This history of the Royal Academy of Music was undertaken at the suggestion, and under the superintendence of the Earl of Westmorland, the noble founder of the Institution, to whose kindness I am indebted for much of the matter contained in these pages, more especially for the correspondence, which forms an integral portion. To Sir Richard Vyvyan, Bart., M.P., is due entirely the idea of the biographical sketches, without which much of the interest would be wanting. To the same distinguished member of the Committee I am also under obligations for many other valuable suggestions.

The history comprises only about eleven years of the life of the Institution; but it is this portion alone that has any interest, for when all the struggles and troubles attending its establishment are at an end, the records of a mere routine of business give no material for publication. I now leave the book, with a hope that when the facts connected with the origin and progress of the Royal Academy are made known, it will increase the sympathies of the public in its favour, and be a means, among others, of securing that patronage and support now necessary for placing it on a permanent footing.