Head in 1956 both broadcast performances of a high standard and offered helpful advice on musical subjects to student listeners.
61. The policy of broadcasting weekly recitals by local artists was continued throughout the year, and a constantly rising standard of performances has been noted.
62. There are always two schools of thought among listeners. One maintains that music should be played, and the least said about it the better, while the other welcomes analysis and explanation. Followers of the second group appears to be growing in number and the series of talks given by Father T. F. Ryan, S.J. under the title "Musical Notebook", have filled a definite need. This series continued throughout the year 1955-1956 and only came to an end after a record run of nearly eight years.
In order to assist further in meeting this demand for knowledge and analysis of serious music, two new programmes were introduced during the year. "Music Magazine", designed as a series for the winter season, was produced by Peter Sharp and ran with zest for 17 editions in which some 57 contributors gave their views on musical subjects. These views were by no means vague and platitudinous. Anyone who took part in "Music Magazine" was required to "take to pieces" and analyse his or her subject with appropriate illustrations. It was encouraging that all the Colony's visiting musical celebrities appeared readily on the programme; the contribution by Benjamin Britten and Peter Pears was later rebroadcast by the B.B.C.
Correspondence received from school children asking for the playing of "definitive" recordings of examination pieces inspired a series designed for music students called "Adventure in Music". This was introduced in November 1955 by Michael Head, who gave it his blessing. The series included talks and advice by returned students from the United Kingdom and America, the playing of examination pieces and the introduction of unfamiliar works to stimulate young musicians to vary their repertory.
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