It is my object in this paper to attempt to trace in outline the arrival and evolution of Western Music in South Africa from the earliest times to the present day. In the first place, however, I should like it to be clearly understood that I am giving this paper extempore. When I acceded to your Secretary's request that I should read a paper, I was in Devonshire; my books and records which are in South Africa were completely inaccessible, and so I had perforce to prepare my survey from memory.