The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1921-11-23
BlrnHngh0m'S Musicians

During the recent emi-centennial
celebration no branch of culture or
circle of intellectual development
showed more progress during the so
years of Birmingham life than
music.
From the old days when the visit
ing" music teacher went from house
to house giving lessons-and crack
ing" the knuckles of the pupil With
a pencil, which was used also to point
out the passages which were not cor
Tectly played-up to the period when
the first music schools were estab-
lished; from the volunteer choir stage
of musical conditions, to the paid
choir; from the first amateur musical
affairs given by clubs, up to the
splendid efforts made during the past
few years by music clubs and organ
cations, Birmingham is an interest
ing study and shows tremendous
progress. as l mentioned previously.
Music, which is regarded by those
of culture and refinement as a neces-
sity rather than a luxury. is one OF
the most subtle influences ever
brought to bear upon any community.
Next TO the religious activities of
any town comes the musical activi-
ties; refining in its influence, broad
ening in its scope, cultural in its
mission, music, beautiful music, is
truly like the poet Wordsworth pic
lures it:
Where music dwells
Lingering AMI wandering on as
10th to die
Like thoughts whose very sweet
ness yieldeth proof
That they were born for immor-
tally"
Birmingham has realized that
music is an all-important factor in
It's life, and in so doir.g has accom-
plished wonders--in church music,
community music, concerts. recltals,
and schools, and among the latest ac-
QUESTIONS to our local musical world
is Mrs. Marion NJ MeCray, a very
talented pianist who has taken her
place with Birmingham's best
musicians, allying herself with the
Birmingham Conservatory of Music
as teacher, with Mrs. Edna Gockel
Gussen, the accomplished director of
this well known institution.
Mrs. McCray made her initial ap-
pearance in concert here on Sunday
afternoon in the second of a series
sen is presenting this winter and she
made a pleasing impression upon all
who heard her.
Coming here a few-months ago
and having always been connected
with the musical activities of my
home town, jamestown. Pennsyl-
vania," Mrs. McCray said to me a few
days ago when l was enjoying a de-
lightful hour with her and Mrs. Gus
sen in her attractive studio at the
conservatory. Il naturally began to
inquire into the musical setting of
Birmingham. 1t did not take me very
long to discover Mrs. Gussen's posi-
tion here, for from everyone l heard
of her wonderful success as builder
of a great conservatory, and of her
excellence as musician.
1T had been my plan to continue
my studies here" Mrs. McCray said.
and so l Rad chosen Mrs. Gussen as
a teacher and when l played for her
and talked with her, she very kindly
invited me to connect myself with
the Birmingham conservatory as a
teacher-pupil, which of course was
quite agreeable to me.
80 in coming to Birmingham in
search of a pleasant climate for my
husband. who was on the list of dis
abled soldiers after two years of
fighting in France during the war"
Mrs. McCray said. II found not only
a delightful climate but a delightful
musical atmosphere pervading the
place-which, of course, was a great
JOY to me"
1.-THE best assets for a successful
piano teacher" Mrs. McCray repeated
after me. Il would say perhaps per-
sonality and l mean by that the per-
sonality to make yourself liked by
the pupil; when a pupil likes teach
err 1t is more than apt to turn out
that the pupil will do any thing in
the way of study for the teacher and
with patience added to personality
the teacher Is very sure of success.
Nowadays the efficient music
school makes musicians of pupils
rather than players--as was the way
in the old days" Mrs. McCray said,
Now all the accessories, SO to speak,
must go with voice, piano, violin, a
thorough understanding of the prin-
ciples of music-which formerly were
not required of the pupil"
And the successful pupils best as
set?" l inquired.
rs, of course. talent" Mrs. McCray
said, although l have seen many
plodders turn out to be better plan
lists than those with talent. A tall
onted pupil so often throws away his
talent by lack of application, every
thing coming too easy for him while
the 'plodder' must work hard for
everything he accomplishes; so that
IN addition to talent the successful