2018 Volume 2 Issue 1 Pages 81-90
The purpose of this study is to elucidate the music education initiative of Sir Robert Mayer, who held concerts for children in England from the end of the 19th century, on a long-term basis, and to clarify the historic relationship between children and classical music.
The characteristics of Sir Robert Mayer’s concerts were as follows: ① He arranged for top-class performers and commentators even if the audience comprised children. ② Most of the performers were British, and British works were included in the program. ③ A small admission charge was collected from the children.
The purpose of these concerts was audience education. Further, Mayer hoped to improve the situation surrounding the British music（education） world, and also wanted to alter the view held by other countries of Britain as a country with underdeveloped music.
In addition, Mayer later established a support group for young musicians, “Youth & Music.” Unlike the forced child prodigy training of the 19th century, he adopted a method to increase musicality while respecting the intentions of each young person.
