ABSTRACT
The story of Australian public music examinations unfolded during a period of growing national identity leading to the Federation of Australian States and Territories in 1901 and the establishment of the Commonwealth of Australia. Public music examinations provided educational prestige recognised within the British Empire and Stephen Banfield comments that they catered to a 'passion for validated personal betterment'. The first examination scheme to operate in the state was established in 1876 by the Musical Association of Victoria. From 1892 this project was continued by the Musical Society of Victoria (MSV). The MSV examinations contrasted with those of Trinity College London, which began examining in Melbourne in 1882. Public music examinations provided a nexus between public administration, higher education, music teachers, commerce and the experience of music in the home, with its influence on public music culture. This nexus is most clearly seen in the role of the Conservatorium Examinations Board.
