Motion Picture Magazine (Aug 1928-Jan 1929)

They gave me the ha-ha when I offered to play . . . but I was the life of the party after that THE first day of Dorothy's house party at her cottage on the shore had been a huge success. With an afternoon of swimming, boating and golfing we were all set for the wonderful dinner that followed. "Well, folks," said Bill enthusiastically, as we were leaving the table, "I don't know how you feel, but I'm all pepped up for a good dance." "Fine!" cried Dorothy. "Dick Roberts has his banjo and can sure make it hum. Now who can play the piano?" Instantly the laughter and merriment ceased. All looked at one another foolishly. But no one said a word. "How about *you Jim, you play, don't you?" asked Dot. "Yes I'll play 'Far, Far Away,'" laughed Jim. "Well then, Mabel, will you help us out?" "Honestly, Dot, I hate to admit it, but I can't play a note," she answered. It certainly looked as if the party were going flat. Plenty of dancers but no one to play. Then I Offered to Play "If you folks can stand it," I offered shyly, "I'll play for you." The crowd, silent until now, instantly burst out in laughter. "You may be able to play football, Jack, but you can't tackle a piano." "Quit your kidding," cut in another. "I've never heard you play a note and I've known you all your life." "There isn't a bar of music in your whole makeup," laughed Mabel. A feeling of embarrassment mingled with resentment came over me. But as I strode to trie piano I couldn't help chuckling to myself when I thought of the surprise I had in store for them. No one knew what to expect. They thought I was about to make a fool of myself. Some laughed. Others watched me wide-eyed. Then — I struck the first snappy chords of that foot-loosing foxtrot "St. Louis Blues." Dick was so dumbfounded he almost dropped his banjo. But in a flash he had picked up the rhythm and was strumming away like mad. Although they could hardly believe their ears, the crowd were all on their feet in a jiffy. And how they danced! Fox-trots, waltzes — ■ • PICK YOUR INSTRUMENT Piano Violin Organ Clarinet Ukulele Flute Cornet Saxophone Trombone Harp Piccolo Mandolin Guitar 'Cello Hawaiian Steel Guitar Si^ht Singing Piano Accordion Voice and Speech Culture Harmony and Composition Drums and Traps Automatic Finger Control Banjo (Ple< trum, 5-String or Tenor) with rests few and far between. After a good round of dancing I decided to give them some real music and began a beautiful Indian love lyric. The couples, who but a moment before had been dancing merrily, were now seated quietly about the room, entranced by that plaintive melody. No sooner had the last soft notes died away than I was surrounded by my astonished friends. Questions were fired at me from all sides. "How wonderful, Jack! Why haven't you played for us before?" "How long have you been studying?" "Why have you kept it a secret all these years when you might have been playing for us?" "Who gave you lessons? He must be wonderful!" I Reveal My Secret Then I explained how some time before I made up my mind 'to go in for something besides sports. I wanted to be able to play — to entertain others— to be popular. But when I thought of the great expense and the years of study and practice required, I hesitated. Then one day I ran across an announcement in a magazine telling of a new. quick and simple way to learn music at home., without a teacher.* I was a little skeptical at first, but it was just what I wanted so I sent for the free booklet and demonstration lesson. The moment I saw it I was convinced and sent for the complete course at once. When the lessons arrived, I started right in, giving a few minutes of my spare time each day. And what fun it was — even from the very beginning. No monotonous scales — no tedious exercises — no tricky methods — just a simple, commonsense system that even a child could understand. And best of all I was playing my favorite numbers almost from the start. Anyone can learn to play this easy no-teacher way — right at home. The piano if desired; or any other instrument that you may choose. Almost half a million people have learned to play by this simple system in less than half the time it takes by the oldfashioned methods. And regardless of what instrument you pick, the cost averages only a few cents a day. Send for Free Booklet and Demonstration Lesson To prove how simple and practical this remarkable course is, the U. S. School of Music has arranged a typical demonstration lesson and explanatory booklet which you may have for the asking. So if you really want to learn to play — if you wish to win a host of friends — to be popular everywhere — write for this free booklet and valuable demonstration lesson. Don't delay, act at once — fill in and mail the attached coupon today — no obligation whatever. Instruments supplied when needed, cash or credit. U. S. School of Music, 609 Brunswick Bldg., New York City. U. S. SCHOOL OF MUSIC, 609 Brunswick Bldg., New York City Please send me your free book, "Music Lessons in Your Own Home," with introduction by Dr. Frank Crane, demonstration lesson, and particulars of your easy payment plan. I am interested in the following: course: Have you above instrument? Name (Please write plainly) Address City State 77