James Churchill Fisher (1826-1891) - New South Wales

 

James Churchill Fisher (born at Portsmouth, England, 1826; died at 

Parramatta, NSW, 22 March 1891), music educator.  Emigrated to NSW in 1852

and was conductor of the Sydney Choral Society.  Introduced the Tonic Sol-fa

teaching method to NSW through adult singing classes and, after various

positions as a school master, was appointed as singing master to Sydney

schools and teacher training colleges.  Initiated Tonic Sol-fa teaching in public

schools in 1963, it being adopted as the official music teaching method in 1867. 

Composed school songs and cantatas, and published several Tonic Sol-fa

songbooks and a textbook.

Biographical summary by Robin S. Stevens.

 

References:

Stevens, R. S., Music in State-Supported Education in New South Wales and

Victoria, 1848-1920  (PhD thesis, University of Melbourne, 1978).  University

Microfilms International, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 1980, No. 80-24820.

Stevens, R. S. (2000), 'James Fisher: Pioneer of Tonic Sol-fa in

Australia', a paper presented at the XXIIth Annual Conference of

the Australian Association for Research in Music Education,

University of Melbourne, June 31-July 3, 2000.