Los Angeles herald., 1906-12-09


construction; likewise every one has
heard music, but some may not know
the principle involved In its compo-
sition. We shall, therefore, make an
attempt to explain these two princi-
pies In order that what we shall here
after say about the human mind may
be understood more readily.
The principle involved in the con-
struction Of piano is that the music
to be played on IL has an alphabet Of
It's own, consisting of n definite num-
Der of letters; likewise the principle
involved In the composition of music
Is that this definite number of letters
(sounds) can be so arranged as to
produce melody or harmony or both
combined-in other words, music.
Now the musical alphabet, as every
one doubtless knows, consists of seven
letters, and, while q plano may have
ever so great number of keys and
musical composition may be ever
so complex, yet the construction of
the former, as well as the composition
of the latter, is based upon the prin-
ciples mentioned.
The foregoing is true, not only in
regard to the construction of a piano.
but any other musical instrument;
similarly, not only in regard to the
composition of music to be played on
one, but to be played on any other
musical instrument We shall, how
ever, concern ourselves with the piano
and the music which an individual is
capable of playing on that instrument
BY placing a finger on any key of
piano sound is heard and every time
we place a finger on any other key,
a different sound Is heard: lastly, by
placing a finger on the first key and
another finger on the second key we
hear two sounds at the same time.
1t is well known that If an individ-
ual wishes to know either how to make
piano or to compose music for that
instrument, or to play that music on
the finished instrument, or do all these
things together he must learn and
study. True, not all who learn and
study can develop the genius instinct
If l may be permitted the term, but
most can acquire at least a certain
amount of ability.
has the latent ability to do either of
the foregoing or all combined, what
must he or she do to develop it?
Again, learn and study; study and
klearn. There is no other way by which
| it can be done. And if we suppose
person who does not know that the
| latent ability is within him or her
then willingness to know and effort
on his Cor herr part will disclose it.
In other words, except in rare cases
of born geniuSes, willingness to know
and effort to acquire knowledge are
necessary qualifications which every
| individual must possess in order to
accomplish anything.
Again, good piano player can play
any kind of music on a piano; the
word H'difficult" Is not in his or her
vocabulary, in so far as piano music
is concerned. Nay, he or she can read
any kind OF music that is written for
almost any instrument other than a
piano. Why? Because music is
music; rather, the musical letters are
always the same. Forsooth, person
who can read musical letters written
FLOR any instrument can read the musi-
cal letters of all Instruments What
does that imply? Again, it implies
that music is music at all times, every
| where
The human mind is, in many re-
spects, not unlike the piano. The piano,
as we have explained, has keys and
each key represents a letter-a musical
letter (sound). The human mind has
faculties and each faculty has its own
| function. Again, the piano has A
| definite number of fundamental let
ters; the human mind has, as far as we
know, a definite number of faculties.
Once more, we can play on only one
piano key, or two or more keys at the
| same time; we can use only one
| faculty, or two or more at the same
| time. Lastly, one can become good,
bad or Indifferent piano player; one can
also make good, bad or Indifferent use
OF his faculties.
What Is necessary to develop the
faculties of the human mind? The
same things that were required to de-
velop the latent ability of a pianist,
| ms will
one is endowed with faculties and they
can be developed to the highest degree
| by constant effort. Most people, how
ever, we regret to say, prefer to let
| their own faculties decay and applaud
to- the highest pitch those few mortals
who for good or evil purposes have
developed their faculties.
1t is not very easy to comprehend
why most people prefer to listen to
music rather than play music them
selves, but the fact is true. Is it any
the less easy to comprehend why most
people prefer to witness to what extent
others have developed their faculties,
rather than try to develop their own?
| Nay, one can comprehend why it is So
| in the former case, but not at all In the
latter. However, everyone must make
up his or her mind that nothing can be
accomplished without effort and the
| Willingness 10 Try
| There are on the market all kinds OF
doctorsl All these doctors have things
to SELL The doctor of divinity sells
salvation, so called the doctor of medi-
cine sells dope; the doctor of philosophy
sells mental speculations; the doctor of
laws sells legal documents; the doctor
of letters sells words. In short, every
doctor has something to sell.
If you want to buy anything all you
have to do is to go to the doctor" who
has the thing for sale, and after paving
the price asked you will receive what?
All! there is the rub. What will you
get for your money? Why you will
get what the partic doctor to whom
you go has to sell. VIII 1t do you any
good? That is a different matter.
1t is surprising to what extent the
word doctor is abused. Most people
have notion that piece of paper or
parchment on which the word is writ
ten means something. Disabuse your
minds, for it means nothing, as a rule.
The word doctor means teacher; and
ff UO1I on IN a "dOQtOP of laws" for