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The Music Trade Review
Man's Place in Music, as Analyzed by
A. G. Gulbransen, of the Gulbransen Co.
President of Chicago Piano Firm Tells of the Change That Is Taking Place Towards
Music in the Masculine Mind of the Country Today
A GROUP of men get together at a business
•^^ or social function—at a Kiwanis, Rotary
or other similar gathering. There is a singer
in the room, but a piano accompaniment is
required. Time after time I have seen cases
of this sort, where even with sixty or seventy
men present not one is able to step up and
play a piano accompaniment. This is a sad
reflection on our business—this failure to con-
A. G. Gulbransen
vince the people of the country that ability to
play the piano is an asset.
Fortunately a number of factors are at work
now which should result in bringing about a
change in this condition.
One of these is the splendid orchestras that
have been built up and which may be heard
in the leading motion picture theatre houses
in the country. Here large aggregations of
men play musical instruments of all sorts. The
information has gotten out that these men are
well paid. Great reputations have been earned
by the individual members of such organiza-
tions.
These orchestras have caused the youth of
the nation to realize that the playing of a
musical instrument represents a real asset. If
they ever possessed the idea that there is
something effeminate about a man playing a
musical instrument, that idea has been largely
wiped out through admiration of the fine work
that the men have shown themselves capable
of doing in public performance.
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In most orchestras the piano is the founda-
tion, the basic instrument. In many cases the
outstanding solo numbers of the orchestra are
played on the piano. A well-sung ballad with
simple accompaniment played on the piano
probably gets closer to the hearts of the audi-
ences than other numbers and furnishes a
contrast to the blare of other instruments.
1 feel that the many bands and choral so-
cieties are doing their share also in changing
the attitude towards man's place in music.
Many boys' bands, for example, are graduating
thousands of boy musicians from their ranks
every year.
Another factor is the piano-playing tourna-
ments. In the Chicago tournament 25 per cent
of the entrants were boys. The biggest prize
winner of all, the pianist who carried away the
$1,500 cash prize in addition to the other awards,
was a boy.
At every piano-playing preliminary it was
commented upon that the boys seemed to take
hold of the piano in masterly fashion. They
seemed to have such complete control. The
greater force with which they strike the keys
is an undoubted asset where the composition
calls for heavy playing. So the boys came
out with flying colors, in spite of the fact that
there is unquestionably a greater personal at-
traction in a young girl at the piano keyboard.
Another factor that is changing public opin-
ion is the simpler systems of learning to play
the piano. It is not necessary for a boy or
girl to give as much time to the study of the
piano as formerly. There are short cuts, which
have shown their value in inciting the interest
of children and in combing out those who have
no talent or desire to play the piano from those
who have.
Music, to a greater extent than any other
art to-day, offers an opportunity for earning
a very comfortabe living. Tens of thousands
of people are making good money through it.
Music has taken its rightful place as a means
of livelihood.
Thousands are learning to play the pipe
organ, and yet how many would turn to that
instrument without first being able to play the
piano? The piano is truly the basic instru-
ment. One may learn to play it and go no
further, but if one wishes to go on to any
other instrument, a knowedge of piano playing
is almost vital and will enable much faster
progress to be made in mastering the particular
instrument that is being studied.
Improving DeForest Store
SHARON, I'A., July 18.—Work has been com-
menced on the installation of a handsome new
front at the DeForest Pioneer Music House,
West State street. The present display win-
dows will be enlarged by a further extension
of fifteen feet. In the center of the entrance
a large floating showcase will be installed, at
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JULY 23, 1927
the rear of which the stairway will lead to the
mezzanine. When exterior alterations have
been completed improvements will be made to
the interior of the store and several of the
departments will be allotted additional floor
space.
Leo Landau Organizes
Company in Hazleton, Pa.
HAZLKTON, I'A., July 19.—Leo Landau, formerly
identified with the Landau Music Store, this
city, has severed his connections with this
business and has formed a new company to
be called Landau Bros. The concern will oc-
cupy the new three-story and basement build-
ing being erected at 17 West Broad street in
the near future and will handle musical instru-
ments, radio, as well as jewelry and furniture.
To Enlarge Music Section
AKRON, O., July 18.—Expansion of the music
departments of the Akron Drygoods Co., large
Akron department store, is planned with the
acquisition of the store by J. H. Vineberg,
secretary-treasurer and general manager of the
store for several years. Mr. Vineberg, with
several associates, took over the store this
week and already has received incorporation
papers. Mr. Vineberg will retain his former
positions.
Akron Store to Move
AKRON, O., July 18.—Rudick's, South Main
street, one of the best-known Akron music
stores, will move to a new location after this
week. In the new store, which will afford
considerable more floor space, the concern
plans to enlarge its musical goods departments.
Bergh Back From Europe
Arthur Bergh, of the recording studios of Co-
lumbia Phonograph Company, and his family
recently returned from a vacation in Europe.
Mr. Bergh spent most of his time in Italy, visit-
ing Naples, Rome, Florence and the Italian
Lakes. He also spent a short time in Paris.
Death of F. E. Gapewell
Frank E. Capewell, who
conducting a chain of music
throughout New England,
Litchfield, Conn., at the age
made his fortune
and jewelry stores
died recently in
of sixty-six years.
Opens New Store
Charles Brawn, who has been a piano mer-
chant in Gardiner, Me., for several years, has
opened a new store in the Goodspeed Block,
that city.
Cook Opens Store
Louis E. Cook has opened a new music
store at 451 San Benito street, Hollister, Cal.,
handling pianos, phonographs, sheet music and
radio.
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