Liberty to select their own methods and attitudes is not commonly enjoyed by teachers in other lands; its existence in this country is not an immemorial right and dates only from the early years of the present century. In conferring this freedom upon teachers Robert Morant, now an almost forgotten figure whose highly unusual background is outlined, emphasised that freedom of choice implies a corresponding responsibility in its use. The fuller implications of that declaration are seldom realised and the injunction itself is regularly ignored. The special case of music is examined in relation to this circumstance.