Music Trade Review

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SHEET MUSIC and BOOKS
SHEET MUSIC DEALERS' ASSOCIATION
HOLDS LIVE CONVENTION IN CHICAGO
T
HE most important feature of the annual
convention of the National Association of
Sheet Music Dealers was the ratification
of a code of ethics for the government of
the relationships between the publishers and
the dealers in music. The matter has been
under discussion for several years with com-
mittees appointed by both sides to give it
consideration, and the result has been the
drafting of a code satisfactory to the dealers
and ratified by them after consultation with
the publishers' committee. The code is to
be presented to the publishers' association for
final action.
The code is designed chiefly to eliminate
a number of distinct evils in the sheet music
field, particularly the practice of publishers
in sending out music on consignment and
otherwise competing directly with the dealer
in his own territory. It is also designed, on
the other hand, to insure to publishers that
sort of service on the part of dealers that
will make direct competition unnecessary.
During the course of the meeting it was
emphasized by Harold Flammer, J. Elmer
Harvey, R. T. Stanton and others that any
code to be effective must be premised on an
equitable fifty-fifty basis that would be fair
to the interests of the publisher as well as to
those of the dealer. It was also agreed that
a code to be effective must provide for the
control of violations either through a joint
committee with a disinterested third factor,
or by other means.
RESOLUTIONS PASSED
During the meeting a resolution was passed
urging that radio announcers give the name
of the selection presented both before and
after presentation. This action was taken
because, it is claimed, listeners-in are fre-
quently attracted by the melody of the number
when they hear it played but have neglected
to memorize the title. A second announce-
ment would remedy thi&situation.
Another resolution thanked John J. Paine,
chairman of the board of the Music Pub-
lishers Protective Association for his co-opera-
tion and efforts for the betterment of the
music business generally and particularly in
connection with plans for the future.
Business conditions in the field were broadly-
discussed and the competition of chain stores
was blamed by many dealers for their de-
creased profits.
John Harden, president of the association,
presided at the meeting and outlined at the
outset some of the problems that required dis-
Robert Teller Sons & Dorner
JOHN
HARDEN, Re-elected President
cussion, such as the cede of ethics, mergers,
advertising, public school music, popular
music, etc. He declared that the music dealer
was entitled to some tangible inducements to
persuade him to give his time and invest his
money in the business. It was only their
loyalty, he stated, that kept many dealers
working long hours for smaller profits than
could be realized in other fields, and this
loyalty should be properly appreciated.
He declared that the tide had turned and
said, "Here are a few of the things I think
must be done; first, we must be fully in ac-
cord with one another in our own rank;
second, we must have recognition from one
hundred per cent of the publishers; third, we
must find a means of furnishing and putting
to use the advertising which music is receiv-
ing through radio; fourth, we must find a
way to operate on a more businesslike basis
and to eliminate from the minds of music
buyers that we operate lending libraries, and
fifth, we must preach a gospel that, for the
actual cost in dollars and cents, a piece of
music purchased gives more return, use and
enjoyment than any other article sold to the
public for a like amount."
A. I. Reeves, of Helena, Mont., read a very
interesting paper on conditions in the popular
music field from the dealers' angle and de-
clared that there must be a wider spread be-
tween the wholesale and retail price if the
dealer is to make enough profit to be worth
while. This larger profit, he held, would
prove an incentive to the dealer to do more
business and to increase sales generally.
Music Engravers and Printers
PROFITING BY RADIO
SEND MANUSCRIPT AND IDEA OF
TITLE FOB ESTIMATE
New York City
311 West 43rd St.
Walter S. Fischer, of Radio Music Co.,
New York, read a paper in which he sug-
gested means by which the sheet music trade
can profit directly by the public interest
THE
MUSIC
aroused through the broadcasting of music
and the Tadio lessons in piano playing. The
sheet music men participate strongly in the
movement for self-expression in music, Mr.
Fischer declared, and cited the success of
the school band and orchestra movement as
indicating what can be done in that direc-
tion. It is not enough, however, for the school
student to be trained in music, he said, but
thought must be given to having the student
continue that interest and training throughout
his life. Close co-operation with the music
teachers on the part of the dealer will prove
of great help, declared Mr. Fischer, in pro-
moting this great movement.
Harold B. Adams, of Lima, O., also read
a paper referring to the value of radio in
promoting the musical interest and how that
interest can be capitalized by the music
trade generally.
Edwin C. Mills, president of the Radio
Music Co., also spoke at length, with par-
ticular reference to the extensive broadcasting
of piano lessons now being carried on by the
National Broadcasting Co., with which his
concern was affiliated. Mr. Mills told of the
great response by the public to the broadcasts
with close to 100,000 requests for charts and
other literature in connection with the course.
OFFICERS ELECTED
Officers elected for the new year are: Presi-
dent, John Harden, Springfield, Mass.; vice-
president, Robert Schmitt, Minneapolis,
Minn.; secretary-treasurer, Thomas J. Don-
Ian, New York; directors, Harold B. Adams,
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TRADE
REVIEW,
July, 1931