Screenland (May–Oct 1927)

SCREENLAND 81 They Thought I Was Dying to be Funny Until I Started to Play Then IGaVe Them the Surprise of Their lites THE crowd sat spellbound — fascinated by the rich full notes of Harry's violin. Yes, it was beautiful — for Harry was a brilliant performer. Yet I could not help chuckling to myself when I thought of the surprise I had in store for them. I waited until the last ripple of applause had stopped. Then with mock dignity I arose. "With your kind permission,"' I announced, "I shall now charm you with a piano recital." Everyone snickered, "Does he really play I" one girl asked. "Yes," Phil laughed, 'he plays the Victrola — beautifully !" Someone behind me whispered : "Jim must have his little joke." "How about playing Rachmaninoff's 'Prelude in C Minor,' Jim!" another suggested. The room was in an uproar. They were sure I couldn't play a note. "With studied clumsiness, I fell over the piano stool and dropped the lid on my hand. Then with all the gravity of a master pianist, I proceeded to pick out "Chop Sticks" with one finger! The crowd roared with laughter. This was the dramatic moment for my surprise. Dropping the mask of the clown, I struck the first sweet chords of Wagner's lovely "The Evening Star" from "Tannhauser." The laughter died on their Pick Your Instrument Piano 'Cello Organ Harmony and Violin Composition Drums and Sight Singing Traps Ukulele Guitar Hawaiian Mandolin Steel Guitar Harp Clarinet Cornet Flute Piccolo Saxophone Trombone Voice and Speech Culture Automatic Finger Control Piano Accordion Banjo (5-String, Plectrum or Banjo) lips. The magic of my music cast a spell over everyone. As I played on with complete confidence I forgot the room — the people — everything. I was alone — lost in the sheer beauty of the immortal master's tender melodies. The Thrill of My Life When the last haunting strain of the mellow notes had faded away, there was a dead silence. Had I failed 1 A roar of applause answered my question. Then I felt the thrill that comes with real success 1 A perfect bedlam of questions and congratulations followed from my amazed and dumbfounded friends — "How long have you been playing?" — "Who was your teacher?" — "Where did you learn ?" "I know it is hard to believe," I replied happily, "but I learned at home — and without a teacher!" How I Learned They were too completely surprised to say anything so I told them the whole story. "I have always wanted to play the piano. But I never had a chance to take lessons when I was a youngster and as time went on I reluctantly said goodbye to my ambition to play. Then I saw an interesting ad one day. It told about a new, easy way of learning music — right at home — without a teacher. It seemed too good to be true. But I did want to play and it certainly was worth investigating as long as it didn't cost me a cent. So I sent for the Free Demonstration Lesson and Booklet. "When they arrived. I was amazed to see how easy playing the piano really was — easier than I dared hope. I knew right away that I could master it. So I decided that I would send for the course and practice secretly. Then I could surprise you all." Just a Few Minutes a Day "The course was as fascinating as a new game. I enjoyed every minute of it. I was playing real tunes from the start by note. Reading music was as easy as A-B-C! No weary scales, no monotonous exercises, no tiresome hours of practicing. And each lesson was easier than the last. Although I never had any "special talent" for music I was playing my favorites almost before I knew it. Soon I could play jazz, ballads, classical music — all with equal ease. Well, did I surprise you?" You, Too, Can Quickly Learn Tou. too, can learn to play your favorite instrument by this remarkable easy "at home" method that has helped almost half a million people all over the world to increased pleasure and financial gain. And there's nothing marvelous about it. It's just a common sense 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 its cost averages just a few cents a day! Free Book and Demonstration Lesson Our wonderful illustrated free book and our free demonstration lesson explain an about this remarkable method. They prove just how anyone 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. Sign the coupon and send it before it's too late. Instruments supplied when needed, cash or credit. U. S. School of Music, 3227 Brunswick Bldg.. New York. U. S. School of Music, 3227 Brunswick Bldg.. New York City. Please send me your free book, "Music "Lessons in Tour 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..