f the Conservatory of
Music. He then went to London and prepared himself for oratorio under
Randegger. His European career was one of continuous success and he
sang in London, Edinburg, Berlin, Dresden, Paris, etc. His first great
work in American concerts was at the Worcester musical festival in
company with Madam Melba, Mme. Lillian Blauvelt, Campanari and other
artists, all under the baton of Carl Zerrahn. After singing in concert
and oratorio and other musical attractions for a number of years, he
received a flattering offer from the Mollenhauer Conservatory of
Music, Brooklyn, to teach the vocal department, the place he has so
successfully held since 1901, besides having large classes of private
pupils, both in Brooklyn and New York. He is considered a leading
concert baritone of New York and his services are constantly in
demand. Mr. Keith has made several visits to California with eminent
artists like Rivarde, Lachaume and others.

MADAM TREGAR

Madam Tregar was one of my San Bernardino pupils of English parentage.
At that time she was married and living in a modest way, desiring some
day to be able to satisfy her longing to sing. When she heard of my
singing and teaching she ventured to call and consult me in regard to
her voice. Her appearance did not inspire me with much encouragement,
but after hearing her story I decided to see what could be done. She
had never had any instruction except on the piano. I tried her rather
doubtfully. To my surprise I found she possessed more pure and natural
tones than I had ever heard in any voice. She had a range of almost
two octaves, every note without a flaw. I felt sorry that there was so
much to find in the voice, without a personality to round out the
perfect instrument. It was evident she would be a thorough student,
and do her work conscientiously, if she began. I resolved to try and
see what could be done. At the end of sixteen months the change in the
voice and woman was almost incomprehensible. The obstacles which
seemed unsurmountable at first were but the first defects to be
overcome, but with good understanding and proper placement these
faults disappeared as quickly as the frost before the morning sun. At
the closing recital of my sixteen months' stay she sang for her number
Gounod's Ave Maria with violin accompaniment, in the original key, to
the delight and great astonishment of the San Bernardino people, who
rather made her the butt of their musical jok