably a keyboard performance and a two-part dictation. A remarkable account of Vincent d’Indy’s teaching methods and the pedagogical principles of the Schola Cantorum, an institution founded in opposition to the traditional methods of the Paris Conservatory. Some age-related creases, slight signs of handling.