Picture Play Magazine (Mar-Aug 1926)

Advertising Section 13 Laugh If You Like -7 -"But I Did Learn MwicWithout a Teacher IT was at a little social gathering. Everyone had been called on to entertain and all had responded with a song or with a selection on some musical instrument. And now it was my turn. I had always been known as a sort of "sit in the corner." I had never been able to either sing or play. So they all murmured as I smiled confidently and took my place at the piano. Then I played — played as no one else had played that evening. First some ballads, then beautiful classical numbers, and now I was closing with rollicking tunes from all the musical shows — anything they asked for. For the first time in my life I knew the thrill of real pride. How many nights I had sat in my room — alone ! And yet here I was now the very center of this gay party ! I would not have traded my place with anyone. They had listened — dumbfounded. For a moment, now that I had finished, they remained motionless — silent. And then the storm broke ! Thunderous applause ! Joyful congratulations ! A veritable triumph ! Then they bombarded me with questions. "How did you do it?" they chorused. "And you're the one who didn't know a note !" "Why didn't you tell us you were taking lessons privately?" "Who was your teacher?" The questions came fast. For a moment they overwhelmed me. "Teacher? I never had one," I replied, "I learned all by myself, at home." They laughed in disbelief. "Laugh if you want," I countered, — "but I did learn music without a teacher. Yet there's nothing remarkable about it. "It's true, comparatively a few short months ago I didn't know one note from another. Yet I loved music — everybody does. But I couldn't afford to engage a private teacher. And I couldn't bear the thought of monotonous scales and tedious exercises. Anyway, I thought a person had to have special talent to become a musician. "But you all know how I've just sat around and watched the rest of you entertain. How I used to envy Laura playing beautifully mellow notes on her sax — or Billy jazzing up a party with his peppy banjo! Time after time I longed to be able to play. "And then one night I was sitting at home alone, as usual, reading a magazine. Suddenly my eye caught a startling announcement. Could it be true? It told of a new, easy method of quickly learning music — right in your own home — and without a teacher. It sounded impossible — but it made me wonder. After all, about all the colleges have home study courses for most every subject, so, I decided, it was certainly worth investigation — as long as it didn't cost a cent to find out. So I signed the coupon, dropped the letter in the box, and — well, you know the rest." The course, I explained to them, was more helpful than I ever dreamed possible. It was amazing in its simplicity — even a child could learn to play this quick, easy way. I chose the piano. And from the very beginning I was playing — not wearisome scales but real notes, catchy tunes — just like a regular musician! And it was all tremendous fun — just like a fascinating game ! Now I can play almost anything — jazz or classical. I am never ata loss to entertain. Wherever there's a jolly party you're sure to find me. Wherever there's life and fun and music — I'll be there ! No more melancholy nights alone. No more dreary hours of solitude. And I even play in an orchestra on the side and make a lot of money having a wonderful time! Tick Your INSTRUMENT Piano Harmony and Composition Organ Sight Singing Violin Ukulele Drums and Guitar Traps Mandolin Hawaiian Steel Guitar Clarinet Harp Flute Cornet Saxophone Piccolo 'Cello Trombone Voice and Speech Culture Automatic Finger Control Piano Accordion Banjo (Plectrum, 5=String and Tenor) You, too, can learn to play your favorite instrument by this remarkable easy "at home" method that has helped almost a half million people all over the world to increased pleasure and financial gain. And there's nothing marvelous about it. It's just a commonsense practical method — so simple you don't have to know the slightest thing about music. You find your progress amazingly rapid because every step is clear and easy to understand. Just pick out the instrument you want to play. The U. S. School of Music does the rest. And it costs just a few cents a day ! Free Book and Demonstration Lesson Our wonderful illustrated free book and our free demonstration lesson explain all about this remarkable method. They prove just how any one can learn to play his favorite instrument in almost no time and for just a fraction of what old slow methods cost. If you really want to learn to play — if new friends, good times, social popularity and increased income appeal to you — take this opportunity to make your dreams come true. Now ! Sign the coupon and send it before it's too late. Instruments supplied when needed, cash or credit. U. S. School of Music 536 Brunswick Bldg. New York City U. S. SCHOOL OF MUSIC, 536 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 Special Offer. I am interested in the following course : Have you above instrument? Name Address City State