Professor of Music

[amethyst0_9]

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

[stanmapstone]

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   

Stan

[amethyst0_9]

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

[Janey2]

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

[mshrmh]

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

[celia]

How about the hall of Music very old building in chester

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

Celia

[ainslie]

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