MISSION OF THE COLLEGE

The aim of the Conservatory is to educate pupils to desire to make a serious study of music with a view to a professional career in some branch of the art. The Conservatory, therefore, arranges its curriculum so that all pupils in its regular course who are studying to be teachers, singers or performers on any instrument shall pursue those theoretical branches which are necessary in their particular class, together with their instrumental and vocal practice.

The formal opening of the Conservatory as a unit of the University of the Philippines took place on 4 September 1916, in a large rented building at 963 R. Hidalgo St., Quiapo, Manila. A handful of students, mostly children of prominent Manilans, were the first enrollees. The First Director was Mr. George Wallace, a voice professor from the New England Conservatory of Boston, Massachussetts, with Mr. Fernando Canon as secretary.

In 1924, the Conservatory moved to Isaac Peral and Nebraska Streets in Ermita, then to
Villamor Hall in 1933, and finally to Diliman, Quezon City in 1948. The College used to be
located at the Administration Building of the University until the present Music building named in honor of the famous Filipino and alumnus (Composition) of the College, Nicanor Abelardo, was built in 1963 with the assistance of the United States Agency for International Development. A new wing was added and inaugurated last February 1991.