Western Reserve chronicle. [volume] (Warren, Ohio) 1855-1921, 1856-04-02
WHOLE NO. sOsI.s


G4AnO 1Oh4G ELA 1lNd-NO. 4.
In learning to play the Piano, the frs.
thing to be considered, is an instrument,
to practice upon. No Piano should be
tolerated, not possessing an even and
uniform touch, every key answering
promptly and with uniform force. /.
should possess a clear, pleasant tone, and
the quality of remaining in good tune for
a reasonable length Of time. It's well
known fact, that the ear forms its stand
ard Of quality of tone from that which i
hears almost exclusively. for any great
length of time. 1t can become so ha-
bituated TO incorrect and really bad
sounds, as 10 consider good and perfect.
sounds imperfect and incorrect, Just in
proportion as they are different. Many
new and even high priced Pianos donot
possess the qualities to be desirded-but
the want of them is more often expert
enced in old and second handed instru-
ments. In purchasing Piano, if posi-
bic always get a new one, it is economy
in the end. If the instrument is . good
one, the scholar wiH not as is so gene
rally believed "Wear it OUT" or materi-
ally injure it by learning on it. In Sc
lecting either a new or second-handed
Piano, unless you are good Judge. and
have had much experience in the line,
get some one in whom you can place con-
fdence to select for you, and then pur-
chase only of responsible dealers and
have the instrument warranted. Good
toned and seryicable pianos can be OBJ
tanned as low as s9s5-only octaves
however For Duets and the more dr.
6cult compositions for the piano six oe.
tsyes are not sufficient, and as an ex-
change is always attended with more or
less Inconvenience and expense, it is wise
to purchase larger scale in the begin
ming, especially for those expecting to
make any considerable degree of prof.
cheney. The larger scale instruments
vary in price usually from $3.50 to 5000
and even 5000. The selection of q
teacher is quite as important as the choice
Of an instrument. Many persons. es-
pecially in the Western States call them
selves teachers, and their so doing cor
stitutes their principal claim to the title.
They usually, however, receive conside-
rable patronage from parents not capable
of discriminating in the matter. 1t is
not utterly indispensable that teacher
should be fine performer, bu. it is GER
tainly very desirable. The pupil caz
learn much by imitation. by hearing
much good playing he will acquire more
or less the style of the master. Ii is also
desirable from the fact that it is almost
the only criterion by which those not
thoroughly versed in music can Judge
between teachers who are worthy of the
name. and those who are not. The in
stances are very rare where person is
fit to teach, even beginners who canno.
play difficult and classic music, and exc
cute it correctly and with taste. They
must have had at some time, thorough
discipline, and mach of Il. If such has
been the case, the ability to execute may
in part be lost by want of practice, but
the style, taste and theoretical knoWl-
edge will never be lost In order. to
make rapid progress, pupils should have
perfect confidence in their insh uctors,
and mind them implicitly. On the other
hand, competent teacher viii always
graduate the labor, daily required Of the
pupil according the age, strength, and in
some degree the inclination. WEAKNESS
and consequen. distaste for the study
should be carefully avoided. The pri-
ces for instruction on the piano are never
uniform. Music teachers, like persons of
every other profession. regulate ther pri-
ces very much according to the estimation
in which they are held by the public
1 have never known a well qualified per-
son to teach for less than $40, or Sle per
term of "a lessons. In the cities the
best teachers command easily $50 to $50
per term, and from their long experience,
aud high artistic skill. their instructions
are found to be richly worth the price
they ask. Light and trashy music should
be carefully excluded from the students
regimen. Nothing could be more de-
structive to the acquiring of a good style
and correct taste. than the free use that
is made Of the silly, trashy polkas, schot-
tisches and negro songs. with which the
country is well nigh inundated. Some
teachers through deplorsble ignorance,
use this style of music almost exclusive
ly. Many others indulge in it from =
desire to please. 1t is true, hard and
thorough drilling should oftentimeszbe
relieved with easy and attractive pieces,
but they should be used sparingly, and
selected with the greatest care and judg-
ment by the teacher.
D1LIGEscE, the hand maid of Proyi-