ABSTRACT
I resumed my piano lessons with Mother Germaine; it was a pleasure that I looked forward to, just to be with her. Monsieur Sandré who founded the Calcutta School of Music was a violinist and under his tutelage, I tried to learn to play the instrument, but was a complete failure at it, in spite of all the patient guidance. Mother Germaine was very anxious that I should proceed to England and try to join the Royal Academy of Music for further tuition in playing the piano. She invited Monsieur Sandré to come and hear me play one morning, which he did. After my recital he told me that he was of the same opinion as Mother Germaine, and that if I was really serious about my music, it was no good my wasting my time in Calcutta but should try to go abroad. Unfortunately I had no such confidence in myself — however much I loved the instrument, I knew I lacked the physical stamina and strength for the long hours of practice required to be judged fit to join the Academy and be selected to appear for the L.R.A.M. [Licentiate of the Royal Academy of Music, a professional diploma]. Also, I had very little knowledge of the theory of music. I broached 97the subject to my father; he was lukewarm on the subject and said he would consider the matter.
