The talking machine world (Jan-Dec 1916)

46 THE TALKING MACHINE WORLD THE EDUCATIONAL VALUE OF THE TALKING MACHINE By Mrs. Hariette De Ment-Packard, Los Angeles, Cal. MUSIC PUBLISHERS BOOST RECORDS My experience in using talking machine records to illustrate lectures before my students and the public leads me to believe that the discovery of the record as a means for spreading and bettering knowledge is one of the greatest importance to the educational world in this century. The lesson that is taught by precept is of value ; so is reinforcement of that precept by example. It is the illustration of precept, through the work of artists, that makes the record valuable to the pupil. Those who have had their education in the socalled music centers can hardly appreciate the value of correct ideas of traditional interpretation, but the less fortunate student who by circumstances of environment has never heard an opera, an orchestral interpretation of any of the great compositions, or an artist (beyond the rank of the B&B Phonograph Covers $5 each NOW you can obtain the famous B&B khaki moving cover, so you can deliver your machines less all scratches and plus all of the snappy varnish finish. Illusstration shows the cover, and the cover itself will say more than we can say in an advertisement of this size. Write for one of these to-day — or a dozen. Khaki is going up in price and if you obtain your Fall supplyr of Covers now, you run no risk of paying more. BRISTOL & BARBER 115 EAST 14th ST. NEW YORK TI7£ are also factors for a beautiful VV line of quality cabinets for talking machine records, player rolls and sheet music, as •well as piano benches and other phonograph and piano store supplies. few reduced to "barnstorming"), he is the one to realize what the record can be to him as an educator. These "record reproductions" — which coach not only the students in the art of interpretation, but gradually and subtly teach all those fortunate enough to come within hearing — are cultivating an ability that all America has long lacked — the ability to listen to music with intelligence. Surely, though gradually, with the familiarity resulting from frequently hearing artists interpret great music, the hearer learns to listen, and listening, not only assimilates and appreciates, but becomes even a responsive and "creative listener." A series of interesting papers recently appeared in the Atlantic Monthly by Robert Haven Schauffler bearing on the subjects of "The Creative Listener/' "How to Listen to Music," etc. These articles interested me perhaps more than anything else on the subject that I have ever read, and they also brought me forcefully to think of the value of these reproductions through the medium of talking machine records — a value, not only to people who live in parts of the country where the arts have not yet penetrated (except through pioneer pedagogy in schools and so-called conservatories of music, whose recitals by students and faculty constitute the sole means of disseminating music), but to people in our large cities, where acquaintance with what the public expects to hear is so lacking. To the Pianola and other player-pianos great honor is due for acquainting the world with the work of orchestral and other instruments, but to my mind the talking machine has brought an advance of incalculable value in contributing the reproduction of the human voice and also the interpretation of the classics gained from years of study by the artists with the masters. When we begin the education of a child we give the first lessons from pictures. When he progresses we give him books illustrated by artists — ■ the best artists available. When he studies literature as such we frequently benefit him by showing him pictures inspired through a perusal of the subject by artists, who express in color and line the thought of the poem. The interpreter of music must have the tonepicture of music in his mind quite as definitely as the painter must have the picture of the poem before his eyes before he can interpret or recreate in music the conception of the composer who gave that creation, not in color and outline, nor the poem's tapestry of words, but in music. The records bring within our reach the most wonderful of all music by the greatest artists the world produces. Can anything be said to add to their value as factors for education ? Nothing except . this : The talking machine record not only brings music within the reach of everyone, but it can be obtained at such a nominal expense that anyone who will may learn not only the interpretation of the most difficult music, but by carefully listening obtain many valuable lessons in technic. WORLD'S CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING Any member of the trade may forward to this office a "Situation" advertisement intended for this Department to occupy a space of four lines, asrate measure, and it will be inserted free. Replies will also be forwarded without cost. Additional space will be at the rate of 25c. per line. If bold faced type is desired the cost of same will be 25c. per line. Business opportunities 25c. per line. SITUATION WANTED by experienced man as manufacturer's agent in the Central West. Address "A. P. 6." The Talking Machine World, 220 State street, Chicago, 111 POSITION WANTED by live retail talking machine salesman inside or out. Small salary and drawing account. New York territory. Address "B. B. B.," care The Talking Machine World, 373 Fourth avenue New York City. ARE YOU GETTING YOUR SHARE OF TALKER PROFITS? — If you are not. Mr. Merchant, we should get together. If you are looking for a wide-awake, aggressive manager, with a thorough knowledge of talking machines, their selling points and the difference between them — I am vour answer. Address "More Business." care The Talking Machine World, 373 Fourth avenue. New York City. WANTED AT ONCE — An expert assembler of highgrade sound boxes. Must have had thorough experience in that line of work. Address "Expert." care The Talking Machine World, 373 Fourth avenue, New York City. Despite Declared Animosity -Against Mechanical Music, Publishers Are Now Supplying Special Posters to Help Record Sales In contrast to the frequent complaints on the part of music publishers that the copyright law does not give them a fair deal in the matter of the protection offered in mechanical reproduction of their music and that the talking machine record and music roll tend to injure the sale of popular songs, it is significant that not only are the majority of music publishers not only anxious but insistent that their publications be recorded in mechanical form. Not only that, but the publishers have for some time past been making efforts to assist in the sale of records and rolls. In many cases music publishers have watched the list of the talking machine companies and have prepared elaborate display cards and posters for featuring their songs in stores and show windows and have distributed them by the thousand among talking machine dealers at about the time the record has been placed on sale. The special advertising undoubtedly increases record sales materially, especially where it links up the record with a show or an act in which the song is used. That the music publishers may not be accused of acting the spendthrift through an excess of generosity in this particular, it might be mentioned that every one of • the standard records sold nets, say, two-cents royalty to the holder of the copyright, which means the publisher himself. WANTED A practical and experienced man, who understands all details purchasing parts and assembling talking machines. Salary and percentage of profits will be given the right man. References and past record must be given in confidence to advertiser. Box 800, The Talking Machine World, 373 Fourth Ave., New York. CAPITAL and services of business man who is a good sales getter for a talking machine business that can stand thorough investigation. Box 801, care The Talking Machine World, 373 Fourth Ave., New York. A Rare Opportunity To buy brand new 7500 Blue Amberol Records. 800 Blue Amberol Records, Opera. 20 Standard Phonos. 37 Name Phonos. All in original cases and equipped with Diamond point reproducers and cygnet horns. Closing out the line, will sell to highest bidder. Address, "Opportunitv," "Box 803," care The Talking Machine World, 373 Fourth Ave., New York. WANTED By Phonograph Factor}-, estimates on large quantities of double and single spring motors, tone arms, reproducers, diamond points and on any make of disc records. Address "Cash." care The Talking Machine World, 373 Fourth Ave., New York. Business For Sale Clean stock of Victor and Edison goods and small Musical Merchandise. Well located in Southern town of 120,000 population, and doing profitable business. Requires $20,000 to handle. Will accept part cash. For detailed information address "Clean Stock," care The Talking Machine World, 373 Fourth Ave., New York. $2500.00 Buys Victrola Business; splendid location, clean stock and nicely fitted store, low rent. 75 miles from New York. Address The Talking Machine World, 373 Fourth Ave., New York.