Were the observations I am about to address to you intended only for the hearing and perusal of the members of the Musical Association, I might long have hesitated before I ventured to discourse upon music as a profession in this country; inasmuch as I do not presume to think that I can say anything upon that subject which is not as well known to them as to myself. Still, with a professional experience of more than half a century, I am not without hope that I may, perchance, touch upon topics which may prove to be of interest and utility to my younger and less experienced professional brethren and sisters.