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England (Counties as in 1851-1901) => England => Cheshire => Topic started by: amethyst0_9 on Tuesday 25 August 09 07:14 BST (UK)

Title: Professor of Music
Post by: amethyst0_9 on Tuesday 25 August 09 07:14 BST (UK)

Hello
We have a relative, John Platt, and according to the 1911 census he was a professor of music.   He was living in Newton by Chester, in the subdistrict Chester Cathedral.
Does this mean he was a teacher? and if so, anybody got any ideas as to where he might have taught.   I have emailed the University to see if they have any record of him, but havent had any response as yet.
He was living with 2 other musicians, one whose house it was.   
Any suggestions would be great.   Thanks in advance.
Regards
Jan

Title: Re: Professor of Music
Post by: stanmapstone on Tuesday 25 August 09 14:18 BST (UK)

From the Oxford English Dictionary
Professor:  Assumed as a grandiose title by professional teachers  :)


At that time it was more usual for people to call themselves "Professor" of Music etc. if they wanted to impress. You can see plenty advertising in the newspapers, and in Directories in the 19th Century. In the 1881 Census there are 13 Doctors of Music, and 3,593 Professors of Music   ;D

Stan

Title: Re: Professor of Music
Post by: amethyst0_9 on Wednesday 26 August 09 21:43 BST (UK)

Hello
Do you know of any theatres around Newton by Chester that are still around.
2 of the muscians had "theatre" under "industry or service with which the worker is connected".
Regards
Jan

Title: Re: Professor of Music
Post by: Janey2 on Thursday 27 August 09 15:06 BST (UK)

There was the Royalty Theatre in Chester City. I don't think there would have been any theatres in Newton, being a suburb of Chester but stand corrected on this.

http://www.chesterwalls.info/gallery/royalty.html

Janey2

Title: Re: Professor of Music
Post by: mshrmh on Thursday 27 August 09 17:10 BST (UK)

Jan - you might find something for him in the trade directories. There are some online at
http://www.historicaldirectories.org/hd/
and
http://cheshiredirectories.manuscripteye.com/index.htm

Title: Re: Professor of Music
Post by: celia on Friday 28 August 09 14:03 BST (UK)

How about the hall of Music very old building in chester

http://www.theatrestrust.org.uk/resources/theatres/show/2172-music-hall-chester.

Celia

Title: Re: Professor of Music
Post by: ainslie on Friday 28 August 09 14:49 BST (UK)

As already said, some teachers of music adopted the title 'professor' with no link to any university.  They may have taught the piano or other instruments privately, they may have been church organists, as well as the occupations others have suggested.
A